Do you ever have leftover buttermilk after making pancakes or waffles?
Here are some ideas of mine for what to do with it.
You can use it in place of milk in recipes, make buttermilk ranch dressing or dip, add it to smoothies, use it to make homemade bread, and more.
Let’s take a closer look.
Make buttermilk ranch dressing or dip
My first suggestion is to make a buttermilk ranch dressing or dip.
Ranch dressing is already delicious, but adding buttermilk will take it to the next level.
It ranch dressing is great on salads, as a dip for veggies or chips, or even as a sandwich spread.
To start, combine 2 cups buttermilk with 1 cup mayonnaise, a clove or two of garlic (depending on your taste), half a teaspoon each of dried parsley and dried chives, and salt and pepper to taste.
Whisk together the ingredients until smooth, then place the dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Add to smoothies
Another quick and easy option is to add the leftover buttermilk to your next smoothie.
It will give a nice tangy flavor and increase the nutritional content of the drink, too.
Any type of fruit would work well with this addition, or you could use an unflavored protein powder instead for a delicious and filling breakfast or post-workout snack.
Simply add 1-2 cups of buttermilk to your blender along with the other ingredients, then blend until smooth.
Use it to make homemade bread
Making homemade bread is a great way to get some extra use out of leftover buttermilk.
To start, you need to make a buttermilk starter by combining 1 cup buttermilk with 2 tablespoons sugar and 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour.
Mix together well and set aside for 30 minutes.
Next, add 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 tablespoon sugar, and 1 package of active dry yeast to a large bowl.
Stir in the buttermilk starter and use a wooden spoon or your fingers to work the ingredients together until they start to form a dough.
Turn it out onto a floured surface, knead it for 10 minutes, then shape it into a ball.
Place the bread in an oiled bowl, turn once to coat with oil, then cover with plastic wrap and let rise for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Shape the bread as desired (boule, buns, etc.) and let rise again for 30 minutes.
Finally, bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Make buttermilk pancakes or waffles
You can also use your leftover buttermilk to make pancakes or waffles.
This is especially helpful if you have some leftover buttermilk that has already been cultured since it will add extra flavor to your breakfast treats.
Simply combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons sugar, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and a pinch of salt in a large bowl.
In a separate smaller bowl, combine 2 eggs, 2 cups of buttermilk, and 1/4 cup of melted butter.
Add the wet ingredients to the dry and mix until just combined.
Cook the pancakes or waffles on a griddle or waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Serve with your favorite toppings and enjoy.
Make buttermilk biscuits
It biscuits are another delicious way to use up leftover buttermilk.
They’re perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner and can be served with just about anything.
To make them, start by combining 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon baking powder, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 cup of sugar in a large bowl.
Cut in 1/2 cup of cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, then add 1 cup of buttermilk and stir just until combined.
Turn out onto a floured surface and knead 10-12 times.
Roll out to 1/2-inch thickness and use a biscuit cutter to cut out biscuits.
Place on a baking sheet and bake at 425 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.
Serve warm with butter, honey, or jam.
Can I freeze buttermilk?
Yes, you can freeze buttermilk.
Just pour it into an ice cube tray and then transfer the frozen cubes to a freezer bag.
You can use the frozen buttermilk in smoothies or baking recipes.
Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before using (source).
How long does buttermilk last once opened?
It will last for about 7-10 days after it has been opened.
Be sure to store it in the fridge in an airtight container.
You may notice that buttermilk starts to thicken and develop a slightly sour smell as it gets older.
This is normal, and the milk is still safe to consume.
However, it may not be as flavorful or refreshing as when it was first opened.
If you don’t think you’ll finish the milk before it starts to go bad, consider freezing it in an ice cube tray.
This way, you can thaw out just what you need for future recipes (source).
Can I put buttermilk in my coffee?
Yes, you can put buttermilk in your coffee.
Some people say it makes the coffee more smooth and creamy.
Others say it doesn’t make much of a difference.
Try it for yourself and see what you think.
Can you drink buttermilk straight?
It is a dairy product that is made from the leftover liquid after butter has been made.
It is high in calcium and vitamin D and has a tangy, slightly sour taste.
You can drink buttermilk straight, or use it in recipes calling for milk or cream (source).
Why do you put chickens in buttermilk?
There are a few reasons why people might put chickens in buttermilk.
It can help to tenderize the chicken, which makes it more juicy and flavorful.
The lactic acid in buttermilk can also help to kill any harmful bacteria that might be on the chicken.
Finally, the fat content in buttermilk can help to keep the chicken moist during cooking.
How can you tell if buttermilk is spoiled?
You can tell if buttermilk is spoiled if it has chunks in it, or if it smells sour.
If you’re unsure, you can always do a smell test (source).
Can you reuse buttermilk marinade?
Yes, you can reuse buttermilk marinade.
Just make sure to boil it for 5 minutes before using it again to kill any bacteria.
Can I bake with expired buttermilk?
Yes, you can bake with expired buttermilk, but the results may not be as good as if you had used fresh buttermilk.
The expiration date on buttermilk is usually about a week after the package is sold, so if you have some that are a week or more old, it should still be fine to use in baking (source).
Is buttermilk supposed to curdle?
It is a fermented dairy product that is made by adding bacteria to milk.
This causes the milk to thicken and turn sour.
It can curdle if it is not stored properly or if it is exposed to heat.
If your buttermilk has curdled, it is still safe to use (source).
Can expired buttermilk make you sick?
It is unlikely that expired buttermilk will make you sick.
However, it may not taste as good as fresh buttermilk.
If you are concerned about the safety of expired buttermilk, you can always make your own buttermilk at home.
Is buttermilk supposed to be chunky?
In general, no, it is not supposed to be chunky.
If it is chunky, it may have gone bad and you should discard it.
It usually has a smooth, creamy texture.
If yours is chunky, it may have chunks of milk fat or curdled milk.
These are signs that the buttermilk has spoiled and is no longer safe to drink.
Can you leave buttermilk out overnight?
Yes, you can leave buttermilk out overnight.
However, the lactic acid will also help to preserve the milk and keep it from going bad.
After 12 hours, the milk will start to sour and form clumps.
The milk will also thicken and develop a more acidic flavor.
If you are looking for buttermilk to use in baking, it is best to use fresh buttermilk.
However, you can still use the soured milk in baking recipes that call for sour milk or buttermilk.
The milk will just have a slightly different flavor.
Is homemade buttermilk the same as buttermilk?
Yes, homemade buttermilk is the same as store-bought buttermilk.
Both are made by adding bacteria to milk, which causes the milk to thicken and sour.
The bacteria also give buttermilk its characteristic tangy flavor.
Can you use buttermilk as a coffee creamer?
Yes, you can use buttermilk as a coffee creamer.
However, keep in mind that buttermilk is a dairy product, so it will add richness and creaminess to your coffee.
If you are looking for a non-dairy alternative, you can try using almond milk or coconut milk instead.
Conclusion
These are just a few ideas of mine for what to do with leftover buttermilk.
As you can see, there are many different ways that you can make use of this delicious and versatile ingredient.
So the next time you have some buttermilk on hand, be sure to try one of these ideas and enjoy.
Thanks for reading.