Homemade Buttermilk Recipe

A jar of homemade buttermilk sitting on a counter.

4.93 from 13 votes

Learn how to make real cultured buttermilk the traditional way with just milk and a starter. This homemade buttermilk recipe delivers rich flavor, natural probiotics, and that classic tang you need for authentic biscuits, pancakes, and old-fashioned baking.

Prep Time5

Culturing Time18

Total Time18 5

Course: Drinks, Ingredient

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Buttermilk, Cultured Buttermilk

Servings: cups

Calories: 158kcal

Author: Melissa Norris

Cost: Varies

Equipment

Mason jar w/lid
Measuring Utensils

Ingredients

2 cups milk raw, whole, etc.
2 tablespoon buttermilk previously cultured, dehydrated cultures, or store-bought.

Instructions

Pour just under 2 cups of milk into a clean pint-size mason jar.
Add 2 tablespoons cultured buttermilk (be sure it says "live cultures" if it's store-bought) or read the instructions that came with your dehydrated cultures for the amount.
Place lid lightly on jar, allowing it to breathe, set it a warm area of your home away from other cultures or ferments.
Let sit for 8-12 hours.
Once it's as thick as you'd like, move it to the refrigerator and let it sit for 6-8 more hours. Your buttermilk is now ready to drink or use in recipes!

Notes

Recipe Tips:

When making cultured or fermented foods, you want to be sure to keep them about 6 feet away from other cultured or fermented foods. This is to avoid cross-contamination between cultures.
Let the mixture fully rest so the acid can properly sour the milk.
Use whole milk for the best flavor and texture.
Do not skip stirring, as it helps distribute the acid evenly.
For baking, use the buttermilk at room temperature for better results.
If using the cultured method, keep a little back to start your next batch.

How to Use Buttermilk:

This homemade buttermilk recipe works beautifully in:

This homemade pancake mix recipe for fluffy pancakes and waffles.
Old-fashioned buttermilk biscuits and scones
Homemade buttermilk ranch dressing
Marinade for buttermilk fried chicken strips.
Classic cakes and quick breads (try these bakery-style peach muffins or these old-fashioned blueberry muffins.
Starter culture for cheesemaking at home.

Storage Instructions:

To store your homemade buttermilk, pour it into an airtight container and refrigerate it, where it will stay fresh for about a week. If you notice any separation, just give it a quick stir before using.

Freezing is not recommended, as it can alter the texture and affect its performance in recipes.

Nutrition