Can You Freeze Buttermilk?

Can you freeze buttermilk? We’ve all experienced buying a carton of buttermilk to make grandma’s famous pancakes, only to be stuck with leftovers. Weeks later, a half-empty carton is wasting away in your fridge. The good news is yes, you can freeze buttermilk for later use. Freezing buttermilk helps reduce food waste and saves you time and money at the grocery store.

From tangy ranch dressing to family recipes for cornbread, there are many creative ways to use leftover buttermilk, so don’t throw it away! Instead, save it in the freezer to cook with another day.

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• Can You Freeze Buttermilk for Later Use?
• How To Freeze Buttermilk
• How To Thaw Frozen Buttermilk

Can You Freeze Buttermilk for Later Use?

If you're asking yourself “Can you freeze buttermilk for later use?” then you'll be please to know that yes, you can freeze buttermilk and use it for a multitude of different recipes. This fermented beverage keeps well in the freezer for an extended amount of time. Freezing buttermilk is a great way to keep it on hand for recipes that only require a small amount. From breakfast buttermilk blueberry muffins to a hearty buttermilk chicken sandwich there are many reasons to keep your fridge stocked with buttermilk. 

It should be noted that freezing buttermilk can degrade the texture, making it grainy and less creamy over time. This is perfectly fine if the buttermilk is baked into a dish for flavor. The slightly grainy texture won’t be noticeable in a baked or cooked recipe but might not taste great in an uncooked recipe such as a glaze or icing.

Can You Freeze Homemade Buttermilk?

You might also be wondering whether you can freeze buttermilk you've made at home. Again, the answer is yes. Don’t let all your hard work go to waste — freeze your homemade buttermilk and avoid unnecessary food waste. Freezing dairy products can cause separation, but this can easily be remedied by gently whisking the thawed buttermilk until it returns to a normal consistency.

Can You Freeze Buttermilk in the Carton?

Can you freeze buttermilk in the same carton it came in? Yes, you can freeze buttermilk in its original carton, but only after some of it has been used. The liquid needs room to expand, so make sure a decent amount has been used before freezing. Storing buttermilk in the carton can be a time saver and is quick and easy, requiring no extra steps. Using the original carton is also great for the environment and reduces the amount of extra plastic in landfills.

Can You Freeze Buttermilk After Opening?

Can you freeze buttermilk after opening? It is perfectly fine to freeze buttermilk after it has been opened. Buttermilk lasts in the fridge for about two weeks, depending on the expiration date. It is safe to freeze the opened buttermilk anytime during those two weeks as long as it does not show signs of spoilage such as mold growth, an extremely lumpy texture or a very sour odor. Don’t be tempted to use old buttermilk because it is technically already spoiled milk. Once buttermilk goes bad, the flavor changes from a rich, creamy tang to a bitter, off-putting taste.

Can You Freeze Buttermilk Pie?

Buttermilk pie is a Southern staple and a deliciously rich old-fashioned treat. This pie is a great way to use up leftover buttermilk for a custardy after-dinner treat. But can you freeze buttermilk pie after baking? Yes! In fact, you can freeze buttermilk pie for a couple of months with no ill effects. When freezing baked goods, it is best to wrap them in multiple layers of plastic wrap and then foil to ensure freshness. Another good way to freeze buttermilk pie is to package it in an airtight container such as a resealable freezer bag.

Can You Freeze Buttermilk Biscuits?

Buttermilk biscuits are a tangy and fluffy breakfast dish great for smothering with sausage gravy or covering in sweet jelly. These breakfast breads are easy to make and store well in the freezer. To ensure your biscuits stay fresh, wrap them in a layer of plastic wrap, then a layer of foil and seal in a freezer-safe bag.

How To Freeze Buttermilk

There are many ways to freeze buttermilk. The most precise way is to measure out the amount of buttermilk you want to freeze and put it in a ziplock bag. Label and date the bag, then lay it flat to freeze. Freezing the bag flat makes storage easier because the bags can be neatly stacked. If you have a go-to recipe that requires buttermilk, by measuring out the right quantity for that recipe before freezing, you can thaw exactly the right amount when you need it.

Can you freeze buttermilk in an ice cube tray? This popular hack, used for everything from stock cubes to fruity water infusers, also works for leftover buttermilk. To freeze buttermilk in an ice cube tray, fill the tray and allow it to freeze solid. Once the cubes are frozen, pop them out and seal them in a ziplock bag for freshness. Don’t forget to label the bag and toss the cubes when they are old.

Can You Freeze Buttermilk in a Plastic Container?

Can you freeze buttermilk in a plastic container? Yes, buttermilk can be frozen in a sealed plastic container. Just make sure to leave room at the top for the liquid to expand while freezing. Deli cups are a convenient and cheap container for freezing buttermilk. They come in many sizes and stack easily for organization. Buttermilk can also be frozen in a sealed glass container. When freezing buttermilk in a container, measure the liquid in half-cup increments to make thawing for a recipe more precise. Don’t forget to date and label your buttermilk before freezing for food safety.

How Long Can You Freeze Buttermilk?

Now that you’ve learned all the tips and tricks for keeping buttermilk fresh in the freezer, the next question is how long can you freeze buttermilk? If frozen properly, buttermilk can last in the freezer for up to three months. Make sure every package of buttermilk is properly labeled with the date it was frozen and toss it after three months.  

How To Thaw Frozen Buttermilk

How do you defrost buttermilk? When using buttermilk in soups or stews, you can skip the thawing and just toss the frozen buttermilk into the pan and let it heat through. You do need to defrost frozen buttermilk when using it for baked goods and there are a couple of handy options.

If you are defrosting buttermilk cubes, put them in a bowl and microwave until defrosted. Only microwave for 30 seconds at a time to avoid burning the buttermilk.

To thaw frozen buttermilk stored in a container or freezer bag, place it under cool running water until the buttermilk thaws. For rapid defrosting, place the bag or container in a bowl of warm water, just be sure not to make the water too hot to avoid cooking the milk.

How To Use Frozen Buttermilk

Frozen buttermilk can be used in a variety of popular recipes. Frozen buttermilk cubes can be tossed into soups and stews such as loaded baked potato soup or chilled beet soup. It can also be used in breakfast foods such as fluffy biscuits and pancakes. Add thawed buttermilk to baked goods like pound cake, rich chocolate cake or glazed homemade doughnuts. You can also use buttermilk for savory dishes such as buttermilk chicken tenders and creamy buttermilk ranch dipping sauce. 

There are many innovative ways to use buttermilk to make a delicious dish. Keeping frozen buttermilk on hand ensures you always have fresh buttermilk to whip up your favorite recipes. If you don’t have any buttermilk, there are a variety of buttermilk substitutes you can use to achieve the same effect in recipes.

Lots of people want to know whether you can freeze buttermilk. Fortunately, it's an easy question to answer. This popular ingredient is used in a number of favorite recipes by chefs and gourmands around the world. By freezing it with the above tips and tricks, you can have handy, ready-portioned amounts to use precisely when you need them, without needlessly throwing that half-empty carton that you haven't used away.

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