Just hearing the word buttermilk makes you think rich and delicious, and these buttermilk recipes show you why that thought is correct. From Fluffy Buttermilk Waffles to Buttermilk-Vegetable Curry, these buttermilk recipes highlight how many ways buttermilk can be used to add depth and flavor to a range of dishes. From the decadent Classic Southern Buttermilk Pie or the simple pleasure of Buttermilk Biscuits to the zest and spice of Korean Buttermilk Chicken Kabobs, these buttermilk recipes prove that while buttermilk is a Southern kitchen staple, it can be used to make a variety of meals full of flavor. So grab a gallon of buttermilk and see how these buttermilk recipes can liven up your menu and add delight to your table.
Related: 50 Top Rated Recipes of 2016
Fried Green Tomatoes with Buttermilk-Feta Dressing
Recipe: Fried Green Tomatoes with Buttermilk-Feta Dressing
Fried green tomatoes are a Southern delicacy. Add this recipe to your repetoire for a no-fail crowd pleaser that will be a winner with friends and family no matter what the occasion. When you're looking for a more powerful flavor in the dressing, substitute blue cheese for the feta. Don't skimp when it comes to the dill—you'll love the fresh flavor.
Fluffy Buttermilk Waffles
Recipe: Fluffy Buttermilk Waffles
These are too delicious to save for breakfast. One bite and you'll be a believer, too.
Triple-Chocolate Buttermilk Pound Cake
Recipe: Triple-Chocolate Buttermilk Pound Cake
We took the traditional pound cake recipe and raised it a stunning, triple-chocolate twist. This cake means business. A duo of glazes—one creamy chocolate, the other subtle buttermilk—comes together atop this dreamy confection. It’s indulgent and, we admit, so much fun to eat and serve. Chocolate enthusiasts will be over the moon for this recipe, but it has enough unexpected flavor—thanks to the addition of the buttermilk glaze—that you’ll also win over the harder-to-please dessert eaters at the table. Warning: You—and they—won’t be able to resist a second slice. Go for it. We won’t tell.
Hot Chicken-and-Waffle Sandwiches
Recipe: Hot Chicken-and-Waffle Sandwiches
We did a taste test and loved the just-fried tenders from the Publix grocery store deli. If you don't have time to whip up homemade waffles, head to your grocer's freezer section. We like Van's Belgian Homestyle Waffles.
Orzo Salad with Spicy Buttermilk Dressing
Recipe: Orzo Salad with Spicy Buttermilk Dressing
Creamy avocado and a fiery buttermilk dressing make this good-for-you pasta salad feel like a hearty meal. The recipe is easy to double, and you'll have most of the ingredients in your pantry, so it's the perfect solution for a last-minute party or potluck.
Mini Triple-Chocolate Buttermilk Pound Cakes
Recipe: Mini Triple-Chocolate Buttermilk Pound Cakes
You'll hardly be able to bake these little gems before they're devoured.
Mango-Buttermilk Shakes
Recipe: Mango-Buttermilk Shakes
Creamy and perfectly refreshing, these mango smoothies are the season's coolest treat.
Grilled Chicken and Toasted Couscous Salad with Lemon-Buttermilk Dressing
Recipe: Grilled Chicken and Toasted Couscous Salad with Lemon-Buttermilk Dressing
This hearty dish can take down the biggest of appetites. It begins with tender chicken marinated in olive oil, garlic, and lemon, which is then added to a tasty medley of fresh asparagus, couscous, and red onions. All of that is covered in a rich, lemony buttermilk dressing.
Chocolate-Buttermilk Pudding
Recipe: Chocolate-Buttermilk Pudding
This is the perfect chocolately treat. Top with a dollop of buttermilk cream and a sprig of mint for the ultimate dish.
Herbed Buttermilk Ranch Dressing
Recipe: Herbed Buttermilk Ranch
Recipe: Lemony Ranch
Recipe: Blue Cheese Ranch
Recipe: Avocado Ranch
Master the main recipe for Herbed Buttermilk Ranch Dressing, then try one (or all) of the riffs for delicious flavors that will dazzle your greens.
Buttermilk-Vegetable Curry
Dinnertime will be packed with flavor when our vegetable curry is on the menu.
Recipe: Buttermilk-Vegetable Curry
Classic Southern Buttermilk Pie
Silky, sweet and perfectly decadent—this one is going to have you going in for seconds.
Recipe: Classic Southern Buttermilk Pie
Buttermilk-Plum Ice Cream
Recipe: Buttermilk-Plum Ice Cream
Haul out the ice cream churn this summer season—we have the perfect recipe for you. Here, buttermilk ice cream gets its ruby-colored swirls from fresh plums, specifically chopped black plums (we recommend a variety such as 'Methley'). We have to warn you: This is no store-bought vanilla cone. This lovely combination elevates a typical summer afternoon ice cream treat to a memorable experience—certainly a moment to savor. The addition of swirled plums to this ice cream is not only beautiful; it is tasty, fruity, and sweet. For a party, we like to showcase scooped cones in decorative glassware for a personal touch.
Korean Buttermilk Chicken Kabobs
Recipe: Korean Buttermilk Chicken Kabobs
Gochujang is a Korean condiment with tons of bright, peppery flavor. It's made with chile peppers but is sweet enough for kids. Try it on grilled meat or stirred into mayonnaise for a sandwich. If you'd like, swap pieces of pork tenderloin or sirloin steak for the chicken.
Buttermilk-Ricotta Cheese Dip
Recipe: Buttermilk-Ricotta Cheese Dip
If you've never tried homemade ricotta, then you're in for a tasty surprise. This will change the way you think about the store-bought kind. Be sure to stir only when indicated in the recipe.
Watch Us Make It!
Video: Buttermilk-Ricotta Cheese Dip
Any Flavor Buttermilk Coffee Cake
Recipe: Any Flavor Buttermilk Coffee Cake
Customize your coffee cake topping with any fruit-nut combo. We like plum preserves, sliced plums, and almonds, or strawberry jam, sliced strawberries, and pecans.
Buttermilk-Brined Grilled Chicken
Recipe: Buttermilk-Brined Grilled Chicken
Buttermilk-Brined Grilled Chicken is soaked in a mixture of buttermilk, brown sugar, and hot sauce to ensure flavor and juiciness.
Buttermilk-Blackberry Pops
Recipe: Buttermilk-Blackberry Pops
Don't have a reusable mold? No problem. We found 5-oz. paper cups to be a perfect no-fuss, disposable alternative.
Buttermilk Biscuits
Recipe: Buttermilk Biscuits
This versatile biscuit recipe only takes five ingredients to make.
Watch: The Southern Way to Split a Biscuit
Buttermilk-Glazed Cherry Sheet Cake
Recipe: Buttermilk-Glazed Cherry Sheet Cake
A glossy buttermilk glaze lends the perfect sweetness to a cherry-studded sheet cake.
BBQ in a Blanket with Buttermilk-Ranch Sauce
Recipe: BBQ in a Blanket with Buttermilk-Ranch Sauce
Assemble an easy and delicious lunch with pulled pork, refrigerated biscuits, and your favorite barbecue sauce.
Watercress-Buttermilk Soup
Recipe: Watercress-Buttermilk Soup
Look for watercress with small, bright green leaves and thin stems to make this peppery cold soup.
Buttermilk Ice Cream
Master Recipe: Buttermilk Ice Cream
Variation 1: Avocado-Key Lime Pie Ice Cream
Variation 2: Lemon Meringue Ice Cream
Variation 3: Blueberry-Cheesecake Ice Cream
Vartiation 4: Strawberry-Pretzel Ice Cream
A new freezer favorite has arrived. One genius (and easy!) master recipe and four over-the-top variations provide an endless array of sweet and creamy ideas. The secret to these dreamy treats? Soft-baked cookies from your bakery. Go large or small—just don't go with the crunchy kind.
Real Buttermilk Fried Chicken
Fried chicken is a go-to lunch after church on Sundays. Keeping the shortening hot enough is the key to crisp chicken. Use a thermometer the first few times. After that, judging the heat becomes second nature.
Recipe: Real Buttermilk Fried Chicken
Jasmine-Buttermilk-Panna Cotta with Berry Sauce
Recipe: Jasmine-Buttermilk-Panna Cotta with Berry Sauce
The key to making these easy desserts is to soften the unflavored gelatin in cold water before dissolving in a hot liquid.
Buttermilk Pound Cake with Custard Sauce
Recipe: Buttermilk Pound Cake with Custard Sauce
We sampled this traditional pairing several different ways and loved them all, but our favorite was a warm pound cake with chilled custard.
Vanilla-Buttermilk Tarts
Recipe: Vanilla-Buttermilk Tarts
Garnish with fresh fruit and basil sprigs for a darling dessert.
Buttermilk-and-Honey Chicken Kabobs
Recipe: Buttermilk-and-Honey Chicken Kabobs
A buttermilk marinade ensures tender meat and juicy flavor. The kabobs are delicious on their own, but even better with Toasted Pecan Pesto or Romesco Sauce.
Buttermilk Peach Pudding
Recipe: Buttermilk Peach Pudding
This juicy peach pudding recipe is perfect for a picnic or patio outdoor setting. Serve warm or cold with ice cream
Skillet Cornbread
Recipe: Skillet Cornbread
Quickly incorporate the hot bacon drippings into the batter with a fork. When you pour it back into the hot skillet, listen for the sizzle. That sound means your crust will be dark golden and crisp.
Buttermilk Chess Tarts
These rich tarts are the type of sweet and simple pick-up desserts that are just right for serving at spring teas and parties.
Recipe: Buttermilk Chess Tarts
Buttermilk-Glazed Mini Fig Cakes with Vanilla Hard Sauce
Recipe: Buttermilk-Glazed Mini Fig Cakes with Vanilla Hard Sauce
Muffin pans make the perfect baking vessels for these little fig cakes. Gussy them up by spooning a dollop or piping a silver dollar of hard sauce on top, and then garnish them with halved fresh figs, fresh herbs, or even pecan halves.
Buttermilk Chicken and Waffles
Recipe: Buttermilk Chicken and Waffles
Keep waffles warm in a 200° oven up to 30 minutes before assembling. Top waffles with chicken, and drizzle with Peach-Horseradish Maple Syrup.
