Do you have a recipe that calls for buttermilk, but you don’t have any on hand? Don’t fret!
There are plenty of options for substituting buttermilk that you probably have in your kitchen already.
Read on for surprising substitutes for buttermilk that will save the day when you find yourself in this predicament.
Buttermilk is a common ingredient in many recipes, especially those that call for baked goods.
However, not everyone keeps this ingredient in their fridge all the time.
So what do you do if you need buttermilk for a recipe and don’t have any on hand? Fortunately, there are several easy substitutes for buttermilk that you probably already have in your kitchen.
Here are simple substitutes to try the next time you need buttermilk for your cooking or baking needs.
1. Lactose-Free Milk and Acid
If you or someone in your household is lactose intolerant, lactose-free milk combined with acid can be a great substitute for buttermilk. The acid will cause the lactose-free milk to curdle, thickening it and giving it a tangy flavor. To make this substitution, mix 1 cup of lactose-free milk with 1 tablespoon of either lemon juice or white vinegar. Stir it together and let it sit for 5-10 minutes before using it in your recipe.
Keep in mind that this substitution may not be quite as tangy as traditional buttermilk, but it will still work well in baked goods and marinades. Additionally, if you don’t have lactose-free milk on hand, regular milk can be used as a substitute instead.
2. Coconut Milk
Coconut milk is one of the great dairy-free substitutes for buttermilk. It has a rich, creamy texture that can be used in various recipes. To use coconut milk as a substitute for buttermilk, you can follow these steps: Mix one cup of full-fat coconut milk with one tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice. Let the mixture sit for five to ten minutes until it curdles and thickens.
Use the coconut milk mixture as you would buttermilk in your recipe. Coconut milk is especially great in recipes with a tropical flair, such as coconut pancakes or macaroons. You can also use it in savory recipes like curries and stews. The only thing to keep in mind when using coconut milk as a substitute for buttermilk is that it will add a coconut flavor to your dish, so make sure that’s what you want before you start cooking!
3. Rice Milk
Rice milk is another dairy-free alternative to buttermilk. It’s made by blending cooked rice with water and straining out any solids. While rice milk is not as thick and tangy as buttermilk, it can still be a suitable substitute in recipes. You’ll need to add acid to make rice milk work as a substitute for buttermilk. This can be done by adding a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to one cup of rice milk. Allow the mixture to sit for a few minutes before using it in your recipe.
Keep in mind that rice milk has a naturally sweet taste, which may impact the overall flavor of your recipe. If you prefer a more neutral taste, consider using a different milk alternative on this list.Some recipes in that you can use rice milk as a buttermilk substitute include pancakes, waffles, and baked goods like muffins and cakes. Give it a try and see how it works in your favorite recipes!
4. Soy Milk
Soy milk is another great substitute for buttermilk. It’s rich in protein and nutrients and has a creamy consistency that’s perfect for baking. Simply add 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup of soy milk and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. The acid thickens the milk and gives it a tangy flavor, like buttermilk.
You can also use plain or vanilla-flavored soy yogurt mixed with water to get the same effect. This substitute works well in recipes like pancakes, biscuits, and cakes. Be sure to choose unsweetened soy milk to avoid any unwanted sweetness in your baked goods.
5. Almond Milk
Almond milk is a plant-based milk that is rich in nutrients and can be used as substitutes for buttermilk. This nutty-flavored milk can be made at home or bought from the store. To use almond milk as a substitute for buttermilk, mix 1 cup of almond milk with 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for a few minutes until it curdles. This will give it a tangy flavor and the acidic nature required for baking.
Almond milk can also be used in sweet dishes like pancakes and waffles, adding a subtle nutty flavor to them. It can be used in savory dishes like casseroles, soups, and curries, where it adds a creamy texture without overpowering the dish’s flavors. Almond milk is also a great option for those with lactose intolerance, making it a suitable replacement for buttermilk in many recipes.
When using almond milk as a substitute for buttermilk, it’s important to note that it may not have the same tangy flavor that buttermilk imparts. However, it can be adjusted by adding more vinegar or lemon juice to the mixture until it reaches the desired tanginess. Almond milk is also a great option for those who follow a vegan or plant-based diet.
Overall, almond milk is a versatile and nutritious substitute for buttermilk that is readily available and easy to use. Try it out in your next baking or cooking adventure and see how it turns out!
6. Cashew Milk
Cashew milk is a dairy-free alternative that’s easy to make at home. This nut milk has a rich, creamy taste that’s similar to cow’s milk, making it an excellent replacement for buttermilk in your recipes. To make cashew milk, soak raw cashews in water overnight, blend with fresh water, and strain using a nut milk bag or cheesecloth. The result is smooth, silky milk perfect for baking and cooking.
Add a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice per cup of cashew milk to use cashew milk as a substitute for buttermilk. Let it sit for a few minutes until the milk curdles and thickens. Use this mixture in place of buttermilk in your recipe. Cashew milk is also great for making smoothies, oatmeal, and other breakfast foods. It’s an excellent source of healthy fats, protein, and minerals like copper and magnesium.
When buying cashew milk, look for brands without added sugars or artificial ingredients. Some store-bought cashew milk may also be fortified with additional nutrients like calcium and vitamin D. However, making your own cashew milk at home is a more cost-effective and nutritious option.
Overall, cashew milk is a versatile and delicious alternative to buttermilk that’s easy to make at home. It adds a nutty flavor and creamy texture to your recipes while also providing health benefits and nutrients. Give it a try the next time you’re out of buttermilk, and see how it enhances your cooking and baking.
7. Hemp Milk
If you’re looking for a non-dairy milk option that is also rich in nutrients, hemp milk is an excellent choice. It’s made by blending hemp seeds with water and straining the mixture to remove any solids. The result is a creamy, nutty milk that’s perfect for baking, cooking, and drinking on its own.
To use hemp milk as a substitute for buttermilk, mix one cup of hemp milk with one tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice and let it thicken for a few minutes. Use it in recipes like you would buttermilk, such as making pancakes, biscuits, or dressings.
Hemp milk is not only a delicious and nutritious alternative to buttermilk, but it also offers several health benefits. It’s rich in essential fatty acids, such as omega-3 and omega-6, and contains all nine essential amino acids. Plus, it’s a great calcium, iron, and magnesium source.
Hemp milk is also naturally lactose-free, making it a suitable option for those who are lactose intolerant or have a milk allergy. It’s also vegan and gluten-free to accommodate various dietary needs and preferences. Overall, hemp milk is a versatile and healthy substitute for buttermilk that’s worth trying in your recipes. Its creamy texture and nutty flavor may become your new go-to non-dairy milk option.
8. Oat Milk
Another great dairy-free option as substitutes for buttermilk is oat milk. This milk is made by blending whole or steel-cut oats with water and then straining the mixture. It has a slightly sweet flavor and is thicker than other milk alternatives, which makes it a great option for baking and cooking.
To use oat milk as a substitute for buttermilk, add one tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to one cup of oat milk. Let it sit for a few minutes, and then stir. Your homemade buttermilk is now ready to be used in your recipe.
Oat milk is also rich in fiber, protein, and iron, which makes it a great choice for a nutritious dairy-free diet. Plus, it’s often fortified with vitamins and minerals so that you can get a healthy dose of nutrients in every serving.
Some oat milk brands can be a little pricey, but you can also make your own oat milk at home by soaking oats in water, blending, and then straining. It’s an easy and affordable way to enjoy this delicious, nutritious dairy-free milk.
9. Yogurt
Yogurt is a versatile ingredient that can be used as a substitute for buttermilk in many recipes. It has a tangy flavor and a thick consistency that helps maintain your dish’s texture.
To use yogurt as a buttermilk substitute, mix equal parts of plain yogurt and water until it reaches the same consistency as buttermilk. For example, if the recipe calls for one cup of buttermilk, mix one cup of plain yogurt with one cup of water.
You can also use Greek yogurt instead of regular yogurt. Greek yogurt has a higher protein content and a thicker texture, which can help to create a richer and creamier texture in your recipes.
Keep in mind that yogurt may not be suitable for some recipes, such as those that require a light texture or a specific acidic balance. Using one of the other substitutes listed in this post may be better in those cases. Overall, yogurt is a great option for a quick and easy buttermilk substitute that adds a delicious tang to your dishes.
10. Sour Cream
Another great substitute for buttermilk is sour cream. Like yogurt, sour cream is slightly acidic and thick, making it a great replacement in many recipes. To use sour cream as substitutes, mix it with an equal amount of milk until it reaches the consistency of buttermilk. This will provide the acidity needed to help tenderize baked goods, while the milk adds the necessary liquid.
Keep in mind that sour cream has a slightly different flavor than buttermilk, so it may not be the best choice for recipes where the tang of buttermilk is a crucial component. However, it can work well in recipes like pancakes or biscuits, where the tangy flavor is less important. Overall, sour cream is among the versatile substitutes for buttermilk, often readily available in most kitchens. Give it a try next time you need a buttermilk alternative.
11. Milk and Vinegar/Lemon Juice
If you’re looking for a substitute for buttermilk, you might not have to look any further than your fridge. Milk and vinegar or lemon juice is a classic substitution that’s been used for generations.
Pour one tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice into a measuring cup to make your own buttermilk substitute. Then, add enough milk to make one cup of liquid. Stir it together and let it sit for five minutes. The mixture will curdle and thicken, creating a tangy buttermilk-like flavor.
This substitution works best with whole milk, as it has a higher fat content than other types of milk. However, you can also use low-fat or non-fat milk if that’s what you have on hand. Just keep in mind that the resulting substitute may not be quite as thick or rich as traditional buttermilk.
One of the great things about using milk and vinegar/lemon juice as one of substitutes for buttermilk is that you probably already have these ingredients in your kitchen. Plus, it’s an affordable and convenient alternative to buying buttermilk if you don’t use it very often.
Whether you’re making pancakes, biscuits, or a creamy salad dressing, milk, and vinegar/lemon juice can be a reliable and tasty substitute for buttermilk. Give it a try and see how it works for you!
12. Cream of Tartar and Milk
If you don’t have buttermilk on hand and want to make something that calls for it, try using cream of tartar and milk instead. This combination will create a similar tangy flavor that is comparable to buttermilk. To use this substitute, add 1 teaspoon of cream of tartar to 1 cup of milk and mix well.
Let the mixture sit for a few minutes until it curdles slightly, and then use it instead of buttermilk in your recipe. This substitute is especially great for baking recipes like cakes, pancakes, and waffles. Just be sure to use whole milk for the best results.
13. Kefir
Kefir is a fermented dairy product that has a tangy and slightly sour taste, much like buttermilk. It is made by combining milk with kefir grains, which are a mixture of bacteria and yeast that ferment the milk. To use kefir as a substitute for buttermilk, replace the same amount of buttermilk called for in the recipe with kefir. The result will be similar in taste and texture, adding a slight tanginess to your dish.
If you don’t have kefir on hand, you can also use yogurt as a substitute. Simply use the same amount of yogurt as buttermilk called for in the recipe, and add a small amount of water or milk to thin it out if necessary. The result will be slightly less tangy than using kefir, but still a good substitute.
Overall, kefir is one of the great substitutes for buttermilk in recipes that call for it. It’s easy to find at most grocery stores and has a long shelf life if kept refrigerated. So the next time you’re in a pinch and need a substitute for buttermilk, consider reaching for a bottle of kefir instead.
14. Cottage Cheese and Milk
Another great substitute for buttermilk is cottage cheese and milk. This option works well in baking and cooking recipes that call for buttermilk. To make this substitute, blend one cup of cottage cheese with 1/4 cup of milk until the mixture is smooth. You can use a food processor or a blender for this step.
Once you have your cottage cheese and milk mixture, you can use it in recipes just like you would use buttermilk. This substitute adds a bit of tanginess to your dishes, similar to the flavor of buttermilk. However, keep in mind that it is not as liquid as buttermilk, so you may need to adjust the amount of other liquids in your recipe accordingly.
One great recipe to try with this substitute is buttermilk pancakes. Instead of using buttermilk, use your cottage cheese and milk mixture for a similar flavor and texture. You can also use this substitute in salad dressings, marinades, and even mashed potatoes. Overall, cottage cheese and milk make for a great buttermilk substitute. Give it a try the next time you run out of buttermilk in your kitchen.
15. Almond Milk and Vinegar
Almond milk is a popular non-dairy milk alternative that can be used as a substitute for buttermilk in recipes. When mixed with vinegar, almond milk creates a similar acidic environment to that of buttermilk, making it a perfect alternative for baking.
To substitute for buttermilk using almond milk and vinegar, mix one cup of almond milk with one tablespoon of white vinegar. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes until it thickens slightly, and then use it instead of buttermilk in your recipe. This substitute works well in cakes, muffins, and bread. Plus, it is perfect for those who are lactose intolerant or avoid dairy in their diets.
16. Soy Milk and Vinegar
For those who are lactose intolerant or vegan, soy milk is a great alternative to traditional dairy milk.To make a buttermilk substitute with soy milk, you’ll need to mix 1 tablespoon of white vinegar with 1 cup of soy milk. Allow the mixture to sit for about 5-10 minutes until it thickens and curdles, creating a similar texture and tanginess to traditional buttermilk.
This is a perfect substitute for baking recipes that call for buttermilk and works well in pancakes, waffles, and cakes. Keep in mind that this substitution may alter the taste of the recipe slightly due to the nutty flavor of the soy milk.
17. Coconut Milk and Vinegar
If you’re looking for a dairy-free option to substitute for buttermilk, coconut milk, and vinegar are excellent choices. To make this substitute, mix 1 cup of coconut milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar and let it thicken for a few minutes. Coconut milk is creamy and slightly sweet, adding a lovely flavor to baked goods. Vinegar, on the other hand, adds the acidity that is necessary to activate baking soda in recipes.
This combination will work perfectly in cakes, bread, and pancakes. However, keep in mind that the coconut flavor might be noticeable in some recipes, so make sure it complements the other ingredients in your dish. If you don’t like the taste of coconut, you can use any other non-dairy milk, such as soy or almond, instead.
18. Lemon Juice and Milk
If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, don’t worry! You can easily create a substitute using lemon juice and milk. This is a simple yet effective way to add the tangy taste and acidic component of buttermilk to your recipes.
You only need to mix one tablespoon of lemon juice with one cup of milk to make this substitute. Let it sit for about 5 minutes before using it in your recipe. The acidity of the lemon juice will cause the milk to curdle slightly, which will mimic the texture of buttermilk.
This substitute is great for baking recipes like cakes, muffins, and biscuits, but it may not work well for recipes that require a lot of buttermilk, like dressings or marinades. Also, keep in mind that the lemon flavor may be slightly noticeable in the finished product, so it’s best to use it in recipes where lemon won’t clash with the other flavors. Overall, if you’re in a pinch and need a quick and easy substitute for buttermilk, lemon juice, and milk are great options!
