Creating buttermilk at home is a simple and quick process that can save you a trip to the store. This homemade version is perfect for baking, cooking, or even adding a tangy twist to your favorite recipes. With just two basic ingredients, you can whip up a batch of buttermilk in no time.
The ingredients for this buttermilk recipe are quite common and likely already in your kitchen. However, if you don't have lemon juice or white vinegar, you will need to pick one up at the supermarket. Both of these acidic components are essential for curdling the milk and creating the characteristic tangy flavor of buttermilk.

Ingredients for Buttermilk Recipe
Milk: The base of the recipe, providing the liquid component. You can use whole or 2% milk.
Lemon juice: An acidic ingredient that curdles the milk, giving it the tangy flavor of buttermilk.
White vinegar: An alternative to lemon juice, also used to curdle the milk and create the tangy flavor.
Technique Tip for Making Buttermilk
When making buttermilk, ensure that the milk is at room temperature before adding the lemon juice or vinegar. This helps the acid to curdle the milk more effectively, resulting in a thicker and more authentic buttermilk.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
Whole or 2% milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk can be used for a dairy-free option, though it may slightly alter the flavor and consistency.
Whole or 2% milk - Substitute with coconut milk: Coconut milk adds a subtle coconut flavor and is a good dairy-free alternative.
Whole or 2% milk - Substitute with soy milk: Soy milk is another dairy-free option that closely mimics the texture of regular milk.
Lemon juice - Substitute with apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar provides the necessary acidity to curdle the milk, similar to lemon juice.
Lemon juice - Substitute with cream of tartar: Cream of tartar can be used to acidify the milk, though it may not curdle as visibly as lemon juice or vinegar.
White vinegar - Substitute with rice vinegar: Rice vinegar has a milder flavor but still provides the acidity needed to curdle the milk.
White vinegar - Substitute with white wine vinegar: White wine vinegar offers a similar acidity level and can be used as a direct substitute.
Other Alternative Recipes Similar to This
How to Store or Freeze This Recipe
- Pour the freshly made buttermilk into a clean, airtight container. Glass jars or plastic containers with tight-fitting lids work best to maintain freshness.
- Label the container with the date of preparation. This helps you keep track of its shelf life.
- Store the container in the coldest part of your refrigerator, typically the back of the bottom shelf. This ensures a consistent temperature, keeping your buttermilk fresh for up to two weeks.
- If you notice any separation, simply give the buttermilk a good shake before using it. This is normal and does not affect the quality.
- For longer storage, consider freezing the buttermilk. Pour it into ice cube trays or smaller portions in freezer-safe bags. This way, you can thaw only what you need.
- When freezing, leave some space at the top of the container or bag, as buttermilk expands when frozen.
- Label the freezer bags or containers with the date. Frozen buttermilk can last up to three months.
- To thaw, transfer the desired amount of buttermilk to the refrigerator and let it thaw slowly overnight. Alternatively, you can use the defrost setting on your microwave for a quicker option.
- Once thawed, give the buttermilk a good stir or shake to recombine any separated liquids. It may have a slightly different texture but will still be perfect for baking and cooking.
- Avoid refreezing buttermilk once it has been thawed, as this can affect its quality and texture.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Pour the milk into a bowl.
Add the lemon juice or vinegar to the milk.
Stir well and let it sit for 5-10 minutes.
The milk will curdle and become buttermilk.
Pour the milk into a bowl.
Add the lemon juice or vinegar to the milk.
Stir well and let it sit for 5-10 minutes.
The milk will curdle and become buttermilk.
Pour the milk into a bowl.
Add the lemon juice or vinegar to the milk.
Stir well and let it sit for 5-10 minutes.
The milk will curdle and become buttermilk.
Pour the milk into a bowl.
Add the lemon juice or vinegar to the milk.
Stir well and let it sit for 5-10 minutes.
The milk will curdle and become buttermilk.
Pour the milk into a bowl.
Add the lemon juice or vinegar to the milk.
Stir well and let it sit for 5-10 minutes.
The milk will curdle and become buttermilk.
Pour the milk into a bowl.
Add the lemon juice or vinegar to the milk.
Stir well and let it sit for 5-10 minutes.
The milk will curdle and become buttermilk.
Pour the milk into a bowl.
Add the lemon juice or vinegar to the milk.
Stir well and let it sit for 5-10 minutes.
The milk will curdle and become buttermilk.
Pour the milk into a bowl.
Add the lemon juice or vinegar to the milk.
Stir well and let it sit for 5-10 minutes.
The milk will curdle and become buttermilk.
Pour the milk into a bowl.
Add the lemon juice or vinegar to the milk.
Stir well and let it sit for 5-10 minutes.
The milk will curdle and become buttermilk.
Pour the milk into a bowl.
Add the lemon juice or vinegar to the milk.
Stir well and let it sit for 5-10 minutes.
The milk will curdle and become buttermilk.
Pour the milk into a bowl.
Add the lemon juice or vinegar to the milk.
Stir well and let it sit for 5-10 minutes.
The milk will curdle and become buttermilk.
Pour the milk into a bowl.
Add the lemon juice or vinegar to the milk.
Stir well and let it sit for 5-10 minutes.
The milk will curdle and become buttermilk.
Pour the milk into a bowl.
Add the lemon juice or vinegar to the milk.
Stir well and let it sit for 5-10 minutes.
The milk will curdle and become buttermilk.
Pour the milk into a bowl.
Add the lemon juice or vinegar to the milk.
Stir well and let it sit for 5-10 minutes.
The milk will curdle and become buttermilk.
Pour the milk into a bowl.
Add the lemon juice or vinegar to the milk.
Stir well and let it sit for 5-10 minutes.
The milk will curdle and become buttermilk.
Pour the milk into a bowl.
Add the lemon juice or vinegar to the milk.
Stir well and let it sit for 5-10 minutes.
The milk will curdle and become buttermilk.
Pour the milk into a bowl.
Add the lemon juice or vinegar to the milk.
Stir well and let it sit for 5-10 minutes.
The milk will curdle and become buttermilk.
Pour the milk into a bowl.
Add the lemon juice or vinegar to the milk.
Stir well and let it sit for 5-10 minutes.
The milk will curdle and become buttermilk.
Pour the milk into a bowl.
Add the lemon juice or vinegar to the milk.
Stir well and let it sit for 5-10 minutes.
The milk will curdle and become buttermilk.
Pour the milk into a bowl.
Add the lemon juice or vinegar to the milk.
Stir well and let it sit for 5-10 minutes.
The milk will curdle and become buttermilk.
Pour the milk into a bowl.
Add the lemon juice or vinegar to the milk.
Stir well and let it sit for 5-10 minutes.
The milk will curdle and become buttermilk.
Pour the milk into a bowl.
Add the lemon juice or vinegar to the milk.
Stir well and let it sit for 5-10 minutes.
The milk will curdle and become buttermilk.
Pour the milk into a bowl.
Add the lemon juice or vinegar to the milk.
Stir well and let it sit for 5-10 minutes.
The milk will curdle and become buttermilk.
Pour the milk into a bowl.
Add the lemon juice or vinegar to the milk.
Stir well and let it sit for 5-10 minutes.
The milk will curdle and become buttermilk.
Pour the milk into a bowl.
Add the lemon juice or vinegar to the milk.
Stir well and let it sit for 5-10 minutes.
The milk will curdle and become buttermilk.
Pour the milk into a bowl.
Add the lemon juice or vinegar to the milk.
Stir well and let it sit for 5-10 minutes.
The milk will curdle and become buttermilk.
Pour the milk into a bowl.
Add the lemon juice or vinegar to the milk.
Stir well and let it sit for 5-10 minutes.
The milk will curdle and become buttermilk.
Pour the milk into a bowl.
Add the lemon juice or vinegar to the milk.
Stir well and let it sit for 5-10 minutes.
The milk will curdle and become buttermilk.
Pour the milk into a bowl.
Add the lemon juice or vinegar to the milk.
Stir well and let it sit for 5-10 minutes.
The milk will curdle and become buttermilk.
Pour the milk into a bowl.
Add the lemon juice or vinegar to the milk.
Stir well and let it sit for 5-10 minutes.
The milk will curdle and become buttermilk.
Pour the milk into a bowl.
Add the lemon juice or vinegar to the milk.
Stir well and let it sit for 5-10 minutes.
The milk will curdle and become buttermilk.
Pour the milk into a bowl.
Add the lemon juice or vinegar to the milk.
Stir well and let it sit for 5-10 minutes.
The milk will curdle and become buttermilk.
Pour the milk into a bowl.
Add the lemon juice or vinegar to the milk.
Stir well and let it sit for 5-10 minutes.
The milk will curdle and become buttermilk.
Pour the milk into a bowl.
Add the lemon juice or vinegar to the milk.
Stir well and let it sit for 5-10 minutes.
The milk will curdle and become buttermilk.
Pour the milk into a bowl.
Add the lemon juice or vinegar to the milk.
Stir well and let it sit for 5-10 minutes.
The milk will curdle and become buttermilk.
Pour the milk into a bowl.
Add the lemon juice or vinegar to the milk.
Stir well and let it sit for 5-10 minutes.
The milk will curdle and become buttermilk.
Pour the milk into a bowl.
Add the lemon juice or vinegar to the milk.
Stir well and let it sit for 5-10 minutes.
The milk will curdle and become buttermilk.
Pour the milk into a bowl.
Add the lemon juice or vinegar to the milk.
Stir well and let it sit for 5-10 minutes.
The milk will curdle and become buttermilk.
Pour the milk into a bowl.
Add the lemon juice or vinegar to the milk.
Stir well and let it sit for 5-10 minutes.
The milk will curdle and become buttermilk.
Pour the milk into a bowl.
Add the lemon juice or vinegar to the milk.
Stir well and let it sit for 5-10 minutes.
The milk will curdle and become buttermilk.
Pour the milk into a bowl.
Add the lemon juice or vinegar to the milk.
Stir well and let it sit for 5-10 minutes.
The milk will curdle and become buttermilk.
Best Tools for Making Buttermilk
Bowl: Use this to pour the milk into and mix with the lemon juice or vinegar.
Measuring cup: This will help you measure exactly 1 cup of milk.
Tablespoon: Use this to measure out 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar.
Spoon: Stir the milk and acid together with this.
Timer: Set this for 5-10 minutes to let the milk curdle and become buttermilk.
How to Save Time on Making This Recipe
Use room temperature milk: Room temperature milk curdles faster, saving you a few minutes.
Pre-measure ingredients: Measure the milk and lemon juice or vinegar in advance to streamline the process.
Stir thoroughly: Stirring well ensures the acid is evenly distributed, speeding up the curdling.
Use a timer: Set a timer for 5 minutes to avoid over-curdling and keep the process efficient.
Make in bulk: Prepare a larger batch and store it in the fridge for up to a week to save time on future recipes.
Buttermilk Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup Milk whole or 2%
- 1 tablespoon Lemon juice or white vinegar
Instructions
- 1. Pour the milk into a bowl.
- 2. Add the lemon juice or vinegar to the milk.
- 3. Stir well and let it sit for 5-10 minutes.
- 4. The milk will curdle and become buttermilk.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
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