One question I am asked over and over again is how to make a buttermilk substitute at home. Since 2020, I have not purchased buttermilk – it is so easy to make at home!
Many people don’t like buying buttermilk – they buy some for a specific recipe, use only a little, and end up tossing the rest. I hope you love this easy buttermilk substitute and you’ll never have to throw out buttermilk again.
I use buttermilk all the time in cooking, as you can see by the dozens of buttermilk-based recipes on ABK…
When we moved to Spain to serve a mission for 18 months, I could NOT find buttermilk anywhere.
They don’t sell buttermilk in Spain, but they DO sell the most delicious Greek yogurt. Even the most budget-brand yogurt (Mercadona store brand) is rich, creamy and delicious. All it takes to make a delicious buttermilk substitute at home is milk and plain Greek yogurt. Other methods, include using sour cream, lemon juice, or white vinegar; but Greek yogurt + milk is my favorite substitute.
What do I need for Buttermilk Substitute?
To make a buttermilk substitute, you will need the following ingredients: Greek yogurt or sour cream + milk OR lemon juice or white vinegar + milk. Equipment needed: measuring cup and a whisk.
should I use it right away or let it sit?
That depends. When making a buttermilk substitute with Greek yogurt and milk, there’s no need to let it sit.
When using lemon juice or vinegar with milk, letting the mixture sit on the countertop for at least 5 minutes makes a notable difference. The 5 minutes gives the mixture time to thicken and taste more like buttermilk.
Does the percentage of fat matter when making buttermilk at home?
The percentage of fat in the milk is not critical. I often use skim milk, because that is what I always have on hand. As you might guess, the higher the fat content, the thicker the buttermilk.
Does buttermilk substitute work in all recipes?
My buttermilk substitute works in most recipes, but I don’t recommend using a substitute when making homemade syrup that calls for real buttermilk.
Some of our favorite recipes using buttermilk are Strawberry Buttermilk Pancakes, Harvest Salad with Buttermilk Sage Dressing, Best Buttermilk Bran Muffins, Buttermilk Biscuits, Homemade Buttermilk Donuts, and Smashed Potatoes and Buttermilk Fried Chicken.
I’d love to hear what you made with this homemade buttermilk substitute!
Buttermilk Substitute
Ingredients
For Greek yogurt or sour cream substitute:
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt OR sour cream, plain (full fat is best)
- 1/2 cup milk (whole is best)
For lemon juice or vinegar substitute:
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice OR white vinegar
- 1 cup milk (scant), meaning a little less than a cup, see recipe instructions
Instructions
For Greek yogurt or sour cream substitute:
- Whisk Greek yogurt OR sour cream and milk together in a measuring cup.
- Use in recipe as needed. Refrigerate any leftovers.
For lemon juice or vinegar substitute:
- Pour 1 tablespoon lemon juice OR white vinegar into a measuring cup.
- Add milk to equal 1 cup. Let sit for 5 minutes. Whisk and use in recipe as needed.
Notes
- Milk, Greek yogurt and sour cream do not need to be room temperature.
- Full-fat Greek yogurt and whole milk will produce the thickest buttermilk substitute, but low-fat yogurt and skim milk also work.
- Do not use sweetened yogurt, or cider vinegar.
Equipment
- measuring cup
- wire whisk
Did you make this recipe?
Be sure to leave a comment and rate this recipe! I’d love to see a photo, tag @abountifulkitchen on Instagram!