From Biscuits to Fried Chicken: Buttermilk Recipes You Need to Try

Buttermilk is a versatile ingredient that adds a slight tang and helps create tender textures in both sweet and savory dishes. It’s often used in baking, but it also works well in marinades, dressings, and batters. A little goes a long way in boosting flavor and improving results.

From fluffy pancakes and biscuits to fried chicken and salad dressings, buttermilk shows up in all kinds of recipes. It reacts well with baking soda and baking powder, giving baked goods a light and airy feel. In savory dishes, it adds creaminess without being too heavy.

Whether you’re using up leftover buttermilk or keeping it on hand for specific recipes, there are plenty of ways to make the most of it. These recipes highlight how one simple ingredient can bring texture, balance, and depth to everyday cooking.

Buttermilk Biscuits

These biscuits come out golden on the outside with a soft, fluffy middle—perfect for breakfast or alongside dinner. The tangy base adds just the right depth to make each bite memorable. They’re simple to prepare and even better fresh from the oven.
Get the Recipe: Buttermilk Biscuits

Butternut Squash Cake Recipe with Buttermilk Glaze

This moist cake balances the earthy sweetness of squash with a subtle tang from the glaze. It’s a great twist on traditional fall baking. Each slice feels cozy, and the glaze adds a smooth, creamy finish.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Cake Recipe with Buttermilk Glaze

Buttermilk Brined Turkey

Brining with this mixture keeps the turkey juicy and full of flavor throughout. The process adds a subtle richness and tenderness to the meat. It’s a reliable method for a roast that’s never dry.
Get the Recipe: Buttermilk Brined Turkey

Fluffiest Homemade Buttermilk Pancakes

These pancakes cook up airy and soft, with a gentle tang that sets them apart from the usual stack. The batter is easy to whip up and yields consistent results. Ideal for a weekend breakfast or brunch.
Get the Recipe: Fluffiest Homemade Buttermilk Pancakes

Buttermilk Blue Cheese Dressing

Rich and creamy with a bold twist, this dressing adds punch to salads, wings, or veggie trays. The balance of tang and sharpness keeps it from being too heavy. It’s quick to make and keeps well in the fridge.
Get the Recipe: Buttermilk Blue Cheese Dressing

Buttermilk Banana Cake

The banana brings natural sweetness, while the buttermilk gives it a lighter texture than most dense banana cakes. It’s perfect for using up ripe bananas and comes together without much fuss. Great with coffee or as a midday snack.
Get the Recipe: Buttermilk Banana Cake

Blueberry Buttermilk Muffins

Bursting with blueberries and a slight tang, these muffins are soft, moist, and ideal for grab-and-go breakfasts. The flavor stays balanced—not overly sweet. They’re just as good warm or at room temperature.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry Buttermilk Muffins

Crispy Southern Buttermilk Onion Rings

The buttermilk soak gives these onion rings a tender bite beneath their crispy coating. Each ring has that satisfying crunch without being greasy. A great side or snack for casual meals.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Southern Buttermilk Onion Rings

Maple Buttermilk Creme Pie

This pie offers a mellow sweetness from maple paired with a creamy, custard-like filling. The crust holds it all together with a gentle flake. It’s a smooth, cool dessert that works well after heavier meals.
Get the Recipe: Maple Buttermilk Creme Pie

3 Ingredient Buttermilk Biscuits

No fuss here—just a few basic ingredients come together to create something warm and flaky. The texture is surprisingly rich for how little effort is involved. Perfect for quick mornings or last-minute meals.
Get the Recipe: 3 Ingredient Buttermilk Biscuits

Oven-Baked Buttermilk Chicken and Potatoes

Tender chicken and hearty potatoes roast together in a flavorful blend that’s both simple and comforting. The buttermilk adds a gentle tang and helps keep everything moist. It’s a reliable go-to for weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Oven-Baked Buttermilk Chicken and Potatoes

Buttermilk Drop Biscuits

These no-roll biscuits are quick to scoop and bake, offering a soft inside with a slightly crisp top. Their texture makes them great for soaking up gravy or jam. Easy enough for beginners, with great results.
Get the Recipe: Buttermilk Drop Biscuits

Buttermilk Fried Chicken

Soaking the chicken in this mixture before frying keeps it juicy while adding just enough tang to balance the richness. The result: a crisp, golden crust that holds up well. It’s a comfort food classic for good reason.
Get the Recipe: Buttermilk Fried Chicken

Vegan Buttermilk

Made from simple plant-based ingredients, this version works well in recipes that call for the traditional stuff. It brings that same balance of creaminess and acidity. Great for baking or marinades.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Buttermilk

Old-Fashioned Buttermilk Biscuits

This classic take delivers that flaky, layered texture that’s just right for butter or jam. The flavor feels nostalgic and comforting, especially fresh out of the oven. A staple worth keeping in your back pocket.
Get the Recipe: Old-Fashioned Buttermilk Biscuits

Buttermilk Crispy Chicken Sandwiches

Crispy on the outside and juicy inside, these sandwiches are all about that satisfying contrast. A soak in this tangy base brings extra tenderness to the chicken. Ideal for a filling lunch or casual dinner.
Get the Recipe: Buttermilk Crispy Chicken Sandwiches

Buttermilk Substitutions You Can Make At Home

If you’re ever out, a few pantry items can stand in without sacrificing texture or taste. These swaps are easy and effective, especially for baking. Handy to know when you’re mid-recipe and don’t want to run to the store.
Get the Recipe: Buttermilk Substitutions You Can Make At Home