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.

With a background in science and nutrition and years of hands-on recipe testing, I’ve learned that understanding the “why” behind ingredients is just as important as knowing the “how.” Buttermilk is one of those ingredients that makes a big difference in baking, adding tenderness and a subtle tang. In this post, I’ll show you exactly how to make buttermilk at home using simple pantry staples, so you can rely on the same results without a last-minute trip to the store.

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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.

What You'll Need to Make Buttermilk

• I use a pint-sized jar and organic lemon juice
• you can swap for vinegar (white vinegar or apple cider vinegar) in a pinch but I prefer the flavor of the lemon
• Looking for more how to posts? Check out How To Eat A Pomegranate, How to Bake a Sweet Potato, and How to Cook Perfect Fluffy Rice

How to Make 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 Recipe Variation

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.

Ways to Use Homemade Buttermilk

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