The Ultimate Guide to Making Buttermilk: From Scratch to Delicious Recipes

Do you ever come across a recipe that calls for buttermilk and just skip over it because you don’t know how to make it? Despite its name, buttermilk does not contain butter, and it’s easier to make at home than you think. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about buttermilk, from how to make it to delicious recipes you can try.

Step-by-step guide to making buttermilk

To make buttermilk, you only need two ingredients:

1 cup milk – You can opt for low-fat or full-fat milk. We recommend using fresh milk without any added flavors.

1 tablespoon white vinegar or lemon juice – We suggest you use white vinegar or lemon juice because the acid curdles the milk, which is how buttermilk is made.

Here are the steps involved:

1. Measure out the milk and add one tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice. Stir thoroughly.
2. Let the mixture sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes. You will notice the milk thickening and curdling.
3. Your buttermilk is now ready to use in your favorite recipe. You can refrigerate the leftovers in an airtight container and use it within a week.

Tip: If you don’t have white vinegar or lemon juice, you can also use cream of tartar or plain yogurt as a substitute.

Video tutorial

A video tutorial is a great way to see the process in real-time and make sure you’re following each step carefully. Check out this YouTube video by Laura Vitale, where she demonstrates how to make homemade buttermilk:

You can refer to this video while you’re making your homemade buttermilk.

Health benefits of buttermilk

Buttermilk is low in fat and contains a high nutrient value, making it a healthy choice for people who watch their weight or want to maintain their overall health. It contains essential vitamins and minerals like calcium, potassium, phosphorus, and vitamin B-12.

Buttermilk has various culinary uses, including being a substitute for heavy cream or sour cream in recipes like dips and dressings.

Buttermilk recipes

Buttermilk is a versatile ingredient that can be used to make pancakes, waffles, biscuits, fried chicken, and so much more. We’re sharing three simple buttermilks that you can try at home:

1. Buttermilk Pancakes

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 eggs
• 2 cups of buttermilk
• 2 tablespoons melted butter

Whisk together all the dry ingredients in a bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, melted butter, and buttermilk. Mix the wet and dry ingredients until well combined. Cook the pancakes on a griddle or nonstick skillet over medium heat until the surface is bubbly, then flip and cook until golden brown.

2. Buttermilk Biscuits

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup cold butter, cut into small pieces
• 3/4 cup cold buttermilk, plus more for brushing the tops

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees. Mix the dry ingredients in a bowl, then cut the butter into the mixture until the mixture is crumbly. Add the buttermilk, mixing gently until the dough comes together. Knead the dough lightly on a floured surface, then use a biscuit cutter to make your biscuits. Brush the tops with buttermilk and bake for around 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.

3. Buttermilk Fried Chicken

• 4 chicken legs or thighs, skin on and bone-in
• 1 cup of flour
• 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon of garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon of onion powder
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
• 1 cup of buttermilk

You’ll need to prep the chicken ahead of time by marinating it in the buttermilk overnight. Mix together the flour and spices in a dish. Dip the chicken in the flour mixture until it’s well coated. In a hot skillet, heat up about 1/2 inch of oil to 350 degrees. Fry the chicken for around 10-15 minutes, depending on the thickness, until it’s golden brown and cooked through.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with other recipes or use buttermilk in various dishes.

Comparing store-bought to homemade buttermilk

If you don’t have time to make homemade buttermilk, store-bought options are a good alternative. However, there are some differences between homemade and store-bought buttermilk. Homemade buttermilk usually has a tangier taste and a thicker consistency. Store-bought buttermilk is more homogeneous and doesn’t require a waiting time.

When choosing store-bought buttermilk, be sure to check the label and avoid any brands that contain additives or extra sugar.

To make the most of homemade buttermilk, you can experiment with adding other ingredients like herbs or spices to enhance its flavor.

Flavorings and variations

Buttermilk’s tangy flavor pairs well with sweet or savory dishes. You can add ingredients like vanilla extract or honey to sweeten your buttermilk. For savory dishes, you can add ingredients like hot sauce or garlic powder for a more intense flavor.

Buttermilk is also a common ingredient in Southern cooking, so be sure to check out some southern-style recipes that use buttermilk like cornbread or biscuits.

Conclusion

Now that you know how easy it is to make buttermilk at home and how versatile it is in various recipes, we encourage you to give it a try.