Buttermilk brings a magical balance to everything it touches—rich yet tangy, creamy yet refreshing. These recipes showcase its versatility in pancakes, biscuits, cakes, and savory marinades. Each dish highlights how a splash of buttermilk transforms texture and taste. It’s the secret ingredient that makes baked goods lighter and fried foods crisper. Once you start cooking with it, you’ll never look back.

Homemade Buttermilk Pancakes

Homemade Buttermilk Pancakes. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

These Homemade Buttermilk Pancakes are light, fluffy, and perfectly golden every time. The buttermilk adds a subtle tang and tenderness that sets them apart from the rest. Top them with butter and maple syrup for a cozy breakfast that feels like a weekend indulgence any day of the week.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Buttermilk Pancakes

Buttermilk Waffles – Just like the Diner!

Buttermilk Waffles – Just like the Diner!. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

These Buttermilk Waffles are crisp on the outside, fluffy inside, and full of that diner-style charm. The tang of buttermilk gives them a perfect balance of flavor and texture. Serve with butter, syrup, or fruit for a breakfast that’s equal parts nostalgic and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Buttermilk Waffles – Just like the Diner!

3 Ingredient Buttermilk Biscuits

A stack of three golden-brown, flaky biscuits on a white surface, with a blurry background.
3 Ingredient Buttermilk Biscuits. Photo credit: Not Entirely Average.

These 3-Ingredient Buttermilk Biscuits deliver Southern comfort with minimal effort. Buttery, flaky, and cloud-soft, they rise beautifully every time. Perfect with jam, gravy, or served alongside fried chicken, they’re the ultimate quick-bake classic.
Get the Recipe: 3 Ingredient Buttermilk Biscuits

Buttermilk Banana Cake

Banana-Buttermilk Cake on a platter.
Buttermilk Banana Cake. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

This Buttermilk Banana Cake is tender, moist, and full of banana flavor with just the right sweetness. A smooth cream cheese glaze tops it off for a simple yet irresistible finish. It’s a great way to use ripe bananas and makes an easy dessert or snack.
Get the Recipe: Buttermilk Banana Cake

Buttermilk Brined Turkey

A buttermilk brined roasted surrounded by festive holiday side dishes.
Buttermilk Brined Turkey. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Buttermilk Brined Turkey stays juicy, flavorful, and beautifully golden with every roast. The tangy brine, infused with herbs like rosemary and thyme, ensures moist, tender meat from edge to bone. It’s the kind of centerpiece that turns any meal into a celebration.
Get the Recipe: Buttermilk Brined Turkey

Buttermilk Crispy Chicken Sandwiches

A fried chicken sandwich with lettuce and mayonnaise on a bun, served on a plate with potato chips.
Buttermilk Crispy Chicken Sandwiches. Photo credit: Not Entirely Average.

These Buttermilk Crispy Chicken Sandwiches are crunchy, juicy, and full of bold flavor. The buttermilk marinade tenderizes the meat while the coating fries up perfectly crisp. Layered with lettuce, mayo, and a soft bun, it’s the ultimate comfort food sandwich.
Get the Recipe: Buttermilk Crispy Chicken Sandwiches

Buttermilk Fried Chicken

A basket of fried chicken pieces and fries on newspaper-themed paper, placed on a wooden table with a side of seasonings.
Buttermilk Fried Chicken. Photo credit: Not Entirely Average.

This Buttermilk Fried Chicken delivers everything you love about Southern cooking—crispy skin, juicy meat, and deep, savory flavor. The buttermilk marinade locks in moisture while the seasoned crust brings that irresistible crunch. It’s classic comfort done right.
Get the Recipe: Buttermilk Fried Chicken

Low-Carb Buttermilk Drop Biscuits

Buttermilk biscuits with almond flour in white dish on cooling rack.
Low-Carb Buttermilk Drop Biscuits. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

These Low-Carb Buttermilk Drop Biscuits make comfort food guilt-free. Soft, golden, and buttery, they come together in minutes without kneading or rolling. Perfect for keto or gluten-free diets, they’re a quick and delicious side or snack.
Get the Recipe: Low-Carb Buttermilk Drop Biscuits

Oven-Baked Buttermilk Chicken and Potatoes

Buttermilk chicken and potatoes on a plate.
Oven-Baked Buttermilk Chicken and Potatoes. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

This Oven-Baked Buttermilk Chicken and Potatoes recipe delivers tender chicken, crispy skin, and golden potatoes in one pan. The buttermilk marinade adds tang and keeps everything juicy. It’s an easy, hearty meal that feels indulgent yet wholesome.
Get the Recipe: Oven-Baked Buttermilk Chicken and Potatoes

Crispy Southern Buttermilk Onion Rings

A pile of crispy fried onion rings rests on parchment paper, accompanied by a small bowl of red dipping sauce in the background.
Crispy Southern Buttermilk Onion Rings. Photo credit: Not Entirely Average.

These Crispy Southern Buttermilk Onion Rings fry up golden and crunchy with every bite. The buttermilk batter adds flavor and helps the coating stick perfectly. They’re an irresistible snack or side that brings diner-style goodness home.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Southern Buttermilk Onion Rings

Buttermilk Biscuits

Buttermilk biscuit on plate with butter.
Buttermilk Biscuits. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These small-batch Buttermilk Biscuits bake up light, tender, and buttery—perfect for two. They’re easy to make and ideal for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy side dish. Enjoy them warm from the oven with butter or jam.
Get the Recipe: Buttermilk Biscuits

Blueberry Buttermilk Muffins

Two blueberry muffins on a white plate.
Blueberry Buttermilk Muffins. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Blueberry Buttermilk Muffins are soft, golden, and bursting with juicy blueberries. The buttermilk gives them a delicate crumb and slight tang that balances the sweetness. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon pick-me-up.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry Buttermilk Muffins

A woman with shoulder-length blonde hair, wearing a white T-shirt and dark jeans, stands in a kitchen with a brick backsplash and stainless steel appliances. She is smiling and resting her hands on the counter.

About the author

Hi, I’m Lucy! I’m a home cook, writer, food and wine fanatic, and recipe developer. I’ve created and tested hundreds of recipes so that I can bring you the best tried and true favorites.

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