There’s something special about biscuits that come out of the oven golden brown, crispy on the edges, and melt-in-your-mouth soft on the inside. But these Ham and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits? They take things to another level. They’re buttery, cheesy, and packed with bits of savory ham—all while being ridiculously easy to make. No rolling, no kneading, no fuss.
If you’ve never heard of butter swim biscuits, they’re exactly what they sound like: biscuits that literally “swim” in melted butter as they bake. This method makes them insanely tender and flavorful, with a crisp, golden crust that’s downright irresistible. The best part? Everything comes together in one bowl, and there’s no need for cutting out individual biscuits—just bake, slice, and serve!
Let’s get into the details, because once you try these, they’re bound to become a staple in your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love These Biscuits
Ultra-Buttery & Soft – The butter bath ensures a rich, tender biscuit every time.
Easy, No-Knead Recipe – Just mix, pour, and bake. No rolling or cutting needed!
Loaded with Flavor – Savory ham, melty cheese, and a crisp, buttery crust.
Perfect for Any Meal – Great for breakfast, brunch, or even a quick snack.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Biscuits:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour – Spoon and level for accuracy.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder – Helps them rise beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon salt – Enhances the flavors.
- 1 tablespoon sugar – Just a touch for balance.
- 1 cup buttermilk – Keeps them soft and adds a slight tang.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – Sharp cheddar melts beautifully, but any cheese works.
- ½ cup diced ham – A great way to use up leftover ham!
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder – Optional, but adds a great depth of flavor.
For the Butter Bath:
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter – Melted in the baking dish for that golden crust.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven & Prepare the Butter
Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Place the butter in a 9×9-inch baking dish and pop it into the oven while it preheats. You want the butter fully melted, but don’t let it burn!
2. Mix the Biscuit Dough
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, and garlic powder (if using).
Pour in the buttermilk and stir until just combined. The dough will be thick and sticky—that’s exactly what we want! (source:Ineskohl.info)
Fold in the shredded cheddar cheese and diced ham until evenly distributed.
3. Pour the Dough into the Butter
Carefully remove the hot baking dish from the oven. The butter should be fully melted and bubbling slightly.
Drop the biscuit dough right into the butter and use a spatula to gently spread it out into an even layer. Don’t mix the butter into the dough—just let it surround the biscuits for that signature crisp edge!
4. Score the Dough Before Baking
Using a knife, lightly score the dough into 9 even squares. This helps them bake evenly and makes cutting them easier once they’re done.
5. Bake Until Golden & Perfect
Bake for 22-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crisp. You’ll know they’re done when the edges are deep golden and pulling away from the sides of the pan.
6. Let Them Rest & Slice
Once out of the oven, let the biscuits rest for 5 minutes before slicing along the scored lines. This helps them set and makes them easier to remove.
Serve warm, and enjoy every buttery, cheesy, ham-filled bite!
How to Serve These Biscuits
These biscuits are incredibly versatile. Here are a few ideas:
- For Breakfast: Serve with scrambled eggs or a fried egg on top.
- As a Snack: Just grab one and enjoy—no toppings needed!
- With Soup or Chili: The buttery richness pairs perfectly with hearty soups.
- For Brunch: Drizzle with honey or serve alongside a fruit salad.
They’re just as good on their own as they are paired with something else!
Tips for the Best Butter Swim Biscuits
Use Cold Buttermilk – Cold liquid helps create a light, tender biscuit.
Don’t Overmix – Stir until just combined for the fluffiest texture.
Preheat the Dish with Butter – This gives the biscuits that crispy, golden crust.
Shred Your Own Cheese – Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents, which can affect melting.
Storing & Reheating
- Fridge: Store leftover biscuits in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
- Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes, or microwave for about 20 seconds.
- Freeze: Wrap individual biscuits in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, bake at 375°F for 10-12 minutes from frozen.
Final Thoughts
These Ham and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits are everything you want in a biscuit—buttery, cheesy, soft inside, and crisp on the edges. Whether you’re making them for breakfast, a side dish, or just because you’re craving something comforting, they’re guaranteed to be a hit.
Give them a try, and let me know how they turn out! 😊 Happy baking!
