Can I substitute sour cream for buttermilk? Yes, although you'll likely want to thin it out with milk or water to achieve a buttermilk-like consistency.

However, if you're completely out of buttermilk and have absolutely no idea how to substitute with sour cream, the general ...

As this is not readily available or always to hand, I have resorted to adding a little vinegar to milk. What difference does buttermilk make to the recipe? What can be used as a substitute?

if you don't have a ready supply of buttermilk ... You can usually also use plain yoghurt as a substitute, but may need to thin it down with some milk so that it is a pourable consistency.

if you don't have a ready supply of buttermilk ... You can usually also use plain yoghurt as a substitute, but may need to thin it down with some milk so that it is a pourable consistency.