Ham & Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits

Ham & Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits are the ultimate comfort food—a savory, melt-in-your-mouth biscuit swimming in a pool of rich, bubbling butter and packed with salty ham and gooey cheese. These biscuits rise tall and golden with crisp edges and a tender, fluffy interior. Easy to make and bursting with flavor, they’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a hearty side dish that steals the spotlight.

What Makes Butter Swim Biscuits So Irresistible?

Traditional biscuits are known for their flaky layers and buttery flavor, but butter swim biscuits take it a step further. The dough is baked directly in a generous layer of melted butter, allowing each bite to soak up that rich, indulgent goodness. Add savory chopped ham and shredded cheese, and you have a dish that’s both rustic and gourmet.

These biscuits are no-knead, no-roll, and no-fuss. Simply mix, pour, and bake. The butter does the work while you enjoy the heavenly aroma.

Ingredients for the Best Ham & Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits

This recipe uses basic pantry staples with the added indulgence of ham, cheese, and real butter.

Dry Ingredients

• 2½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)

Wet Ingredients

• 1¾ cups buttermilk (or milk + 1 tablespoon vinegar)
• ½ cup chopped cooked ham
• 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a cheese blend)
• ½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick)

Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Results

1. Preheat the Oven

• Set your oven to 450°F (232°C).
• While it preheats, place the butter in an 8×8-inch or 9-inch square baking dish and put it in the oven until the butter is fully melted (about 5 minutes).
• Carefully remove the hot dish and swirl the butter to coat the bottom.

2. Mix the Dough

• In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar, salt, and garlic powder if using.
• Stir in the chopped ham and shredded cheese.
• Pour in the buttermilk and mix until just combined. The dough will be sticky—this is what you want.

3. Add Dough to the Pan

• Pour the dough directly into the butter-filled baking dish.
• Use a spatula to spread evenly, allowing some butter to rise up the sides and onto the top.
• Score the top into 9 even squares using a knife or spatula. This helps portion the biscuits and promotes even baking.

4. Bake

• Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
• Let cool for 5–10 minutes before serving.

Flavor Enhancements and Optional Add-ins

These biscuits are highly adaptable—here’s how to customize them for any occasion:

Add Herbs

• Mix in chopped chives, parsley, or rosemary for a fresh, savory flavor.

Make Them Spicy

• Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little heat.

Extra Gooey

• Stir in extra cheese like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or Gruyère for more melt and stretch.

Smoky Variation

• Use smoked ham or add crumbled cooked bacon for a deeper, smokier bite.

Serving Suggestions

These biscuits are hearty enough to stand on their own, but they shine even brighter when paired with:

• Scrambled eggs or omelets for breakfast
• A hot bowl of tomato soup or chicken stew
• Salads or roasted veggies for a balanced lunch
• As a savory side to a holiday brunch buffet

Serve them warm with a pat of extra butter or a drizzle of honey for a sweet-savory contrast.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

To Make Ahead

• Prepare the dough and pour it into the pan, cover, and refrigerate up to 12 hours ahead of baking.

To Store

• Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerated for up to 4 days.

To Reheat

• Warm in the oven at 350°F for 5–7 minutes or microwave individual servings for 20–30 seconds.

To Freeze

• Wrap individual biscuits in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen in a toaster oven or regular oven.

Nutritional Snapshot

While these biscuits are undeniably indulgent, they also offer protein and calcium from the ham and cheese. To make them lighter:

• Use reduced-fat cheese or turkey ham
• Swap some flour for whole wheat flour
• Cut into smaller portions for snack-sized bites

On average, one biscuit contains around 300–350 calories, depending on the cheese and ham content.

Why Everyone Needs a Butter Swim Biscuit Recipe

Few recipes deliver comfort, simplicity, and flavor the way butter swim biscuits do. With minimal prep and maximum payoff, these biscuits are a kitchen hero. Add ham and cheese, and you’ve elevated them from a side to a full-on meal. They’re versatile, rich, and crowd-pleasing — perfect for everything from weekend brunches to holiday gatherings.

Once you try Ham & Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them.

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