How Much Greek Yogurt to Substitute for Buttermilk
Works for baking, sauteing, and slow cook. Greek Yogurt keeps a similar flavor profile to Buttermilk.
How much greek yogurt equals one cup of buttermilk and thin with 2 tablespoons milk if batter looks stiff?
Use 3/4 cup greek yogurt per cup buttermilk and thin with 2 tablespoons milk if batter looks stiff.
Health notes
Compared with Buttermilk, Greek Yogurt has: more calories (97 vs 62 per 100g in Buttermilk), more fat (5g vs 3.3g per 100g in Buttermilk), more protein (9g vs 3.2g per 100g in Buttermilk), and less carbs (4g vs 4.9g per 100g in Buttermilk).
Using greek yogurt as a buttermilk substitute in baking
Use 3/4 cup per cup buttermilk. Thicker texture; add 2 tbsp milk to thin if needed. Muffins and quick breads work well.
Other cooking methods
- Sauteing
3/4 cup per cup; stir in at the end to avoid curdling. Works for pan sauces and finishing dishes.
- Slow Cook
3/4 cup per cup; add near the end. Tanginess balances rich braises and stews.
- Steaming
3/4 cup per cup in steamed puddings and custards. Gentle heat prevents curdling.
- Raw Cold
3/4 cup per cup in dressings, dips, and marinades. Thicker texture adds body.
- Drinks
1:1 in smoothies and lassis. Thicker than buttermilk; blend well.
Methods to avoid (2)
- Frying
Not recommended: high heat causes separation and graininess.
- Grilling
Not recommended: won't stay stable on direct heat.
FAQ
- How much greek yogurt equals one cup of buttermilk and thin with 2 tablespoons milk if batter looks stiff?
Use 3/4 cup greek yogurt per cup buttermilk and thin with 2 tablespoons milk if batter looks stiff.
- Can I substitute greek yogurt for Buttermilk in baking?
Yes. Use 3/4 cup per cup buttermilk. Thicker texture; add 2 tbsp milk to thin if needed. Muffins and quick breads work well. Not recommended: high heat causes separation and graininess.
- How much greek yogurt to use as a buttermilk substitute?
Less tangy than buttermilk; add a squeeze of lemon if you want more brightness.
- How does the flavor change when substituting Greek Yogurt for Buttermilk?
Greek yogurt keeps a similar flavor profile to buttermilk.
- How does texture change when substituting Greek Yogurt for Buttermilk?
Greek yogurt denser, slightly thicker crumb. Less tender than buttermilk alone. More cling and body in sauces.
- What else should I know about substituting Greek Yogurt for Buttermilk?
For muffins, quick breads, and slow-cooked braises. Expect a denser, tangier crumb with more protein. Skip frying and grilling - high heat breaks the yogurt. Stir into hot dishes at the end to prevent curdling. Adds richness buttermilk lacks.
- What still works when substituting Greek Yogurt for Buttermilk?
Greek yogurt still works as a acid, moisture, tenderizer, and flavor carrier.
- What won't work when substituting Greek Yogurt for Buttermilk?
Greek yogurt won't work as a leavener.
- How well does Greek Yogurt match Buttermilk?
Greek yogurt is good on structure, okay on heat, and okay on flavor.
- How does nutrition compare per 100g when substituting Greek Yogurt for Buttermilk?
Greek yogurt is slightly higher in sat. fat, and has about x2 more calories and fat and x3 more protein.
- How do the flavor notes shift when substituting Greek Yogurt for Buttermilk?
The flavor shifts toward less acidic notes.