🧈 Ham and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits
📖 Description
These biscuits are soft, fluffy, and baked in a pool of melted butter—hence the name “butter swim.” The addition of savory ham and melty cheese turns them into a hearty, comforting dish perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a quick dinner. Unlike traditional rolled biscuits, there’s no kneading or cutting—just mix, pour, and bake.
🧾 Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 cups buttermilk
- ½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick), melted
- 1 cup cooked ham, diced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your preferred cheese)
👩🍳 Instructions
- Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C).
- Pour melted butter into an 8×8 or 9×9 baking dish.
- In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt.
- Add buttermilk and stir until just combined (do not overmix).
- Fold in diced ham and cheese.
- Spread dough evenly over the melted butter in the dish.
- Score the dough into 9 squares (this helps with portioning later).
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, until golden brown on top.
- Let cool slightly, then serve warm.
📝 Notes
- The dough will be sticky—that’s normal.
- Butter will rise up around the edges while baking, creating crispy sides.
- You can swap ham for bacon or sausage.
💡 Tips for Best Results
- Use cold buttermilk for fluffier texture.
- Don’t overmix; it keeps biscuits tender.
- Sharp cheddar gives stronger flavor than mild cheese.
- For extra flavor, add garlic powder or chopped green onions.
🍽️ Servings
- Makes 9 biscuits
- Serves 6–9 people depending on portion size
🔢 Nutritional Information (Approx. per serving)
- Calories: 320–360
- Protein: 10–12g
- Carbohydrates: 25–28g
- Fat: 20–24g
- Sodium: 500–700mg
(Values vary based on ingredients used.)
🌟 Benefits
- Quick & easy: No rolling or cutting required
- Protein-rich: Thanks to ham and cheese
- Comfort food: Warm, buttery, and filling
- Versatile: Works for breakfast, snacks, or meals
❓ Q&A
Q: Can I make this without buttermilk?
A: Yes—mix 2 cups milk with 2 tbsp lemon juice or vinegar and let sit for 5 minutes.
Q: Can I freeze these biscuits?
A: Yes. Cool completely, freeze in airtight container for up to 2 months. Reheat in oven.
Q: Why are they called “butter swim”?
A: The dough bakes in melted butter, essentially “swimming” in it, which creates crispy edges and rich flavor.
Q: Can I make them healthier?
A: You can reduce butter slightly, use low-fat cheese, or add whole wheat flour (replace up to 50%).
Q: What cheese works best?
A: Cheddar is classic, but mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack work great too.