How to Make Buttermilk
Learn how to make homemade buttermilk with this easy tutorial. This homemade buttermilk recipe can be used in any recipe that calls for buttermilk– save money and avoid leftover from going to waste. You'll now always have fresh buttermilk on hand whenever you need it!
Servings: 1 cup
Ingredients
Lemon Juice Buttermilk
- 1 cup whole milk room temperature
- 2 Tablespoons lemon juice fresh
Vinegar Buttermilk
- 1 cup whole milk room temperature
- 2 Tablespoons white vinegar or apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar
Sour Cream Buttermilk
- ½ cup whole milk
- ½ cup sour cream
Instructions
Lemon Juice Buttermilk
- For every 1 cup of whole milk, stir in 2 Tablespoons fresh lemon juice until combined. Set aside for 10 minutes to rest.
- After 10 minutes the milk should be curdled as shown in the pictures above. Use the buttermilk as directed in the recipe.
Vinegar Buttermilk
- For every 1 cup of whole milk, stir in 2 Tablespoons white vinegar until combined. Set aside for 10 minutes to rest.
- After 10 minutes the milk should be curdled as shown in the pictures above. Use the buttermilk as directed in the recipe.
Sour Cream Buttermilk
- Before beginning, microwave the milk for 5-8 seconds until slightly warm. For every ½ cup of whole milk, whisk in ½ cup sour cream until combined. Set aside for 10 minutes to rest.
- After 10 minutes the milk should be curdled as shown in the pictures above. Use the buttermilk as directed in the recipe.
Notes
- Preferred Method: I find that I prefer the results from the lemon juice buttermilk (with vinegar buttermilk next), however I've used each in this homemade buttermilk recipe.
- Milk: For traditional buttermilk it's recommended to use whole milk at room temperature. If the milk is very cold it may take 15-20 minutes vs. the 10 minutes. If needed, you can substitute with a dairy-free or nut-free milk.
- Lemon Juice: You want to use fresh lemon juice as store-bought lemon juice in a jar or can isn't as acidic.
- Vinegar: You want to make sure you use a clear (or almost clear) vinegar like plain distilled vinegar, apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar. Each are similar in acidity levels.
- Sour Cream: Make sure you use full-fat sour cream for the best results.