Top 10 Ways to Use Buttermilk

Buttermilk is an ingredient that's good to have on-hand due to its versatility. However, it does tend to spoil rather quickly, which is why it's good to be aware of some of the best ways to use up that leftover buttermilk before it goes bad! Below are the top 10 uses for leftover buttermilk.

1. As a Yogurt or Sour Cream Substitute
If you have a recipe that calls for sour cream or yogurt, you can typically substitute buttermilk without sacrificing flavor. You may need to add a little cornstarch or other thickening agent to match the texture, however.

2. Make Fluffy, Delicious Pancakes
That store-bought pancake mix is no match for the real thing. Use buttermilk in your homemade pancake batter for flavorful and fluffy pancakes the whole family will love.

3. Make a Yummy Salad Dressing
Buttermilk can also be used to make creamy, delicious salad dressings. Add some to your favorite homemade ranch recipe for a buttermilk ranch dressing that's out of this world.

4. Add it To a Milkshake or Smoothie
Add a splash of buttermilk to your favorite milkshake or smoothie recipe to make it extra creamy and flavorful.

5. Make Buttermilk Biscuits
The secret ingredient to those biscuits you can't get enough of at your local restaurant? Buttermilk. Add some to your dough the next time you make biscuits and you'll notice the difference.

6. Use it For Fried Chicken Batter
Battering chicken for crispy chicken tenders or fried chicken? Add a savory flavor to your batter by adding a splash of buttermilk.

7. Add it to Your Mashed Potatoes
Make the creamiest, most delicious mashed potatoes by using buttermilk instead of regular milk in your favorite recipe. The buttermilk adds creaminess and texture while also ramping up the flavor.

8. Make Homemade Buttermilk Pie
Ever had buttermilk pie? If not, then this is a must-try that's sure to become a new favorite. Buttermilk is combined with eggs, butter, sugar, flour, lemon juice, and nutmeg to create a yummy pie that'll have everybody at the table asking for seconds.

9. Make Brown Buttermilk Syrup
Brown buttermilk syrup is the perfect complement to a stack of buttermilk pancakes or waffles. Simply combine melted butter, sugar, buttermilk, baking soda, and vanilla extract to create a delicious syrup that you'll want to put on everything. You'll never go back to traditional maple syrup after you've had this!

10. Of Course...Substitute for Milk
In almost any recipe, buttermilk can be used in place of regular milk to add flavor and creaminess. Many people even prefer to enjoy a glass of buttermilk on its own from time to time instead of regular milk.

So, the next time you have some leftover buttermilk sitting in your fridge and you want to use it up before it goes bad, be sure to keep these ideas in mind. From homemade buttermilk pie to the best pancakes you've ever tasted in your life, the possibilities are truly endless.