What To Do With Buttermilk After Making Butter: Solved

Last Updated on April 22, 2024 by Lori Walker

Despite some individuals opting to discard it, buttermilk – a byproduct of butter creation – can be an appetizing and adaptable ingredient in a variety of dishes.

Buttermilk has a tangy and slightly acidic flavor that can enhance the taste of many dishes, from baked goods to marinades and dressings.

If you’ve recently made butter and have leftover buttermilk, don’t throw it away.

I’ll show you what to do with buttermilk after making butter so that you can enjoy its unique flavor and texture in various dishes.

Table of Contents

6 Things To Do With Buttermilk After Making Butter

1. Bake With It

Baking with buttermilk is a classic way to use leftover butter after making butter. Buttermilk adds a tangy flavor, creating a tender and moist texture in baked goods.

It’s a popular ingredient in pancakes, waffles, biscuits [1], and cakes.

“Buttermilk’s encore after churning butter, a versatile elixir that dances from scones to pancakes, a culinary encore that never misses a beat.”
– Leonelli Bakery

Buttermilk is also a great ingredient to use in recipes that call for baking soda, as the acid in the buttermilk reacts with the baking soda to create carbon dioxide, which helps the dough or batter rise.

When using buttermilk in baking, it’s essential to adjust the recipe’s leavening agents accordingly.

But what’s the difference between whipped and regular butter?

2. Make Salad Dressings

Another great way to use leftover buttermilk after making butter is to make salad dressings. Buttermilk is a perfect base for creamy dressings like ranch or blue cheese.

The tangy flavor of the buttermilk pairs well with the savory flavors of the herbs and spices used in these dressings.

Making your salad dressings with buttermilk allows you to control the quality of the ingredients, and you can adjust the flavor to suit your taste.

Combine buttermilk with herbs, spices, and other flavorings, such as garlic, onion, and lemon juice, to create a delicious dressing that can elevate any salad.

Dressings made with buttermilk are also great as dips for vegetables or topping for baked potatoes.

3. Marinade Meats

Marinating meats with buttermilk is another creative way to use up leftover buttermilk after making butter. Buttermilk has natural acidity that can help tenderize the meat and add a subtle tangy flavor.

“I like milk. I’m a dairy queen.”
– Melanie Martinez, American Singer-Songwriter

It works particularly well with chicken, as it can help break down the protein and create juicy and flavorful meat. Marinate the meat in buttermilk for a few hours, then proceed with your recipe as usual.

Buttermilk is also a great ingredient in fried chicken recipes, as it helps create a crispy and flavorful crust. If you want to add variety to your meat dishes, try marinating them in buttermilk for a unique and delicious flavor.

4. Make Soups & Stews.

Using buttermilk [2] in soups and stews is another excellent way to use leftover buttermilk after making butter.

Buttermilk can add a tangy and creamy flavor to soups and stews, which can help balance out the savory and rich flavors of the broth and meat.

It’s especially great in vegetable-based soups, such as tomato soup or corn chowder, as it can help enhance the natural flavors of the vegetables.

Add the buttermilk towards the end of the cooking process, as boiling it can cause it to curdle.

Find out what you can do with milk solids from clarified butter here.

5. Use It In Smoothies

Using buttermilk in smoothies is another unique way to use leftover butter after making butter.

Buttermilk adds a tangy flavor and a creamy texture to smoothies, which can help balance out the fruits’ sweetness and the smoothie’s thickness.

Buttermilk is an excellent source of calcium, protein, and other nutrients, making it a healthy addition to any smoothie recipe.

Combining buttermilk with your favorite fruits, vegetables, and sweeteners creates a nutritious and delicious drink.

Smoothies made with buttermilk can also be an excellent breakfast option or a post-workout drink.

Also Read: How Long Does Canned Apple Butter Stay Good?

6. Make Mashed Potatoes

Making mashed potatoes with buttermilk is a classic way to use up leftover buttermilk after making butter. Buttermilk can add a tangy flavor and a creamy texture to mashed potatoes, elevating this classic side dish to the next level.

It’s an excellent substitute for milk or cream, as it can add extra flavor and nutrients to the dish. Boil the potatoes until tender, and then mash them with buttermilk, butter, and other seasonings, such as salt and pepper, to taste.

Mashed potatoes made with buttermilk can be a great addition to any meal, whether a weeknight dinner or a holiday feast.

Read:

FAQs

How long does buttermilk last after making butter?

The shelf life of buttermilk after making butter depends on how it’s stored. If refrigerated in an airtight container, buttermilk can last up to two weeks after making butter.

However, it can spoil within a few hours if left at room temperature. It’s important to note that the quality and taste of buttermilk can deteriorate over time, so it’s best to use it within the recommended time frame.

How do you wash buttermilk out of butter?

Place the butter in a large bowl of ice-cold water and knead it with your hands. The water will turn cloudy as the buttermilk is released from the butter. Change the water and repeat the process until the water remains clear.

Knead the butter in ice-cold water to remove any remaining buttermilk and to help it firm up. Once you have washed the buttermilk out of the butter, you can wrap it in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container and refrigerate or freeze it until ready to use.

In Conclusion

Buttermilk is a versatile ingredient that can be used in many ways after making butter. From baking to marinades, soups, stews, and even smoothies, buttermilk can add a unique tangy flavor and creamy texture to various dishes.

It’s important to note that buttermilk can spoil quickly if left at room temperature, so it’s best to refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to two weeks or freeze it for up to three months.

Using buttermilk creatively, you can elevate your cooking and baking to new heights and make the most of your leftover buttermilk after making butter.

References:

https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/20075/basic-biscuits/
https://www.foodnetwork.com/how-to/packages/food-network-essentials/how-to-make-buttermilk

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Lori Walker

Lori is a self-taught baker and former owner of a successful bakery. She shares her love for baking through her blog, featuring delicious recipes, baking tips, and a behind-the-scenes look at running a bakery. You can speak with her directly at [email protected].