How to Make Buttermilk

How to make buttermilk (from milk!). Save yourself a trip to the grocery store with this 10 minute trick!

Need buttermilk but don't want to run to the store? I've got you covered with this ten minute trick. All you need are two simple ingredients: milk and lemon juice.

I love the flavor and texture that buttermilk brings to baked goods such as Buttermilk Biscuits, or these crispy buttermilk waffles get a nice tangy flavor, and I love using it in pancakes as well.

But store-bought buttermilk is not an ingredient I pick up from the store all the time, so when I find myself needing it in a pinch, I use this trick!

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What is buttermilk?

Buttermilk is the liquid leftover after churning butter. Thanks to the bacterial culture in the buttermilk, it takes on a tangy, sour flavor.

Some people suggest drinking it, since it's healthy but it is definitely not a flavor I enjoy straight up. Instead I like to use buttermilk in my baking, as it adds such a great flavor dimension...tangy that goes so well with sweet.

Buttermilk Recipes

Here are some recipes that you can use buttermilk in (swap buttermilk for regular or almond milk when necessary):

• Muffins and Cakes- Healthy Blueberry Muffins, Strawberry Apple Crumble Muffins, Lemon Chia Yogurt Muffins
• Quick Breads and Cornbread- Healthy Zucchini Bread, Healthy Pumpkin Bread, Jalapeño Popper Cornbread Muffins
• Pancakes- Pumpkin Pancakes Recipe, Sheet Pan Protein Pancake
• Marinade- swap it for yogurt in this Greek Yogurt Chicken with Saffron & Garlic or this Curry Yogurt Chicken Marinade
• Mashed Potatoes- swap for milk in these Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes or this Instant Pot Mashed Cauliflower

Making buttermilk from milk

If you want to make cultured buttermilk, you are going to want to check out this post from Serious Eats! If you are interested in a quick substitution for real buttermilk, you are in the right place.

1. Combine 1 cup of milk with 1 ½ tablespoons lemon juice.
2. Stir up, then let it sit for 10 minutes.
3. Use it right away or refrigerate for a week.

Dairy-Free Buttermilk Substitute

1. Combine 1 cup of coconut milk or soy milk with 1 ½ tablespoons fresh lemon juice.
2. Stir the mixture well, then let it sit for 10 minutes.
3. Use it right away or refrigerate in an airtight container for a week.