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Discover what buttermilk is, where to shop for it, and how to use it in our ingredient glossary
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Check out our guide to buttermilk, including where to buy it and plenty of recipe inspiration, then read about kefir, paneer and feta cheese.
What is buttermilk?
Buttermilk is a type of fermented dairy, made from the liquid left behind from churning butter from cultured or fermented cream. It’s widely known as a cooking ingredient, used in bakes such as soda bread as well as a marinade for meats including chicken and pork. Buttermilk can also be drunk straight, and is a common drink in India and Nepal. In the Arab countries, buttermilk is a common beverage served ice cold with other dairy products.
Try our easy buttermilk fried chicken burger recipe from Butchies in London. This crispy chicken fillet is marinated overnight and deep-fried for extra flavour.
Covered in a vibrant array of summer fruits and a lip-smacking peanut butter sauce, these light and fluffy pancakes from food writer John Gregory-Smith make a fabulous brunch for two, or dessert for four.
This easy soda bread recipe takes less than an hour to make, so is ideal for when you're in a hurry. It uses just four ingredients, including plain and wholemeal flour.
Buttermilk creates the juiciest chicken on the BBQ. It's delicious simply served in a bun, or try it with our smoky-sweet tomato and courgette sauce plus crunchy crumbs.
