Key Features of Buttermilk Bread:
- Tangy Flavor: The buttermilk gives it a mild, tangy taste that’s not overpowering but adds depth to the bread.
- Soft and Moist: The bread has a tender crumb and stays moist for longer than many other types of bread.
- Quick to Make: It’s a “quick bread,” meaning it doesn’t require yeast or long preparation time. You simply mix the ingredients, shape the dough, and bake.
Common Uses:
- As a Side: It’s often served alongside soups, stews, potjies or salads.
- For Sandwiches: Buttermilk bread makes a soft base for sandwiches.
- Toast: It can be toasted and served with butter, honey, or jam for breakfast.

Buttermilk bread is easy to make, versatile, and a delicious addition to many meals.
Here’s a simple recipe for Buttermilk Bread:
Ingredients:
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 ¼ cups buttermilk
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 egg (optional, for brushing)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, and baking soda.
- Combine Wet Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, mix the buttermilk and melted butter together until fully combined.
- Make the Dough:
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix — the dough will be slightly sticky.
- Shape the Dough:
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and shape it into a rough loaf shape. If you prefer, you can gently shape it into a round or oval.
- Bake:
- Place the dough into the prepared loaf pan. If you want a golden top, you can lightly brush the dough with a beaten egg before baking.
- Bake for about 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool:
- Allow the bread to cool for about 10 minutes in the pan, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips:
- You can add herbs or spices like rosemary or garlic for extra flavor.
- If you like a slightly richer bread, you can replace a portion of the buttermilk with sour cream.
- For an even fluffier texture, make sure not to overwork the dough.
Enjoy your delicious, soft, and slightly tangy buttermilk bread!