Our Best Buttermilk Recipes

By Southern Living
Photo: Jennifer Davick

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

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Fried Green Tomatoes with Buttermilk-Feta Dressing

Alison Miksch

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.

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Fluffy Buttermilk Waffles

Photo: Alison Miksch

Recipe: Fluffy Buttermilk Waffles

These are too delicious to save for breakfast. One bite and you'll be a believer, too.

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Triple-Chocolate Buttermilk Pound Cake

Alison Miksch

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.

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Hot Chicken-and-Waffle Sandwiches

Photo: Hector Sanchez

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.

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Orzo Salad with Spicy Buttermilk Dressing

Photo: Johnny Autry

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. 

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Mini Triple-Chocolate Buttermilk Pound Cakes

Photo: Alison Miksch

Recipe: Mini Triple-Chocolate Buttermilk Pound Cakes

You'll hardly be able to bake these little gems before they're devoured.

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Mango-Buttermilk Shakes

Photo: Alison Miksch

Recipe: Mango-Buttermilk Shakes

Creamy and perfectly refreshing, these mango smoothies are the season's coolest treat.

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Grilled Chicken and Toasted Couscous Salad with Lemon-Buttermilk Dressing

Greg Dupree

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.

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Chocolate-Buttermilk Pudding

Photo: Alison Miksch

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. 

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Herbed Buttermilk Ranch Dressing

Photo: Alison Miksch

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. 

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Buttermilk-Vegetable Curry

Photo: Alison Miksch

Dinnertime will be packed with flavor when our vegetable curry is on the menu. 

 

Recipe: Buttermilk-Vegetable Curry

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Classic Southern Buttermilk Pie

Iain Bagwell

Silky, sweet and perfectly decadent—this one is going to have you going in for seconds. 

Recipe: Classic Southern Buttermilk Pie

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Buttermilk-Plum Ice Cream

Alison Miksch

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.

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Korean Buttermilk Chicken Kabobs

Photo: Iain Bagwell

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.

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Buttermilk-Ricotta Cheese Dip

Photo: Hector Sanchez

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

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Any Flavor Buttermilk Coffee Cake

Photo: Hector Sanchez

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.

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Buttermilk-Brined Grilled Chicken

Photo: Jennifer Davick

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.

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Buttermilk-Blackberry Pops

Photo: Jennifer Davick

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.

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Buttermilk Biscuits

Photo: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Buttermilk Biscuits

This versatile biscuit recipe only takes five ingredients to make.

Watch: The Southern Way to Split a Biscuit

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Buttermilk-Glazed Cherry Sheet Cake

Photo: Alison Miksch

Recipe: Buttermilk-Glazed Cherry Sheet Cake

A glossy buttermilk glaze lends the perfect sweetness to a cherry-studded sheet cake.

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BBQ in a Blanket with Buttermilk-Ranch Sauce

Photo: Hector Sanchez

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.

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Watercress-Buttermilk Soup

Photo: Iain Bagwell

Recipe: Watercress-Buttermilk Soup

Look for watercress with small, bright green leaves and thin stems to make this peppery cold soup.

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Buttermilk Ice Cream

Photo: Hector Sanchez

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.

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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

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Jasmine-Buttermilk-Panna Cotta with Berry Sauce

Photo: Iain Bagwell

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.

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Buttermilk Pound Cake with Custard Sauce

Photo: Jennifer Davick

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.

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Vanilla-Buttermilk Tarts

Photo: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Vanilla-Buttermilk Tarts

Garnish with fresh fruit and basil sprigs for a darling dessert.

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Buttermilk-and-Honey Chicken Kabobs

Photo: Jim Franco

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.

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Buttermilk Peach Pudding

Photo: Squire Fox

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

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Skillet Cornbread

Photo: Hector Sanchez

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.

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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

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Buttermilk-Glazed Mini Fig Cakes with Vanilla Hard Sauce

Photo: Hector Sanchez

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.

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Buttermilk Chicken and Waffles

Photo: Jennifer Davick

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.

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