21 Absolutely Delicious Recipes to Make With Buttermilk
There’s no need to toss the rest of that buttermilk you used for that one recipe. You paid for it, so use it up! These recipes (from fried chicken to layer cakes to doughnuts) are just the thing to make with your leftover buttermilk.

Buttermilk is one of those *weird* ingredients that you probably don’t always have on hand. But everyone hates buying something and not using it up. Never fear, there are plenty of amazing buttermilk recipes out there, and this list is full of ’em. Pick your favorites and get to the pouring.
Buttermilk Fried Chicken
Crisp skin, moist flesh, and the perfect amount of seasoning make this a Sunday supper favorite. The buttermilk in the recipe makes the meat super tender and juicy.
Blueberry Waffles
Buttermilk waffles are a classic, but blueberries make them better. You’ll love the subtle tangy flavor, the tart berries, and the butter and syrup on top!
Cast Iron Skillet Biscuits
High-rising, golden brown, and brushed with plenty of melted butter, there’s nothing like a buttermilk biscuit. Perfect with breakfast, with fried chicken, or just slathered in jam for a snack.
Strawberry Quick Bread
White chocolate and strawberries are a match made in heaven, and this quick bread is an amazing way to enjoy them both. Moist, sweet, and drizzled with a vanilla glaze, you’ll love this cheerful recipe.
Southern Chicken Tenders
Confession: this is what we buy buttermilk for every week. It’s one of the staple recipes, and I hope it becomes one of yours too. They’re delicious, perfect for picky eaters, and the leftovers are amazing straight out of the fridge.
Super Soft Buttermilk Sandwich Bread
A soft and fluffy sandwich bread with just the right about of sweetness. One of our very favorite loaves.
Macadamia Nut Pancakes
A tropical breakfast indulgence, this recipe takes classic buttermilk pancakes and sends them over the edge with macadamia nuts. Super delicious with whipped cream and fresh fruit on top.
Cornbread
Cornbread is a staple at any Southern table, and this buttermilk cornbread recipe is one of the best. It’s fluffy and just lightly sweet, making it the perfect addition to your holiday table or accompaniment to chili.
Ranch Dressing
A classic buttermilk recipe! If you want real ranch flavor, this is the recipe for you. No fuss, no packets, just a delicious recipe you’ll use over and over.
Fried Chicken Sandwiches
This crispy, flavorful sandwich will remind you of one from your favorite chicken restaurant… but so much better for you and easier on the budget. Just like some of the other recipes, buttermilk tenderizes the chicken here and makes it super delicious.
Mashed Potatoes
So flavorful and delicious, these tangy mashed potatoes will be your new go-to. The perfect side dish for a special occasion.
Banana Cake
An awesomely moist Bundt cake with a scrumptious frosting, you’ll be surprised by how perfectly bananas pair with buttermilk. This recipe is perfect for dessert or (shhhh!) breakfast!
Chocolate Sheet Cake
Super easy to make, you don’t need a mixer for the cake or the frosting. So moist, delicious, and perfect for every day.
Old-Fashioned Donuts
These are a classic doughnut that everyone loves. Soft, and tender, with that slightly crispy crust, they are delicious plain and can be dressed up with some powdered sugar or a glaze.
Irish Soda Bread
You’ll love this delicious quick bread with butter and buttermilk. It mixes up fast, and there’s no rise required. We love this particular recipe for the amazing crust, and it has great flavor.
Hush Puppies
Buttermilk makes the perfect mix-in to hold hush puppies together before you deep fry them. A deep-fried batter is the best t thing ever. If you haven’t tried these, it’s time!
Buttermilk Pie
The caramelized brown sugar top, the slight lemon flavor, the custard filling. This might sound unusual but trust me, it’s delicious.
Red Velvet Cake
Buttermilk is one of the secrets to a delicious red velvet cake. (And of course, the perfect cream cheese frosting doesn’t hurt!). You’ll love this classic, beautiful, and indulgent recipe.
Buttermilk Scones
Buttermilk is a great addition to a classic scone recipe. Buttery and tender, scones are a perfectly elegant thing to nibble on. Feel free to add chocolate chips, of course.
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Don’t let leftover buttermilk go to waste! With these 20 amazingly delicious recipes, you can turn a simple ingredient into a wide array of mouthwatering dishes, from breakfast delights like pancakes and waffles to savory favorites like fried chicken and cornbread. Each recipe offers a unique way to make the most of your buttermilk, ensuring nothing goes unused. So next time you find yourself with a leftover carton, dive into this list and discover new favorite recipes that your family will love. Happy cooking!
Ready to try these recipes? Pick your favorite and get started today! Don’t forget to share your delicious creations with us!

By Katie Shaw
Katie lives in Virginia with her husband, three daughters, a chocolate lab, and over thirty chickens. She loves creating simple tutorials for sourdough, bread, and soap. Her recipes, articles, and YouTube videos reach millions of people per year.