If you've ever purchased buttermilk before, you've probably noticed that pint-sized containers are pretty hard to come by. I don't have the answers as to why the dairy industry insists that if you want buttermilk, you need to go all in on an entire quart (something tells me Big Buttermilk is behind it), but I am here to tell you that you can easily find plenty of great uses for your quart so that nothing goes to waste.
Plus, this stuff isn't skim milk. It will stay fresh and good to use for a long time (probably well after it's recommended expiration date), so don't feel like you're in a race against time with your buttermilk. Ready to put the remainder of that container to good use? Here are some easy ways to make sure none of that tangy, rich goodness gets tossed.
Use It in Baked Goods
Of course, this is probably the most obvious answer to the excess buttermilk dilemma. A homemade baked good can always benefit from a good pour of thick, creamy buttermilk. Whether you're craving biscuits, scones, shortcakes, pound cake, chocolate cake, or even brownies, there are a ton of from-scratch treats that are a great way to do away with the rest of your container. Of course,baked goods are a slightly heavier lift than other options, so save this one for when you've got some free time.
Whisk It into a Dip, Sauce, or Dressing
Most folks probably find themselves with half-full containers of buttermilk because they originally bought it for a baking project, and now the cake is made and they're not sure what to do with the remaining buttermilk. If this is you, then you probably didn't need me to suggest that you bake...another cake. For an easy savory option, drizzle some buttermilk into your next salad dressing or creamy dip. You can whip up a simple, herby ranch dressing or any easy buttermilk dressing. Drizzle some into bean dips or caramelized onion dips. A few tablespoons of buttermilk can add richness, creaminess, and tanginess to your favorite sauces and spreads.
Blend It Into a Smoothie
Buttermilk? In a smoothie? Yup, you read that correctly. For a super thick and luscious fruit smoothie, you definitely should try out a generous guzzle of buttermilk. Whirl it into a fruity shake or peanut butter and chocolate blended drink.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Buttermilk20Bottle20and20Measuring20Cup20650x465-aa8c21256ae34d2a89c18245562f8704.jpg "7 Mouthwatering Ways to Use Up Leftover Buttermilk (1)")
Add It to Pancake or Waffle Batter
Whether you're Team Pancake or Team Waffle, if you're looking for a prime excuse to whip up a fluffy stack of your favorite syrup-coated breakfast carb, there's none better than leftover buttermilk. This decadent dairy product can replace the regular milk called for in any pancake or waffle recipe; it enriches their flavor and contributes to an extra-tender final product.
Use It in a Marinade
Looking for an easy way to tenderize your chicken or pork before cooking it? The acidity of buttermilk makes it a great marinade ingredient option. Throw in some ground spices (paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne), and let your protein rest in the buttermilk-based marinade for at least an hour or up to 24.
Now, Fry Some Chicken
If you're going to take the time to let your chicken sit in a rich, buttermilk marinade, then you may as well fry it after you take it out. Toss whatever chicken pieces in flour and deep-fry them. Sure, it may be a little bit of a project, but nobody is complaining when you tell them that you're making fried chicken, just saying.
Make a Slaw or Salad
Don't feel like making a complete buttermilk dressing? That's fine. Instead, just drizzle a few tablespoons of buttermilk directly into your next crunchy vegetable slaw, potato salad, or pasta salad for a subtle boost of creaminess and tanginess. This stuff is too good to go unused.
Ready for even more inspiration? Check out our entire collection of buttermilk-spiked recipes.
