There is something simply irresistible about warm, buttery biscuits fresh from the oven, and that’s exactly what this Butter Swim Biscuits Recipe delivers in every bite. Imagine tender, fluffy biscuits bathing in melted butter that seeps into every crumb, creating an indulgent, golden crust and melting texture that’s hard to beat. Whether you’re serving them at breakfast, dinner, or as a cozy snack, these biscuits bring a comforting, homemade charm that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for a handful of simple, easy-to-find ingredients that work beautifully together to create those melt-in-your-mouth Butter Swim Biscuits. Each ingredient plays a crucial role—from the light buttermilk that tenderizes the dough to the flaky butter that envelops the dish in rich flavor and irresistible texture.
- 2.5 cups All-purpose flour: Provides structure and gives the biscuits their soft yet sturdy base.
- 4 teaspoons Baking powder: The leavening agent that helps the biscuits rise and become fluffy.
- 3 teaspoons Granulated sugar: Adds just the right touch of sweetness to balance the buttery richness.
- 2 cups Buttermilk: Tenderizes the dough while adding a slight tangy flavor that lifts the biscuits.
- 0.5 cup Salted butter: The star ingredient that swims beneath the dough, infusing it with rich, golden buttery goodness.
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt: Enhances all the other flavors and rounds out the taste.
How to Make Butter Swim Biscuits Recipe
Step 1: Let Butter Get Ready
Start by placing the salted butter in an 8×8 inch casserole dish and pop it into your oven while it preheats to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. This step sets the stage for that signature buttery “swim” your biscuits will soak in, creating a golden, crispy bottom that’s so satisfying.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and granulated sugar. Whisk these dry ingredients well to ensure the baking powder is evenly distributed so your biscuits rise perfectly and have a lovely, light texture.
Step 3: Add the Buttermilk
Pour the buttermilk into the flour mixture and use a fork to gently stir just until combined. The dough should be moist and a bit rough—resist the temptation to overmix because that can make the biscuits tough instead of flaky and tender.
Step 4: Add Dough to Butter
Once your oven has preheated and your butter is melted and bubbling, carefully remove the hot dish and pour your biscuit dough over the melted butter. Use your fingers to gently spread the dough evenly across the bottom, ensuring every piece gets soaked in buttery goodness.
Step 5: Score the Dough
Using a knife, cut the dough into nine even pieces right in the dish. This makes it easy to serve later and helps the biscuits bake evenly with perfect edges soaked in butter.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Place the dish back in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the tops are golden brown and the edges are crispy from swimming in that beautiful butter bath.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy Hot
Remove the hot dish carefully from the oven and serve these biscuits warm. The moment you break into one, you’ll be greeted by steam and buttery, tender layers that make every bite a delight.
How to Serve Butter Swim Biscuits Recipe
Garnishes
Butter Swim Biscuits shine on their own, but you can elevate them with a drizzle of honey or a smear of homemade jam for sweetness. Fresh herbs like chopped rosemary or thyme also add a lovely fragrant note that pairs beautifully with the buttery flavor.
Side Dishes
These biscuits are incredibly versatile alongside classic Southern favorites like creamy gravy, fried chicken, or slow-cooked greens. For breakfast, serve them with scrambled eggs and bacon or a hearty stew for dinner—the buttery flavor complements almost any dish.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the biscuits in a rustic cast-iron skillet to keep them warm at the table and add a cozy touch. You could also use them as the base for mini biscuit sandwiches stuffed with ham and cheese or a spoonful of pimento cheese for a fun twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To keep the buttery texture, avoid refrigeration if possible, as it can dry out the biscuits.
Freezing
Butter Swim Biscuits freeze beautifully. Wrap cooled biscuits individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months, making it easy to enjoy fresh biscuits anytime you crave them.
Reheating
For the best results, reheat frozen or leftover biscuits in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes. This revives their crispy edges and soft interiors, bringing back that just-baked feeling.
FAQs
Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
Buttermilk is key to achieving the tender, slightly tangy flavor of these biscuits. If you don’t have buttermilk, mix 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice with 2 cups of milk and let it sit for 5-10 minutes before using as a substitute.
Why is the butter placed in the dish before adding the dough?
This method allows the biscuits to literally swim in melted butter as they bake, resulting in a richly flavored, tender base with crispy edges—a unique twist that sets this recipe apart from traditional biscuits.
Can I make these biscuits gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version, try substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend, but be aware that the texture might vary slightly. Make sure your baking powder is also gluten-free.
What if I don’t have an 8×8 casserole dish?
Any oven-safe dish of similar size, such as a square cake pan or even a cast-iron skillet, will work. Just make sure the butter can spread evenly at the bottom to create that wonderful swimming effect.
How should I serve Butter Swim Biscuits to impress guests?
Serve these biscuits warm with bowls of gravy or a selection of gourmet jams and butters. Pair them with fresh herbs and a seasonal fruit compote for a memorable, crowd-pleasing presentation.
Final Thoughts
The Butter Swim Biscuits Recipe is an absolute favorite for anyone who loves tender, buttery comfort food with a little homemade flair. With simple ingredients and a straightforward process, you get incredible flaky biscuits that feel truly special. Give this recipe a try—you might just find yourself making these buttery treats over and over again because once you do, there’s no going back.
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Butter Swim Biscuits Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 9 biscuits
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Description
Butter Swim Biscuits are a delightful Southern-style baked treat where a moist, tender biscuit dough bakes atop melted butter in a hot casserole dish, resulting in a rich, buttery crust with soft, fluffy interiors. These biscuits are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a comforting side to any meal.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2.5 cups All purpose flour
- 4 teaspoons Baking powder
- 3 teaspoons Granulated sugar
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
Wet Ingredients
- 2 cups Buttermilk
Fat
- 0.5 cup Salted butter
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Melt Butter: Place the 0.5 cup of salted butter into an 8×8 inch casserole dish and put it in the oven. Preheat the oven to 450°F (232°C) allowing the butter to melt thoroughly and heat the dish.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together 2.5 cups all-purpose flour, 4 teaspoons baking powder, 3 teaspoons granulated sugar, and 0.5 teaspoon salt until well combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour 2 cups of buttermilk into the flour mixture and use a fork to stir gently until the dough is just combined. The dough will be very moist and rough; avoid overmixing to keep the biscuits tender.
- Transfer Dough to Hot Buttered Dish: Once the oven is fully preheated, carefully remove the hot casserole dish containing melted butter. Immediately spoon the biscuit dough into the dish and use your fingers to spread the dough evenly across the entire bottom, so it swims in the butter.
- Score the Dough: Use a knife to cut lines through the dough, dividing it into 9 equal square pieces for easy serving after baking.
- Bake Biscuits: Place the dish back in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the top is golden brown and the biscuits have risen and cooked through.
- Serve Hot: Remove the dish carefully from the oven and serve the Butter Swim Biscuits warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Do not overmix the dough to ensure biscuits remain tender and fluffy.
- Ensure the butter is fully melted and the dish is hot before adding the dough for the signature butter swim effect.
- If you do not have buttermilk, you can substitute with milk mixed with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes.
- Use a fork or fingers to mix the dough gently rather than a spoon or mixer.
- The biscuits are best enjoyed fresh and warm but can be reheated gently.
