Classic Breakfast and Brunch Recipes with Buttermilk
1. Buttermilk Pancakes
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter or vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together buttermilk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla.
3. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined. Do not overmix; a few lumps are okay.
4. Preheat a griddle or non-stick skillet over medium heat. Lightly grease with butter or oil.
5. Pour 1/4 cup of batter for each pancake onto the hot surface. Cook until bubbles form on the surface and the edges look set, about 2-3 minutes.
6. Flip and cook for another 2 minutes or until golden brown.
7. Serve warm with syrup, fresh fruit, or your favorite toppings.
Tips: Using buttermilk in pancakes results in a tender crumb and a slight tang that complements sweet toppings.
2. Buttermilk Waffles
Follow the pancake recipe above, but increase the leavening slightly or add a touch more baking soda to create a crisp exterior. For extra flavor, fold in blueberries or chocolate chips into the batter before baking.
3. Buttermilk Biscakes
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1 cup buttermilk
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Cut in cold butter using a pastry cutter or fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Make a well in the center and pour in buttermilk.
5. Stir gently until combined; do not overmix.
6. Turn dough onto a floured surface and fold lightly. Pat into a 1-inch thick rectangle.
7. Cut into rounds using a biscuit cutter and place on a baking sheet.
8. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden.
9. Serve warm with butter, honey, or jam.
Note: Buttermilk biscuits are flaky and tender thanks to the acidity and fat content.
Savory Dishes Using Buttermilk
1. Buttermilk Fried Chicken
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken breasts or thighs
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Oil for frying
Instructions:
1. Marinate chicken pieces in buttermilk for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, in the refrigerator.
2. In a shallow dish, combine flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Remove chicken from buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off, then dredge thoroughly in the seasoned flour.
4. Heat oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F (175°C).
5. Fry chicken in batches, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F), about 12-15 minutes.
6. Drain on paper towels and serve hot.
Tips: The buttermilk marinade tenderizes the chicken and helps the coating adhere better, resulting in crispy, flavorful fried chicken.
2. Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes
Add a splash of buttermilk to your mashed potatoes for a tangy twist and extra creaminess. Prepare mashed potatoes as usual, then stir in 1/4 cup of buttermilk before serving.
3. Creamy Buttermilk Soup
Use buttermilk as a base for chilled soups like cucumber or pea soup. Blend cooked vegetables with buttermilk, season, and chill before serving for a refreshing dish.
Baked Goods and Snacks with Buttermilk
1. Buttermilk Banana Bread
Ingredients:
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan.
2. In a large bowl, cream together butter, sugar, and brown sugar.
3. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in mashed bananas and vanilla.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, and salt.
5. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet, alternating with buttermilk, beginning and ending with dry ingredients.
6. Fold in nuts or chocolate chips if using.
7. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Note: The acidity of buttermilk reacts with baking soda, giving the bread a light texture.
2. Buttermilk Muffins
Make moist, tender muffins by incorporating buttermilk into your favorite muffin batter. Add blueberries, cranberries, or zucchini for variety.
3. Buttermilk Scones
Use buttermilk to create flaky scones with a tender crumb. Fold in dried fruits or cheese for savory options.
Sweet Treats Featuring Buttermilk
1. Buttermilk Chocolate Cake
Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup hot water
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together dry ingredients.
3. In another bowl, combine buttermilk, oil, eggs, and vanilla.
4. Gradually add wet ingredients to dry, mixing until smooth.
5. Carefully stir in hot water; batter will be thin.
6. Divide batter evenly between pans.
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Cool and frost with chocolate or vanilla frosting.
Tip: The acidity of buttermilk enhances the chocolate flavor and keeps the cake moist.
2. Buttermilk Donuts
Make soft, tender donuts by incorporating buttermilk into the dough. Fry until golden and coat with cinnamon sugar or glaze.
3. Buttermilk Panna Cotta
Use buttermilk as the base for a tangy panna cotta. Combine with gelatin, sweeten, and chill until set. Serve with fresh berries.
Tips for Cooking and Baking with Buttermilk
- Substitutions: If you don’t have buttermilk, make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup of milk, then let it sit for 5 minutes.
- Flavor Enhancement: The tang of buttermilk pairs well with sweet flavors like chocolate, berries, and citrus, as well as savory herbs and spices.
- Storage: Keep buttermilk refrigerated and use within its expiration date. Shake well before using.
Conclusion
Recipes that use buttermilk are a testament to its versatility in the kitchen. From breakfast staples like pancakes and biscuits to savory fried chicken and decadent cakes, buttermilk adds moisture, tenderizes, and introduces a subtle tang that enhances the overall flavor profile
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some popular recipes that incorporate buttermilk?
Popular recipes using buttermilk include buttermilk pancakes, fried chicken, biscuits, waffles, and creamy salad dressings.
Can buttermilk be used as a marinade for chicken?
Yes, buttermilk is often used as a marinade for chicken to tenderize the meat and add flavor, especially in fried chicken recipes.
How do I make fluffy buttermilk pancakes?
Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, sugar, and salt. Mix buttermilk, eggs, and melted butter separately, then combine with dry ingredients. Cook on a griddle until golden brown.
Are there vegan alternatives to recipes that use buttermilk?
Yes, you can substitute buttermilk with plant-based options like almond milk with lemon juice or vinegar added, or use vegan buttermilk made from soy or coconut milk with acid.
Can buttermilk be used in baking bread?
Absolutely! Buttermilk adds acidity that helps activate baking soda or baking powder, resulting in softer, fluffier bread and muffins.
How do I store leftover buttermilk after making a recipe?
Store leftover buttermilk in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 weeks. Shake well before using if it separates.
What are some healthy recipes that use buttermilk?
Healthy options include buttermilk smoothies, salad dressings, and baked oatmeal, which benefit from buttermilk’s tangy flavor and probiotic properties.
Can buttermilk be used to make creamy soups?
Yes, buttermilk can be added to creamy soups like potato or vegetable soups to enhance flavor and add a tangy creaminess.
What is the best way to substitute buttermilk in a recipe if I don't have any?
You can make a quick buttermilk substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup of milk, then letting it sit for 5 minutes before use.
