20 Southern Buttermilk Classics for Summer Suppers

Elevate your next backyard gathering with these buttermilk recipes that are sure to make the family excited for supper. These tried-and-true recipes are my favorites for a laid-back evening on the patio. The delightful tang of buttermilk combined with flaky layers adds a nostalgic charm to your warm summer table!

Classic Buttermilk Fried Chicken

Plates of fried chicken with mashed potatoes and corn on the cob, garnished with chopped herbs. — Buttermilk Fried Chicken. Photo credit: State of Dinner.

Crispy on the outside and incredibly juicy inside, this Southern favorite is packed with bold seasoning in every bite. A buttermilk marinade keeps the chicken tender, making it perfect for family dinners, cookouts, or whenever comfort food is calling.
Get the Recipe: Classic Buttermilk Fried Chicken

Classic Old Fashioned Buttermilk Biscuits

Rows of old fashioned buttermilk biscuits — Buttermilk Biscuits. Photo credit: State of Dinner.

Soft, flaky layers and a buttery finish make these biscuits impossible to resist. They're just as good with breakfast as they are alongside a hearty dinner, and everyone will want another one.
Get the Recipe: Classic Old Fashioned Buttermilk Biscuits

Rich Texas Sheet Cake with Buttermilk

A square slice of chocolate sheet cake with frosting on a white plate and a gold fork. — Texas Sheet Cake with Buttermilk. Photo credit: State of Dinner.

Rich chocolate cake topped with smooth fudge frosting never stays on the dessert table for long. Every slice is soft, moist, and perfect for celebrations, potlucks, or anytime you're craving something chocolatey.
Get the Recipe: Rich Texas Sheet Cake with Buttermilk

Sweet and Spicy Bacon Jalapeño Buttermilk Cornbread

Bacon Jalapeño Cornbread. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Moist, cheesy, and packed with crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, and candied jalapeños. It’s the ultimate crowd-pleasing side for chili, BBQ, or your next potluck!
Get the Recipe: Sweet and Spicy Bacon Jalapeño Cornbread

Soft Easy Buttermilk Dinner Rolls With Yeast

Buttermilk Dinner Rolls. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

Warm, fluffy rolls always make dinner feel a little more special. They bake up with a soft texture and just the right touch of richness, making them perfect for everything from weeknight meals to holiday tables.
Get the Recipe: Soft Easy Buttermilk Dinner Rolls With Yeast

Easy Buttermilk Brined Pork Chops

Grilled pork chops with herbs and two pats of butter served on a white plate with a fork and knife nearby. — Buttermilk Brined Pork Chops. Photo credit: My Kitchen Serenity.

A simple buttermilk brine helps keep every pork chop juicy, tender, and full of flavor. After a quick sear, dinner comes together with very little effort but tastes like you spent much longer in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Easy Buttermilk Brined Pork Chops

Homemade Strawberry Buttermilk Ice Cream

Strawberry Buttermilk Ice Cream. Photo credit: Easy Gluten Free Desserts.

Fresh strawberries and a hint of tanginess create a frozen dessert that's cool, creamy, and refreshing. It's the kind of treat everyone looks forward to on a warm summer day.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Strawberry Buttermilk Ice Cream

Creamy Red Cabbage Coleslaw with Buttermilk Dressing

Red Cabbage Coleslaw with Buttermilk Dressing. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

Crunchy cabbage tossed in a creamy, tangy dressing adds the perfect fresh bite to any meal. It goes especially well with barbecue, grilled meats, and sandwiches when you want something light on the side.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Red Cabbage Coleslaw with Buttermilk Dressing

Homemade Cheddar Hush Puppies with Buttermilk Dip

A plate of golden hush puppies with a dipping sauce and relish, on a wooden table. — Cheddar Hush Puppies. Photo credit: Ann's Entitled Life.

Golden, crispy bites with plenty of cheesy flavor make a delicious side for seafood, barbecue, or a casual dinner. They're just as easy to enjoy as a snack while they're still warm from the fryer.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Cheddar Hush Puppies

Buttermilk Fried Okra Recipe with Easy Dipping Sauce

Fried okra bites on parchment paper with a small bowl of dipping sauce on a wire rack. — Buttermilk Fried Okra Recipe. Photo credit: The Forked Spoon.

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Fresh okra fries up golden and crispy with a flavorful seasoned coating that's hard to resist. Pair it with a creamy dipping sauce and you've got a classic Southern side everyone will be talking about.
Get the Recipe: Buttermilk Fried Okra Recipe with Easy Dipping Sauce

Southern Fried Pickles with Buttermilk Dip

Fried Pickles with Buttermilk Dip. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

Crunchy, tangy pickles with a crispy coating are always a hit when friends and family gather. Add a creamy dip on the side, and you've got an appetizer everyone keeps reaching for.
Get the Recipe: Southern Fried Pickles with Buttermilk Dip

Southern Pea Salad with Herb Buttermilk Dressing

A bowl of sprouted moong salad with chopped tomatoes, cucumber, onions, and herbs, next to a creamy dressing. — Pea Salad with Herb Buttermilk Dressing. Photo credit: Grits and Pinecones.

Sweet peas tossed in a creamy herb dressing make a refreshing side that's full of bright flavor. It's a nice change from the usual picnic salads and fits right in at any summer gathering.
Get the Recipe: Southern Pea Salad with Herb Buttermilk Dressing

Southern Summer Squash Casserole Topped with Buttermilk Biscuits

Summer Squash Casserole Topped with Buttermilk Biscuits. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

Tender summer squash bakes into a comforting casserole with fluffy biscuits baked right on top. It's a great way to turn fresh garden vegetables into a meal the whole family will actually get excited about.
Get the Recipe: Southern Summer Squash Casserole Topped with Buttermilk Biscuits

Southern Buttermilk Fried Chicken Tenders

A plate of crispy fried chicken with three dipping sauces and a side of French fries on a white table. — Buttermilk Fried Chicken Tenders. Photo credit: The Buttery Fairytale.

Every bite is wonderfully crunchy on the outside while staying juicy and tender in the middle. They're always a crowd-pleaser for family dinners, game days, or whenever comfort food sounds good.
Get the Recipe: Southern Buttermilk Fried Chicken Tenders

Loaded Buttermilk Ranch Potato Salad with Bacon

Buttermilk Ranch Potato Salad with Bacon. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

Creamy potatoes, crispy bacon, cheese, and ranch dressing come together in every flavorful bite. It's always a welcome addition to cookouts, picnics, and potluck tables because everyone loves a hearty potato salad.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Buttermilk Ranch Potato Salad with Bacon

Crispy Baked Buttermilk Ritz Cracker Chicken

Buttermilk Ritz Cracker Chicken. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

Tender chicken gets coated in a buttery, cheesy cracker crust that bakes up wonderfully crisp. It's one of those easy dinners that feels comforting without spending hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Baked Buttermilk Ritz Cracker Chicken for Family Dinner

Spiced Pear Cobbler with Buttermilk Biscuits

A serving of apple crumble topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on a white plate with a spoon. — Pear Cobbler with Buttermilk Biscuits. Photo credit: Renee Nicole's Kitchen.

Sweet pears and warm spices bake beneath a fluffy biscuit topping for a dessert that feels cozy without being overly sweet. Add a scoop of ice cream and it's even better for sharing after dinner.
Get the Recipe: Spiced Pear Cobbler with Buttermilk Biscuits

Juicy Grilled Buttermilk Ranch Chicken Kabobs

Grilled Buttermilk Ranch Chicken Kabobs. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

A tangy buttermilk marinade keeps every piece of chicken tender while the ranch seasoning adds plenty of flavor. Throw them on the grill for an easy dinner that's made for warm evenings outside.
Get the Recipe: Juicy Grilled Buttermilk Ranch Chicken Kabobs

Easy Air Fryer Fried Buttermilk Chicken Sandwich

Fried chicken sandwich with lettuce, pickles, and sauce on a brioche bun. — Fried Chicken Sandwich. Photo credit: Rachel Phipps.

Crispy chicken tucked into a soft bun with pickles and a creamy sauce makes every bite satisfying. Using the air fryer keeps things simple while still delivering that classic crunch everyone loves.
Get the Recipe: Easy Air Fryer Fried Chicken Sandwich

Tender Lemon Garlic Buttermilk Chicken Breasts

Lemon Garlic Buttermilk Chicken Breasts. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

Bright lemon and savory garlic give every bite plenty of flavor while the buttermilk keeps the chicken wonderfully juicy. It's one of those reliable dinners you can pull together even on a busy night.
Get the Recipe: Tender Lemon Garlic Buttermilk Chicken Breasts