If you’re craving a biscuit experience that’s melt-in-your-mouth tender, decadently buttery, and impossibly easy, you absolutely need to try this Butter Swim Biscuits Recipe. It’s the kind of comfort food that brings back memories of cozy kitchens and family gatherings, yet it’s so simple you can whip it up any day of the week! These biscuits practically float in a pool of golden butter as they bake, resulting in crisp edges, fluffy layers, and a rich flavor that’s irresistible. Whether you’re serving them for breakfast, alongside soup, or as a snack, this recipe will quickly become your go-to favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Butter Swim Biscuits Recipe keeps things wonderfully straightforward, proving that a few pantry staples can combine to create something truly magical. Each ingredient plays an important role, so don’t skimp or swap where you don’t have to—the result is well worth it!
- All-purpose flour: The sturdy foundation for tender, fluffy biscuits that rise beautifully every time.
- Granulated sugar: Just a touch for subtle sweetness that enhances the overall flavor without overpowering the savory notes.
- Baking powder: The secret to that gorgeous, high rise and light texture we all love in a biscuit.
- Salt: Balances the flavors and brings out the delicious buttery notes in every bite.
- Cold buttermilk: Gives the biscuits a tangy lift and helps create that signature tender crumb—don’t substitute regular milk if you can help it!
- Unsalted butter (melted): The star of the show, creating those dreamy golden edges as the biscuits bake right in a pool of rich butter.
How to Make Butter Swim Biscuits Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by getting your oven nice and hot at 450°F (232°C). High heat is key for biscuits that puff up tall and bake to a beautiful golden brown. While the oven preheats, melt your butter and get your baking dish ready—this step sets the stage for that signature “swimming” effect!
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Make sure everything is evenly combined—this helps the biscuits rise evenly and ensures every bite is perfectly seasoned.
Step 3: Add the Buttermilk
Pour the cold buttermilk into your dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. The dough should look a little shaggy and lumpy, and that’s a good thing. Overmixing leads to tough biscuits, so resist the temptation to keep stirring!
Step 4: Butter Bath
Now comes the fun part: pour the melted butter into an 8×8-inch baking dish, tilting it to coat the bottom evenly. Then transfer your biscuit dough right on top of the butter. Use a spatula or lightly greased hands to gently spread the dough out so it fills the dish evenly.
Step 5: Score and Bake
Take a butter knife and lightly cut the dough into 9 squares. This step helps the biscuits bake up evenly and makes them super easy to separate when they’re done. Pop the dish in the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean from the center.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
Let the biscuits cool for about 5 minutes before serving. This gives them a moment to set and soak up any extra buttery goodness from the pan. Then, get ready to dig in!
How to Serve Butter Swim Biscuits Recipe
Garnishes
A pat of extra butter melting over a warm biscuit is always a classic move, but you can also sprinkle on a little flaky sea salt or fresh chopped herbs like chives or parsley for a pop of color and flavor. A brush of honey or a drizzle of hot honey can take these biscuits to the next level for those who love sweet and savory together!
Side Dishes
These biscuits are the perfect sidekick for so many dishes. Serve them alongside hearty soups, a steaming bowl of chili, or your favorite breakfast eggs and bacon. They also shine next to fried chicken or as the base for a sausage gravy breakfast—honestly, you can’t go wrong.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re feeling playful, try splitting them and stuffing with ham and cheese for mini sandwiches, or use them as the base for a delicious strawberry shortcake dessert. For brunch, cut the biscuits into smaller squares before baking for bite-sized treats that are perfect for a crowd.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover biscuits? Lucky you! Store any extras in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For slightly longer storage, pop them in the fridge; they’ll stay fresh for about four days. Just make sure they’re completely cooled before sealing to prevent sogginess.
Freezing
The Butter Swim Biscuits Recipe is freezer-friendly, too. Once completely cooled, wrap each biscuit individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep their buttery flavor and tender texture for up to two months in the freezer.
Reheating
To bring that fresh-baked magic back, reheat biscuits in a 300°F oven for 8–10 minutes, or until warmed through. If you’re in a hurry, a quick zap in the microwave (wrapped in a damp paper towel) will do the trick, though the oven method keeps them closer to their original texture.
FAQs
Can I use self-rising flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute self-rising flour, but be sure to omit the baking powder and reduce the salt slightly, since self-rising flour already contains both.
What if I don’t have buttermilk?
No buttermilk? No problem! You can make a quick substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to a measuring cup, then filling to the 1 3/4 cup mark with milk. Stir and let sit for 5 minutes before using.
Can I add cheese or herbs to the dough?
Absolutely! A handful of shredded cheddar or a few teaspoons of dried herbs (like rosemary or thyme) mixed into the dough can add extra flavor and flair to your Butter Swim Biscuits Recipe.
Why do I need to cut the dough into squares before baking?
Scoring the dough before baking helps the biscuits bake evenly and makes them easy to separate once they’re done. It’s a simple trick that ensures every biscuit comes out perfectly shaped and fluffy.
Are these biscuits good for breakfast sandwiches?
They’re perfect! Just split them and fill with eggs, cheese, bacon, or your favorite breakfast fillings for a buttery, indulgent breakfast sandwich that’s better than anything you’ll get at a drive-thru.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about pulling a pan of golden, buttery biscuits from the oven, and this Butter Swim Biscuits Recipe makes it easier than ever to enjoy that homemade goodness. Give it a try—you might just find yourself making them for every occasion, or even just because. Happy baking!
Print
Butter Swim Biscuits Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 9 biscuits
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Butter Swim Biscuits are a classic Southern-style biscuit recipe featuring a tender, buttery dough soaked in melted butter in the baking dish, resulting in rich, golden, and flaky biscuits perfect for pairing with soups, stews, or breakfast dishes.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups buttermilk (cold)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick, melted)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 450°F (232°C) to ensure it reaches the proper temperature for a crisp and golden biscuit crust.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until fully combined.
- Add Buttermilk: Pour the cold buttermilk into the dry ingredients and gently stir until the mixture just comes together. Avoid overmixing to keep the biscuits light and tender.
- Prepare Butter in Baking Dish: Pour the melted butter into an 8×8-inch baking dish, tilting it to evenly coat the bottom. This butter bath helps the biscuits soak and creates a deliciously moist texture.
- Transfer Dough to Dish: Scoop the biscuit dough into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula or your lightly greased hands.
- Score the Dough: Using a butter knife, cut the dough into 9 equal squares. This scoring assists with even baking and makes the biscuits easy to separate after baking.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the tops turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center of a biscuit comes out clean.
- Rest and Serve: Remove from the oven and allow the biscuits to rest for 5 minutes before serving warm for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For an extra flavor twist, add a pinch of garlic powder or dried herbs like rosemary or thyme to the dough.
- These biscuits are best enjoyed warm and make a fantastic side for soups, stews, or breakfast dishes.
- Handle the dough gently to maintain a fluffy texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 biscuit
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
