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How to Make Homemade Buttermilk from Milk and Vinegar!

How to Make Homemade Buttermilk from Milk and Vinegar!

October 28, 2025
Quick, frugal homemade buttermilk made from milk and vinegar. Perfect for savory recipes, marinades, and baking on a budget! 
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Makes: 1 cup
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings: 1 cup
Course: Frugal Kitchen Tips, Ingredient
Cuisine: American
Calories: 149

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup milk - whole or 2% will work
  • 1 tbsp distilled white vinegar

Equipment

  • Measuring cups and spoon
  • Measuring jug
  • spoon or whisk

Method
 

  1. 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.
  2. Stir in 1 tablespoon of distilled white vinegar. Mix gently, just enough to combine.
  3. 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.
  4. Leave the mixture at room temperature for 10 minutes.
    You’ll notice it thickens slightly and takes on that familiar buttermilk-like consistency.
  5. 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

Calories: 149kcalCarbohydrates: 11gProtein: 8gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.3gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 29mgSodium: 93mgPotassium: 366mgSugar: 12gVitamin A: 395IUCalcium: 301mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.