Ingredients
For the Biscuits:
2½ cups (315 g) all-purpose flour
4 teaspoons baking powder
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1 teaspoon salt
2 cups (480 ml) buttermilk (or 2 cups milk + 2 tablespoons vinegar or lemon juice)
½ cup (1 stick / 115 g) unsalted butter, melted
Optional Add-Ins for Flavor Variations:
1 teaspoon garlic powder + 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (for garlic-herb biscuits)
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (for cheddar butter biscuits)
½ teaspoon black pepper + 1 teaspoon chives (for savory breakfast biscuits)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
Grease an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch baking dish generously with butter or nonstick spray.
Step 2: Melt the Butter
Place the ½ cup of butter in a microwave-safe bowl or directly into your baking dish.
Microwave for about 30–45 seconds, or until fully melted.
Pour the melted butter into the bottom of your baking dish if it’s not already there — this will be the swim pool for your biscuits!
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together:
Flour
Baking powder
Sugar
Salt
Whisking ensures even distribution of the leavening agents so your biscuits rise evenly.
Step 4: Add the Buttermilk
Pour the buttermilk into the dry ingredients. Stir gently with a wooden spoon or rubber spatula until just combined.
The dough will be thick and sticky, not smooth — that’s exactly what you want. Avoid overmixing, as it can make the biscuits tough.
Step 5: Pour the Dough into the Butter
Carefully spoon the dough right into the buttered baking dish.
Use your spoon or spatula to spread it evenly — you’ll see the butter bubbling around the edges and even pooling on top. That’s the secret to that crispy crust!
Step 6: Score the Biscuits
Using a butter knife, lightly score the dough into 9 equal squares.
This makes it easier to separate the biscuits after baking and helps them bake evenly.
Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are crisp.
You’ll know they’re done when your kitchen smells like pure butter heaven.
Step 8: Cool Slightly and Serve
Let the biscuits rest in the pan for 5–10 minutes before cutting along your scored lines.
Serve warm with:
Whipped honey butter
Homemade jam
Sausage gravy
Fried chicken
Or simply plain — they’re that good!
Serving Ideas
Butter Swim Biscuits are incredibly versatile. Try them:
For breakfast, with bacon and eggs.
As a side with soups, stews, or chili.
With fried chicken or BBQ for a Southern-style feast.
As a dessert base with strawberries and whipped cream for an easy shortcake.
Storage & Reheating Tips
Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Refrigerator: Keeps for 5 days when covered.
Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months in a zip-top bag.
To Reheat:
Oven: 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes.
Microwave: 15–20 seconds per biscuit.
Tips for Perfect Butter Swim Biscuits
Use real butter. The flavor depends on it — skip margarine.
Don’t overmix. Stir until just combined; lumps are okay.
Hot oven = high rise. The 450°F heat activates the baking powder instantly.
Fresh baking powder is key. Expired leavening = flat biscuits.
Buttermilk matters. The acidity creates tenderness and flavor.
Score before baking. It helps the butter soak evenly into each biscuit.
Let them rest. Allow the biscuits to absorb that butter for a few minutes after baking before serving.
Flavor Variations
Garlic Herb Butter Swim Biscuits: Add 1 teaspoon garlic powder and 1 tablespoon mixed herbs to the dough. Brush with garlic butter before serving.
Cheddar Jalapeño Biscuits: Fold in ½ cup shredded cheddar and 2 tablespoons diced jalapeños.
Sweet Honey Butter Biscuits: Add 2 tablespoons honey to the dough and drizzle with more honey after baking.
Maple Bacon Biscuits: Stir in ¼ cup crumbled cooked bacon and a drizzle of maple syrup into the batter.
Nutrition Information (Per Biscuit)
(approximate values)
Calories: 260
Fat: 16 g
Saturated Fat: 10 g
Carbohydrates: 26 g
Protein: 4 g
Sodium: 340 mg
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Final Thoughts
These Butter Swim Biscuits are the definition of Southern comfort — buttery, golden, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. You don’t need any fancy tools or skills — just a few pantry staples and a stick of butter!
Perfect for breakfast, dinner, or whenever you crave something warm and comforting, these biscuits are guaranteed to become a household favorite.