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16 Buttermilk Recipes That Deliver On It’s Ability To Make Great Flavor In Food

Whether you’re flipping pancakes, baking biscuits, or brining chicken, these buttermilk recipes bring big flavor with minimal effort. From sweet breakfast favorites to savory sides and mains, each one is simple to pull off and worth coming back to.

Many of these recipes take less than 30 minutes and use pantry-friendly ingredients, making them perfect for everyday meals and weekend treats. You’ll also find creative spins—like herb-stuffed biscuits or sheet pan pancakes—that keep things interesting.

So if you’ve got buttermilk on hand or just love that rich, tangy flavor, this list is packed with dishes to try. Find your next go-to recipe and start cooking!

IHOP Buttermilk Pancakes: Restaurant-Perfect Fluffiness at Home

IHOP Buttermilk Pancakes: Restaurant-Perfect Fluffiness at Home. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

Make IHOP-style pancakes at home with this easy recipe that delivers that signature fluff and flavor. No box mix needed—just classic ingredients and a quick cook time for a perfect breakfast stack.
Get the Recipe: IHOP Buttermilk Pancakes: Restaurant-Perfect Fluffiness at Home

Gruyere Herb Buttermilk Biscuits

Gruyere Herb Buttermilk Biscuits. Photo credit: Life Currents.

These buttery biscuits are packed with Gruyere cheese and fresh herbs. Flaky, tender, and golden on the outside, they’re a savory upgrade to classic buttermilk biscuits—great for brunch or holiday dinners.
Get the Recipe: Gruyere Herb Buttermilk Biscuits

Buttermilk Ranch Dressing 

Buttermilk Ranch Dressing . Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Ditch the bottle—this 5-minute homemade ranch is creamy, tangy, and packed with flavor. A simple, fresh dressing for salads, wings, or dipping veggies that’s hard to beat once you’ve tried it.
Get the Recipe: Buttermilk Ranch Dressing 

Christmas Pancakes

Christmas Pancakes. Photo credit: Walking On Sunshine Recipes.

Add some fun to your holiday mornings with these sprinkle-filled buttermilk pancakes. They’re soft, fluffy, and festive enough to get everyone excited for breakfast—kids and grownups included.
Get the Recipe: Christmas Pancakes

Buttermilk Pie

Buttermilk Pie. Photo credit: Stetted.

This classic Southern pie has a rich, custard-like filling with a hint of lemon. It’s easy to bake and perfect for holidays, potlucks, or when you want a simple dessert with timeless flavor.
Get the Recipe: Buttermilk Pie

Buttermilk Biscuits

Buttermilk Biscuits. Photo credit: Stetted.

These classic buttermilk biscuits bake up soft and flaky with a buttery flavor that’s hard to resist. Ideal for breakfast with jam, or as a side for soups, stews, and everything in between.
Get the Recipe: Buttermilk Biscuits

Buttermilk Waffles

Buttermilk Waffles. Photo credit: Stetted.

Light and crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside—these buttermilk waffles are easy to make and perfect for weekend breakfasts or brunch with your favorite toppings.
Get the Recipe: Buttermilk Waffles

Buttermilk Pancakes

Buttermilk Pancakes. Photo credit: Stetted.

These quick pancakes are soft, moist, and full of flavor thanks to the buttermilk. A great go-to breakfast recipe that’s ready in minutes and always a hit with the whole family.
Get the Recipe: Buttermilk Pancakes

Buttermilk Cornbread

Buttermilk Cornbread. Photo credit: Stetted.

This fluffy cornbread has a light sweetness and tender crumb. Made with buttermilk for extra richness, it’s a great side for chili, soups, or holiday meals.
Get the Recipe: Buttermilk Cornbread

Buttermilk Cornmeal Pancakes

Buttermilk Cornmeal Pancakes. Photo credit: The Creative Bite.

Cornmeal adds texture and a slight crunch to these hearty buttermilk pancakes. Great for those who like a more filling, savory twist on traditional pancakes.
Get the Recipe: Buttermilk Cornmeal Pancakes

Easy Buttermilk Pancakes

Easy Buttermilk Pancakes. Photo credit: Walking On Sunshine Recipes.

Skip the mix and make these light and fluffy pancakes from scratch. With just a few pantry staples and a splash of buttermilk, you’ll have breakfast ready in no time.
Get the Recipe: Easy Buttermilk Pancakes

Buttermilk Brined Grilled Chicken Wings

Buttermilk Brined Grilled Chicken Wings. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

A buttermilk brine keeps these grilled wings juicy and tender, while the grill adds charred, crispy edges. Great for cookouts or game day, no sauce required.
Get the Recipe: Buttermilk Brined Grilled Chicken Wings

Smoked Buttermilk Fried Chicken

Smoked Buttermilk Fried Chicken. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

Classic buttermilk fried chicken gets a smoky upgrade in this recipe. Crispy, juicy, and full of flavor, it’s a great main dish when you want comfort food with a twist.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Buttermilk Fried Chicken

Best Buttermilk Pancake Recipe

Best Buttermilk Pancake Recipe. Photo credit: The Creative Bite.

This tried-and-true pancake recipe gives you golden, fluffy pancakes every time. Simple ingredients and a short cook time make it a breakfast staple you’ll use again and again.
Get the Recipe: Best Buttermilk Pancake Recipe

Skillet Buttermilk Butter Biscuits

Skillet Buttermilk Butter Biscuits. Photo credit: Life Currents.

These “butter swim” biscuits bake in a cast iron skillet for a crispy edge and buttery, tender center. Dense, rich, and satisfying—perfect for weekend breakfasts or soaking up gravy.
Get the Recipe: Skillet Buttermilk Butter Biscuits

Easy Sheet Pan Buttermilk Pancakes – TikTok Recipe

Easy Sheet Pan Buttermilk Pancakes – TikTok Recipe. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

This TikTok-inspired recipe bakes pancake batter on a sheet pan for quick and easy servings. Great for feeding a crowd or making ahead—just slice and serve with syrup or fruit.
Get the Recipe: Easy Sheet Pan Buttermilk Pancakes – TikTok Recipe