Isn’t it wild when life flings a quote your way that hits like a splash of ice-cold lemonade on a sweltering summer day? Just the other day, I stumbled upon this zinger, “You don’t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great.” Talk about a reality check in aisle five, right? Little did I know that this sparkly mantra would be just the nudge I needed to wrestle a new culinary conundrum to the ground.
Confession time: home-cooking buttermilk has always been the Wizard of Oz hiding behind the kitchen apron—a mysterious enigma I’d rather dodge than confront. For eons, I shunned recipes that so much as winked at “buttermilk,” evading the dreaded thought of making it from scratch. But just like the dawn of a brand-new day, that tiny epiphany-turned-avalanche finally struck. Why not give it a whirl, eh?
And so, hand-in-hand, spatulas at the ready, we plunge headfirst into the swirling buttermilk vortex. Fear not, brave soul, for I’ve got you covered like a warm blanket on a winter’s eve. Together, we’ll harness the mystical buttermilk powers, metamorphosing you into a kitchen sorcerer even Paul Hollywood would doff his hat to.
Armed with patience, spunk, and a pinch of star-studded inspiration, you’ll soon wield the magic wand of homemade buttermilk. Summon fluffy pancakes, crackling fried chicken, or tantalizing dressings with a flick of your culinary wrist! It’s time to unleash your inner kitchen wizard and embark on this buttermilk bonanza. Onward!
Ingredients
- Milk – The base of the recipe, creamy and comforting, like a warm hug in a glass.
- Vinegar – The magic ingredient that turns milk into buttermilk, making it thicker and tangier.
- Apple cider vinegar – Preferred for its sweetness that pairs perfectly with the tanginess of the buttermilk.
Instructions
- Alright folks, you ready for the simplest buttermilk recipe on the internet? It’s only 2 ingredients, and you probably have them both on hand. All you need is a cup of milk and a tablespoon of vinegar.
- First, grab a bowl or jar, because you’re gonna be mixing these two ingredients together. Go ahead and pour the milk into the bowl or jar, and then add the vinegar. Give it a little stir or shake.
- That’s it! You’ve officially made buttermilk. Now, you can either use it immediately or store it in the jar.
- Buttermilk is great for a variety of recipes. It’s a must-have ingredient in onion gravy and buttermilk ranch dressing. You can also use it as a marinade for chicken or as a base for pasta sauce. And if you’re feeling fancy, try using it in place of milk or cream in Alfredo sauce. The possibilities are endless.
- And if you don’t have vinegar, no worries! You can use lemon juice or even plain yogurt as a substitute.
Serving Suggestions for Buttermilk
Buttermilk is such a versatile ingredient! Here are a few of my favorite ways to use it:
- As a marinade for chicken – The acidity in buttermilk helps to tenderize the chicken and gives it a tangy flavor.
- In salad dressings – Buttermilk ranch dressing is a classic for a reason! Use it to dress up your greens, or as a dip for veggies.
- In baking recipes – Buttermilk adds a tangy flavor and helps to create a tender crumb in baked goods like pancakes, biscuits, and muffins.
- In sauces – Substitute buttermilk for milk or cream in pasta sauces, white sauces, and Alfredo sauces for a tangy twist.
- In frying batter – Buttermilk helps to create a crispy coating on fried foods like chicken, onion rings, and fish.
- In onion gravy – Use buttermilk to add a tangy flavor to your next batch of onion gravy. Perfect for topping your next serving of mashed potatoes!
FAQ’s
What are the main ingredients in this recipe for buttermilk?
The recipe only calls for two simple ingredients: 1 cup of milk and 1 tablespoon of vinegar.
How long does it take to make buttermilk using this recipe?
The total time it takes to make buttermilk using this recipe is just 2 minutes.
Can I use a different type of milk to make this recipe?
Sure! You can use whole milk, skim milk, or even a non-dairy milk like almond or soy. Just make sure to use equal parts milk and vinegar.
Can I use lemon juice instead of vinegar to make buttermilk?
Yes, you can use lemon juice as a substitute for vinegar in this recipe, just make sure to use the same amount.
What are some ways to use this homemade buttermilk?
Buttermilk can be used in a variety of ways! You can use it in sauces, as a marinade for chicken, in frying batter, or even in pasta and Alfredo sauce. The website also suggests trying it in onion gravy, buttermilk ranch dressing, or white sauce using buttermilk.
Can I use this recipe to make a larger batch of buttermilk?
Definitely! Just adjust the ingredients according to your desired serving size.
Does it have to be refrigerated?
Yes, it’s best to store your homemade buttermilk in the refrigerator, and it’ll last up to a week.

Buttermilk
Equipment
- Whisk
- Mixing Bowl
- Measuring Cup
- Measuring Spoons
Ingredients
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tbsp vinegar
Instructions
- Start by pouring the milk into a measuring cup.
- Add one tablespoon of white vinegar to the milk
- Stir the mixture gently for a few seconds.
- Let the mixture sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes.
- After this time, you should see that the milk has thickened and curdled slightly.
- Give the mixture a stir and check the consistency. If it's not quite thick enough, you can add another teaspoon of vinegar let it sit for a few more minutes.
- Once the mixture has thickened to your liking, your homemade buttermilk is ready to use in your favorite recipes!