Buttermilk’s tangy flavor and luxurious texture give these 9 recipes a boost

So much, and probably more than you realize. This cultured dairy product — what most people use these days, as opposed to the naturally occurring buttermilk left over after making butter — shines because of its tangy flavor and thick texture. Sure, I love a good batch of buttermilk pancakes (see below for my favorite recipe), and if that’s all you make with it, no judgment from me. If you’re open to some other possibilities, though, check out this mix of sweet and savory recipes from our archives.

Fluffy Buttermilk Pancakes. As promised, here’s my go-to pancake recipe. It’s an ideal weekend breakfast and takes whatever add-ins you want.

Classic Fried Chicken. An overnight bath in a spicy buttermilk brine tenderizes and flavors the meat in this beginner-friendly recipe.

I’ve been at this for a while now, so I’ve seen a lot of reader questions Here’s a homemade dressing very similar to ranch, which you can, of course, use on any salad you like.