Name: Butter Swim Biscuits Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 1¾ cups buttermilk; ½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick), melted

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

If you’ve ever craved a biscuit so buttery and golden that it feels like Southern sunshine on your plate, Butter Swim Biscuits are your ticket to pure comfort. These beauties practically melt in your mouth, with a tender, fluffy interior and a gorgeous brown crust thanks to a pool of melted butter that bakes right into every bite. Whether you’re a breakfast person, a brunch aficionado, or just someone who loves a quick, showstopping side, this recipe is bound to become your go-to for moments when only warm, homemade biscuits will do.

Butter Swim Biscuits Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The heart and soul of Butter Swim Biscuits lies in their simplicity: just a handful of classic pantry staples, each playing an essential role in delivering that craveable texture and flavor. From the richness of the buttermilk to the magic of a whole stick of melted butter, every ingredient earns its keep in this easy recipe.

All-purpose flour: The base of our biscuits, giving just the right structure and crumb.
Granulated sugar: A touch of sweetness balances the savoriness and rounds out the flavor.
Baking powder: Our secret weapon for that beautiful rise and fluffy texture.
Salt: Essential for enhancing all the other flavors in the dough.
Buttermilk: Imparts tanginess and tenderizes, resulting in those perfect, moist interiors.
Unsalted butter: You’ll melt it right into the baking dish, creating the signature “swim” and those drool-worthy crispy edges.

How to Make Butter Swim Biscuits

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by preheating your oven to 450°F (230°C). This high temperature gives Butter Swim Biscuits their irresistibly golden edges and fluffy, cloud-like centers. While the oven heats, melt your butter—either on the stove or in the microwave—so it’s ready for action.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. This quick blend ensures every bite is evenly flavored and helps distribute the leavening for maximum rise. No need for sifting; a thorough whisk does the job beautifully.

Step 3: Add Buttermilk

Next, pour in the buttermilk and gently stir until everything is just combined. You’re aiming for a shaggy, slightly sticky dough—don’t be tempted to overmix! Minimal stirring keeps your biscuits fluffy and tender, exactly how Butter Swim Biscuits should be.

Step 4: Butter Swim Time!

Pour that glorious melted butter directly into your 8×8-inch baking dish. Now, carefully spoon your biscuit dough right on top of the butter, using a spatula to gently nudge it into the corners and edges. It may look like the butter is pooling up the sides, but that’s exactly what you want—it creates the ultimate crispy bottom and buttery flavor.

Step 5: Score and Bake

Before popping your dish into the oven, use a sharp knife to score the dough into 9 even squares. This little trick makes it so easy to break apart your Butter Swim Biscuits once they’re baked. Slide the dish into the hot oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the top is gorgeously golden brown and the kitchen smells absolutely heavenly.

Step 6: Cool, Slice, and Serve

Let your biscuits cool for a few minutes to set, then grab a knife and follow the score lines for perfect squares. Serve them warm while the butter is still bubbling—the texture is out of this world!

How to Serve Butter Swim Biscuits

Garnishes

A light sprinkle of flaky sea salt or a brush of extra melted butter on top just before serving can take Butter Swim Biscuits from delicious to downright irresistible. Consider a little fresh chopped parsley or a dusting of garlic powder if you want to play up the savory notes.

Side Dishes

These biscuits thrive next to classic comfort foods like scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, or a pot of steaming sausage gravy. They’re also perfect for soaking up hearty stews, chili, or a simple bowl of tomato soup—any dish with a luscious sauce is a match made in heaven.

Creative Ways to Present

Try splitting Butter Swim Biscuits and using them as the base for breakfast sandwiches, or serve them in a bread basket at family gatherings for a fun twist on traditional dinner rolls. For brunch, plate them with whipped honey butter, fruit preserves, or even a drizzle of local honey for a sweet-and-savory treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep leftover Butter Swim Biscuits tasting fresh, wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you plan to enjoy them a bit later, popping them in a sealed container in the fridge will help retain moisture and flavor.

Freezing

Want to have these magical biscuits ready at a moment’s notice? Freeze them! Simply let the baked biscuits cool completely, then wrap individual squares in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag. They’ll keep beautifully for up to a month—just defrost on the counter when your biscuit craving strikes.

Reheating

To bring back that fresh-from-the-oven magic, reheat leftover Butter Swim Biscuits in the oven at 350°F for about 8-10 minutes, or pop a single serving in the microwave for 20-30 seconds. A quick brush of melted butter before reheating adds irresistible moisture and shine.

FAQs

Can I use self-rising flour instead of all-purpose flour and baking powder?

Absolutely! If you substitute self-rising flour, you can skip the baking powder and reduce the salt a bit. Your Butter Swim Biscuits will still turn out fluffy and delicious.

Is there a substitute for buttermilk?

If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can easily make a homemade version: add 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to a liquid measuring cup, fill to 1¾ cups with milk, and let it sit for a few minutes. It’ll mimic the tang and tenderizing effect perfectly.

Can I add cheese, herbs, or other mix-ins to the dough?

You bet! A handful of shredded cheddar, a pinch of rosemary, or even a dash of garlic powder can make these biscuits extra special—just fold your mix-ins in gently before spreading the dough into the pan.

How do I know when the biscuits are done baking?

Look for a deep golden color on top and bubbling butter around the edges. If you’re unsure, insert a toothpick in the center—if it comes out clean or with just a few tender crumbs, your Butter Swim Biscuits are ready!

Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd?

Absolutely! Double all the ingredients and use a 9×13-inch baking dish for a bigger batch. The baking time may increase slightly, so keep an eye on the color and doneness as they bake.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re whipping them up for brunch, dinner, or a midnight carb fix, Butter Swim Biscuits are the kind of treat that make everyone feel a little more at home. Warm, pillowy, and gloriously buttery, they’re a joy to bake and even more delightful to share. Give them a try—you might just start a new family tradition!

Butter Swim Biscuits Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 23 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 9 biscuits 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Learn how to make delicious and easy Butter Swim Biscuits that are perfect for any meal. These no-knead biscuits are tender, flavorful, and have a delightful buttery crust that will keep you coming back for more.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients:

2½ cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients:

1¾ cups buttermilk
½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick), melted

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 450°F.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
Add Wet Ingredients: Pour in the buttermilk and stir until just combined; do not overmix.
Prepare Baking Dish: Pour the melted butter into an 8×8-inch baking dish.
Assemble Biscuits: Carefully spoon the biscuit dough on top of the melted butter and gently spread it evenly to the edges of the dish. Use a knife to score the dough into 9 squares.
Bake: Bake for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
Serve: Let cool slightly before slicing and serving warm.