Get ready to fall head over heels for one of the most buttery, melt-in-your-mouth biscuit recipes you’ll ever try: Butter Swim Biscuits! With a flaky crust and a tender, moist inside that literally swims in butter, these biscuits are pure comfort food bliss. They come together with simple pantry ingredients, and the prep couldn’t be easier. One bowl, one pan, and a whole lot of buttery goodness.
These golden beauties are perfect for lazy weekends, cozy family breakfasts, or as a hearty side with soup or stew. They remind us of our fan-favorite Southern Cornbread but with a rich, indulgent twist. You won’t believe how a humble dough, when baked in a pool of butter, can yield such irresistible results. Let’s dive into biscuit heaven!
What is Butter Swim Biscuits?
Butter Swim Biscuits might sound like something out of a Southern fairytale, but they’re very real and ridiculously delicious. The name comes from the unique baking technique: the dough “swims” in a pool of melted butter while it bakes. And honestly, what could be better than that? It’s like giving your biscuits a buttery bath! The result? Crispy edges, a golden crust, and a tender, fluffy center. As the old saying goes, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” and these biscuits just might be the fastest route there. Try them once and you’ll be hooked for life!
Why You’ll Love This:
- Buttery Goodness in Every Bite: Each square of biscuit is surrounded by rich, melted butter, giving you crisp edges and a perfectly moist interior. It’s like a biscuit and croissant had a delicious baby.
- Budget-Friendly & Easy: With only six basic ingredients, you likely have everything you need right in your kitchen. No rolling pins, no biscuit cutters, just mix, pour, and bake.
- Versatile & Addictive: Serve them with jam for breakfast, honey with tea, or gravy at dinner. They’re also a hit with soups and stews. Want more comfort food? Check out our Garlic Cheese Drop Biscuits for another crave-worthy treat.
Don’t be surprised if these become a weekly favorite. Go ahead, give them a try!
How to Make:
Quick Overview
These biscuits are all about simplicity and flavor. With just 10 minutes of prep and 20-25 minutes in the oven, you can have warm, buttery biscuits on your table. No fancy tools or baking skills needed—just mix, pour, and let the oven do its magic.
Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 4 tsp baking powder
- 4 tsp sugar
- 2 tsp salt
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 1 stick (1/2 cup) butter, melted
Step-by-Step:
- Preheat the oven: Set it to 450°F (232°C).
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt.
- Add the buttermilk: Pour it into the dry ingredients and stir until a moist, shaggy dough forms.
- Melt the butter: In a microwave-safe dish, melt the stick of butter and pour it into an 8×8 or 9×9-inch baking dish.
- Spread the dough: Drop the dough directly onto the melted butter and use a spatula to evenly spread it out, making sure it touches the sides.
- Cut into squares: Score the dough into 9 even(ish) squares—yes, before baking!
- Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are delightfully crispy.
What to Serve Butter Swim Biscuits With:
These biscuits are the ultimate sidekick! Serve them with raspberry or strawberry jam for breakfast, or pair them with honey butter for a sweet-savory combo. At dinner, they go wonderfully with fried chicken, chili, or a warm bowl of creamy soup. For a brunch upgrade, try them alongside scrambled eggs and bacon.
Top Tips for Perfecting:
- Don’t overmix the dough—a few lumps are okay! Overmixing can make biscuits tough.
- Use cold buttermilk to help create a tender crumb.
- Ensure your pan isn’t too small or shallow to avoid butter overflow.
- Want extra flavor? Add garlic powder, shredded cheddar, or chopped herbs to the dough.
- Let them rest for a few minutes before cutting so the butter settles in.
Storing and Reheating Tips:
- Storage: Store leftover biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes or microwave for 15-20 seconds.
- Freezing: Freeze baked biscuits in a sealed bag for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen in the oven for best results.
FAQs
Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk? Yes, but the biscuits won’t be quite as tangy or fluffy. You can make a buttermilk substitute by mixing 2 cups milk with 2 tablespoons lemon juice or vinegar.
Can I double the recipe? Absolutely! Just use a larger baking dish and watch your baking time.
Why cut the dough before baking? Scoring the dough helps the biscuits bake evenly and creates defined edges that get extra crispy.
Can I make them gluten-free? Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour substitute, but results may vary slightly.
Conclusion
Butter Swim Biscuits are everything a biscuit should be—easy, buttery, crispy on the outside, and pillowy on the inside. With just a handful of ingredients and a baking pan full of butter, you can create a side dish (or star of the meal!) that wins everyone over. Trust us, these are too good not to try.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 4 tsp baking powder
- 4 tsp sugar
- 2 tsp salt
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 1 stick (1/2 cup) butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 450°F (232°C).
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt.
- Add buttermilk and stir until just combined into a moist dough.
- Melt butter and pour into an 8x8 or 9x9-inch baking dish.
- Drop dough into butter and spread evenly to edges with a spatula.
- Score the dough into 9 squares before baking.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown and crisp on the edges.
Notes
Use cold buttermilk for fluffier biscuits. Add herbs, garlic, or cheese for a savory twist. Great with jam, gravy, or soups.