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.

6 cakes and other recipes made with 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.

A close-up shot of crispy, golden-brown buttermilk fried chicken pieces. The chicken looks perfectly fried with a crunchy exterior, ideal for a delicious meal.

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.

A plate of fluffy buttermilk waffles with fresh blueberries embedded in them. The waffles are light and golden, with blueberries providing a burst of color and flavor.

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!

A partially eaten buttermilk biscuit topped with bright red strawberry jam. The biscuit is soft and flaky, showcasing a perfect breakfast or snack option.

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.

A loaf of moist strawberry quick bread drizzled with white vanilla glaze. The bread is dotted with chunks of strawberries, making it a delightful and sweet treat.

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.

A plate piled high with crispy, golden southern chicken tenders. The tenders are perfectly fried, looking juicy and tender on the inside with a crunchy coating.

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.

close up view of cut loaf of fluffy buttermilk bread.

Super Soft Buttermilk Sandwich Bread

A soft and fluffy sandwich bread with just the right about of sweetness. One of our very favorite loaves.

A stack of fluffy buttermilk pancakes topped with fresh blueberries and a drizzle of syrup. The pancakes have a golden hue and look deliciously thick and airy.

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.

Several pieces of golden cornbread stacked on a plate, showcasing their moist and crumbly texture. The cornbread looks fluffy and perfectly baked, ideal as a side dish.

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.

A mason jar filled with creamy homemade ranch dressing, garnished with fresh herbs. The jar is surrounded by fresh vegetables, suggesting a perfect pairing for dipping.

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.

A close-up of a fried chicken sandwich with a crispy buttermilk fried chicken breast, topped with pickles and a dollop of creamy sauce, all inside a soft, golden bun.

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.

A close-up shot of creamy mashed potatoes in a mixing bowl, with a masher partially visible. The mashed potatoes look fluffy and smooth, perfect for a comforting side dish.

Mashed Potatoes

So flavorful and delicious, these tangy mashed potatoes will be your new go-to. The perfect side dish for a special occasion.

A slice of moist banana cake with a light glaze on top, served on a black plate. The cake looks soft and flavorful, ideal for dessert or a sweet snack.

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!

A piece of rich chocolate sheet cake with thick, fudgy frosting on a light green plate. The cake appears moist and decadent, perfect for chocolate lovers.

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.

A stack of old-fashioned donuts with a light glaze on top. The donuts are golden-brown and look soft and fluffy, making for a classic and delicious treat.

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.

A close-up of a loaf of Irish soda bread, showing its rustic, golden-brown crust. The bread looks hearty and inviting, perfect for serving with butter.

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.

A pile of golden-brown hush puppies garnished with chopped parsley. The hush puppies are crispy on the outside and look deliciously appetizing.

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!

A slice of creamy buttermilk pie with a golden-brown crust, served on a white plate. The pie looks smooth and rich, ideal for a sweet ending to a meal.

Buttermilk Pie

The caramelized brown sugar top, the slight lemon flavor, the custard filling. This might sound unusual but trust me, it’s delicious.

A slice of vibrant red velvet cake with cream cheese frosting and fresh strawberries on top. The cake is moist and rich, perfect for a festive occasion.

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.

Several buttermilk scones on a baking sheet with a jar of strawberry jam. The scones look flaky and golden-brown, perfect for a tea-time treat.

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.

A slice of buttermilk pound cake with a lemon glaze, served on a floral plate. The cake looks dense and moist, ideal for a simple and elegant dessert.

Buttermilk Pound Cake

With just a few simple ingredients, this scratch-made pound cake will be a new favorite. Don’t forget the butter extract! It takes this already amazing cake to the next level.

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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!

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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.

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