Make This Simple and Savory Homemade Buttermilk Substitute Using Regular Milk and White Vinegar!
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Why Make Buttermilk at Home?
There’s nothing more frustrating than getting halfway through a recipe and realizing you’re missing one key ingredient. For me, that’s often buttermilk.
It’s one of those ingredients that feels like a luxury when you’re trying to stay on budget because you buy it for one recipe, use a splash, and then the rest quietly expires in the fridge.
This quick pantry trick saves me that headache every time. With just regular milk and a splash of vinegar, you can make your own buttermilk substitute in about ten minutes.
It’s cheap, easy, and works beautifully in most recipes that call for buttermilk.
I’ve already shared how to make buttermilk using evaporated milk and vinegar, which gives a slightly sweeter result that’s perfect for baking cakes and biscuits. But this version using plain milk instead of canned milk is a little different.
It’s less sweet, a bit lighter, and I find it especially good in recipes that have a savory edge like cornbread, ranch dressing, or marinades for chicken and pork.
It’s also perfect if you prefer to use what you already have in your fridge rather than opening a can from the pantry. This method gives you flexibility and saves money without sacrificing flavor or texture.
And just a reminder that if you’re struggling and you need help with managing your budget or starting your own debt free journey then here’s some FREE resources below you may find helpful!
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free tips and resources to make the most of what you have
As always, these photos are from my real kitchen here in our sweet military base home. No staged lighting or spotless marble counters. Just real life and real food made in a small space. Proof that you can feed your family well without needing a dream kitchen or fancy tools!
So head in to the kitchen with me today and let’s make some quick homemade buttermilk!
Equipment
- Measuring cups
- Tablespoon
- Small mixing bowl or measuring jug
- Spoon or whisk
Ingredients
- 1 cup milk (you can use 2% milk if that’s what you have but whole milk is best)
- 1 tablespoon white distilled vinegar (or lemon juice)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Measure your milk
Pour 1 cup of milk into a mixing jug or bowl. Whole milk gives the richest texture and most consistent results, but 2% or even 1% will work in a pinch.
Step 2. Add the vinegar
Stir in 1 tablespoon of distilled white vinegar. Mix gently, just enough to combine.
Step 3. Adjust if needed
If you’re using 2% milk, you may find the mixture doesn’t thicken quite as much. Add an extra ½ to 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to help it curdle properly and achieve that sour tang.
Step 4. Let it rest
Leave the mixture at room temperature for 10 minutes. You’ll notice it thickens slightly and takes on that familiar buttermilk-like consistency.
Step 5. Use or store
Use immediately in any recipe that calls for buttermilk. If you’re not using it straight away, it can be stored in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Stir before using if it separates.
Storage
- Best used the same day for peak flavor and texture.
- Can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Stir before using, as natural separation can occur.
- Can be frozen in 1-cup portions for up to 2 months. Thaw, stir well, and use for baking only.
Extra Tips
- The basic ratio is simple: 1 tablespoon vinegar per 1 cup of milk.
- Lemon juice can replace vinegar in equal measure.
- If you’re using 2% milk, add an extra splash of vinegar to get the right sourness.
- Use this homemade version for savory bakes like cornbread, biscuit dough, or marinades. It adds subtle tang without excess sweetness.
- For sweeter baked goods, try my Evaporated Milk and Vinegar Buttermilk Substitute instead!
Make This Recipe With Me!
Sometimes it’s just easier to watch a video than read a recipe card isn’t it?! So here’s a quick tutorial on how to make this simple and delicious recipe at home and on a budget – thank you for joining me in the kitchen today!
How to Make Homemade Buttermilk from Milk and Vinegar!
October 28, 2025Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Pour 1 cup of milk into a mixing jug or bowl. Whole milk gives the richest texture and most consistent results, but 2% or even 1% will work in a pinch.
- Stir in 1 tablespoon of distilled white vinegar. Mix gently, just enough to combine.
- If you’re using 2% milk, you may find the mixture doesn’t thicken quite as much. Add an extra ½ to 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to help it curdle properly and achieve that sour tang.
- Leave the mixture at room temperature for 10 minutes. You’ll notice it thickens slightly and takes on that familiar buttermilk-like consistency.
- Use immediately in any recipe that calls for buttermilk. If you’re not using it straight away, it can be stored in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Stir before using if it separates.
Video
Notes
Storage
- Best used the same day for peak flavor and texture.
- Can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Stir before using, as natural separation can occur.
- Can be frozen in 1-cup portions for up to 2 months. Thaw, stir well, and use for baking only.
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
The Takeaway
Homemade buttermilk from regular milk and vinegar is one of those clever kitchen hacks that saves money and keeps you cooking even when you’re out of the store-bought stuff.
It’s easy, fast, and gives you flexibility to suit sweet or savory recipes.
For everyday use, I reach for this version most often because it’s lighter and less sweet, perfect for savory dishes or quick breads.
It’s another simple win for the pantry and one more way to stretch your ingredients while staying on budget!
What to Read Next?
Share & Rate This Recipe!
If you tried this Easy Milk and Vinegar Buttermilk Substitute, please give it a quick star rating or share your thoughts in the comments below. Sharing your feedback helps others find it too!
Last update on 2026-03-08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
