6 Tasty Buttermilk Substitutes for Perfect Grilled Cheese Every Time

Buttermilk is a staple ingredient in many cooking and baking recipes, including grilled cheese. However, sometimes it can be difficult to find, or you may run out. In those cases, it’s good to know that there are several substitutes that can be used in their place. From yogurt to kefir, there are a number of options available to help you make your grilled cheese just as delicious as you want it to be.

Yogurt

Yogurt is a versatile and easily accessible substitute for buttermilk in grilled cheese. This substitute is made by fermenting milk with bacterial cultures, and it has a tangy and creamy flavor that mimics the tanginess of buttermilk. Additionally, yogurt has a similar texture and consistency to buttermilk, making it a great choice for recipes that require buttermilk as an ingredient.

To replace buttermilk with yogurt in grilled cheese, simply use an equal amount of yogurt as you would buttermilk. For example, if a recipe calls for 1 cup of buttermilk, you can use 1 cup of yogurt instead. Yogurt can be used in both the batter for the bread and the cheese filling for the grilled cheese, depending on the recipe.

It’s important to note that not all yogurts are created equal. For the best results, look for plain, unsweetened yogurt. This type of yogurt has the tangiest flavor and will not alter the taste of your grilled cheese. Additionally, some thicker yogurts may need to be thinned out with a little bit of milk to achieve the desired consistency.

Milk + Vinegar/Lemon Juice

Milk and lemon juice or white vinegar is another popular substitute for buttermilk in grilled cheese. This substitute works by adding acid to regular milk, which helps to imitate the tangy flavor of buttermilk. The acid also helps to activate baking powder and soda, which can make the bread in your grilled cheese recipe lighter and fluffier.

To replace buttermilk with milk and lemon juice or white vinegar, simply mix 1 cup of milk with one tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar. Stir the mixture and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it thickens and curdles. This will create a buttermilk-like consistency that can be used in place of buttermilk in your grilled cheese recipe.

Milk and cream of tartar

Milk and cream of tartar is another easy and accessible substitute for buttermilk in grilled cheese. Cream of tartar is a dry, white powder made from tartaric acid, a natural byproduct of wine production. When mixed with milk, cream of tartar creates a tangy flavor and thick consistency similar to buttermilk.

To replace buttermilk with milk and cream of tartar in grilled cheese, simply mix 1 cup of milk with 1 1/2 teaspoons of tartar. Stir the mixture until the cream of tartar has completely dissolved. This will create a buttermilk-like consistency that can be used in place of buttermilk in your grilled cheese recipe.

It’s important to note that cream of tartar can have a slightly bitter taste if too much is used, so it’s best to start with 1 1/2 teaspoons and adjust as needed. Additionally, the color of the milk may change slightly after adding the cream of tartar, but this will not affect the taste or texture of your grilled cheese.

Sour cream

Sour cream is another commonly used substitute for buttermilk in grilled cheese. Sour cream is made by fermenting cream with bacterial cultures, which gives it a tangy flavor and thick, creamy texture. When used in grilled cheese, sour cream helps to add moisture and flavor to the cheese filling and can make the bread more tender and fluffy.

To replace buttermilk with sour cream in grilled cheese, simply use an equal amount of sour cream as you would buttermilk. For example, if a recipe calls for 1 cup of buttermilk, you can use 1 cup of sour cream instead. For the best results, look for a full-fat sour cream. This type of sour cream has the richest flavor and will not alter the taste of your grilled cheese.

Milk and cultured buttermilk powder

Buttermilk powder is a dried form of buttermilk that can be reconstituted with water to make a liquid that can be used as a substitute for fresh buttermilk in grilled cheese. This buttermilk substitute is convenient and has a long shelf life, making it a great option for those who do not regularly use buttermilk.

To replace buttermilk with buttermilk powder in grilled cheese, simply mix the powder with water according to the package instructions. This will create a buttermilk-like liquid that can be used in place of fresh buttermilk in your grilled cheese recipe.

Kefir

You can also use kefir in place of buttermilk for your favorite grilled cheese. This ingredient is a fermented milk product that is similar in flavor and consistency to buttermilk. It is made by adding kefir grains, which are a mixture of yeast and lactic acid bacteria, to milk. The grains ferment the milk, creating a tangy, sour-tasting liquid that is similar to buttermilk. One thing to keep in mind is that some kefirs may have added ingredients, such as fruit or other sweeteners, so it’s best to check the label and choose a plain, unsweetened kefir for the best results.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are several alternatives to buttermilk that can be used in grilled cheese, including yogurt, milk and lemon juice, milk and cream of tartar, sour cream, buttermilk powder, and kefir. Each of these substitutes has its own unique flavor and consistency that can be used to create delicious and satisfying grilled cheese. Whether you’re looking for an easy-to-find alternative or want to try something new, these substitutes are a great way to bring tangy, sour flavor to your grilled cheese without using traditional buttermilk. Regardless of which substitute you choose, it’s important to follow the recipe and adjust as needed to ensure that the flavor and consistency of your grilled cheese are just right.

Note: While these substitutes are great for marinades, they may not work as well in baking recipes that rely on the unique chemistry of buttermilk. So, if you’re in doubt, it’s always best to stick with the original ingredient.