Few foods strike the perfect balance between simple and indulgent quite like biscuits. They’re warm, golden, fluffy, and endlessly versatile. Now imagine that biscuit swimming in butter as it bakes—absorbing every drop of richness while turning its edges crisp and golden. Add gooey cheese and smoky ham, and suddenly you don’t just have a biscuit, you have Ham and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits—comfort food perfected.
Unlike traditional biscuits that require kneading, rolling, and careful layering of butter, butter swim biscuits are effortless. You mix, pour, bake—and out comes a dish that feels like it took hours. No rolling pin, no biscuit cutters, no fuss.
Whether you’re serving them for breakfast with eggs, as a side with dinner, or just snacking on them hot from the oven, these biscuits are destined to become a family favorite.
What Are Butter Swim Biscuits?
Butter swim biscuits are a twist on the Southern biscuit tradition. Instead of cutting cold butter into flour, the butter is melted and poured into the baking dish. The dough is then placed directly into this “butter bath.”
As the biscuits bake, several magical things happen:
- The butter soaks into the dough, creating a tender crumb.
- The edges fry in butter, producing crispy sides.
- The top rises golden, while the center stays soft and fluffy.
The result? A biscuit that’s rich, flavorful, and foolproof.
Why Ham and Cheese Elevate This Recipe
Ham and cheese are classic partners in countless dishes—omelets, sandwiches, casseroles—and for good reason. They bring balance:
- Cheese adds creaminess, tang, and melt-in-your-mouth richness.
- Ham contributes smoky, savory depth and a slight saltiness.
- Together, they transform a simple bread into a satisfying, filling dish.
When tucked into butter swim biscuits, ham and cheese create something that works equally well as a main dish or a side.
Ingredients (With Expert Tips)
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour – Provides structure. For lighter biscuits, sift first.
- 1 tbsp baking powder – Leavening agent for rise. Ensure freshness for best results.
- 1 tsp salt – Balances flavors, but don’t skip—it’s vital with cheese and ham.
- 1 tbsp sugar – Enhances browning and rounds out flavors.
Add-Ins
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese – Sharp cheddar is ideal for bold flavor. Try mozzarella for meltiness, Swiss for nuttiness, or pepper jack for spice.
- ½ cup diced cooked ham – Leftover ham, deli slices, or smoked ham steak all work. Dice finely for even distribution.
Wet Ingredients
- 1½ cups buttermilk – Adds tang and tenderness. Substitute with milk + 1 tbsp vinegar or lemon juice.
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted – The heart of this recipe. Unsalted keeps salt levels in check.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat Oven – Heat to 450°F (230°C). A hot oven ensures tall, fluffy biscuits.
- Butter the Dish – Melt butter and pour into an 8×8-inch baking dish. This will be the “swimming pool.”
- Mix Dry Ingredients – In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
- Add Ham & Cheese – Toss diced ham and shredded cheese into the dry mix. Coating them prevents sinking.
- Add Buttermilk – Stir in buttermilk gently until a sticky dough forms. Do not overmix.
- Spread in Dish – Transfer dough into the butter-filled dish, spreading evenly. Butter will rise to the top and sides.
- Score the Dough – With a sharp knife, cut into 9 squares before baking.
- Bake – Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden and crispy at edges.
- Cool & Serve – Let rest 5 minutes to allow butter to soak. Slice and enjoy warm.
Taste & Texture
When baked correctly, these biscuits deliver a multi-layered experience:
- Crisp edges fried in butter.
- Fluffy centers that melt in your mouth.
- Cheesy richness with every bite.
- Savory ham bursts that balance the richness.
It’s like biting into a biscuit, grilled cheese, and ham sandwich all at once—comforting, filling, and indulgent.
Serving Ideas
Breakfast
- Pair with scrambled eggs or a veggie omelet.
- Enjoy with coffee and fresh fruit.
- Serve with cottage cheese egg bake for a protein boost.
Lunch
- Slice in half and fill with more ham for mini sandwiches.
- Serve alongside tomato or potato soup.
Dinner
- Pair with garlic butter baked salmon.
- Serve as a side with roasted chicken, steak, or barbecue ribs.
- Add to holiday spreads with turkey and gravy.
Snack
- Warm and drizzle with honey for a sweet-savory combo.
- Reheat with hot sauce or mustard for a zesty kick.
Variations & Substitutions
- Spicy Kick – Add jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or pepper jack cheese.
- Veggie-Friendly – Replace ham with spinach, mushrooms, or green onions.
- Different Cheeses – Try Swiss, gouda, feta, or mozzarella.
- Breakfast Biscuits – Add crumbled bacon or sausage instead of ham.
- Gluten-Free – Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Herb Lovers – Add rosemary, thyme, or chives for aromatic flavor.
Expert Tips for Success
- Use fresh baking powder – Expired leavening won’t rise.
- Keep buttermilk cold – Cold liquid + hot oven = fluffy biscuits.
- Don’t overmix – Stir just until combined. Overmixing creates dense biscuits.
- Score before baking – Ensures even cooking and easy serving.
- Let them rest – Five minutes after baking helps butter soak in.
Storage & Reheating
- Room Temperature – Store in airtight container for 2 days.
- Refrigerator – Keeps for 5 days. Reheat before serving.
- Freezer – Wrap tightly and freeze up to 2 months.
- Reheating – Warm in oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes or microwave 20–30 seconds.
Nutrition Information (Per Biscuit, 1 of 9)
- Calories: ~275
- Protein: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fat: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 480mg
(Nutrition varies with cheese and ham choices.)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make these without buttermilk?
Yes, substitute with milk plus 1 tbsp lemon juice or vinegar. Let sit 5 minutes.
2. Can I use self-rising flour?
Yes, skip the baking powder and reduce salt slightly.
3. Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely—use a 9×13-inch dish and extend baking time by 5 minutes.
4. Can I use turkey instead of ham?
Yes, smoked turkey works well and adds lighter flavor.
5. What’s the best cheese for melting?
Sharp cheddar is classic, but mozzarella or gouda melt beautifully.
6. Do I need to refrigerate leftovers?
Yes, after 2 days at room temp, refrigerate for freshness.
7. Can I make them ahead for brunch?
Yes—reheat in the oven before serving.
8. Can I make them spicy?
Yes, add diced jalapeños, hot sauce, or pepper jack cheese.
9. Why are my biscuits dense?
Likely overmixed dough or expired baking powder.
10. Can I bake in cast iron?
Yes! A buttered cast iron skillet gives extra crisp edges.
Step-by-Step Visual Guide (Text Version)
- Imagine golden butter bubbling in a square dish.
- Thick, sticky dough spread over it.
- Butter pooling at the sides as you score the dough.
- The oven heat transforming it—edges crisping, tops rising, cheese melting.
- Cutting into golden squares, steam escaping with cheesy aroma.
Holiday & Entertaining Uses
- Christmas Breakfast – Serve with egg casserole and coffee.
- Thanksgiving Side – Replace dinner rolls with buttery biscuits.
- Easter Brunch – Pair with fruit salad and ham roast.
- Game Day Snacks – Serve with chili or sliders.
Final Thoughts
Ham and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits are proof that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. With minimal ingredients and no kneading required, you get biscuits that are buttery, cheesy, hearty, and irresistibly good.
Whether served for breakfast, as a dinner side, or even as the centerpiece of a holiday spread, these biscuits will quickly become a recipe you return to again and again.
Warm, golden, and packed with flavor—they’re more than biscuits. They’re comfort, joy, and tradition baked into one dish.
