If you’re on the hunt for a biscuit that feels like a warm hug on a plate, the Butter Swim Biscuits Recipe is exactly what you need. These biscuits are tender, buttery, and have a delightful golden crust that practically swims in rich melted butter. They come together in a snap and offer a comforting, melt-in-your-mouth experience that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or anytime you crave a simple slice of heaven.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients just right is key to nailing this recipe. Each item plays an important role, from giving the biscuits their fluffy texture to creating that buttery pool they “swim” in. Below is a list of essentials you’ll want to have on hand before you start.
- All-purpose flour: The base that gives the biscuits structure and crumb, measured precisely for perfect texture.
- Granulated sugar: Just a touch to balance flavors and add a slight sweetness.
- Baking powder: The leavening agent that makes these biscuits rise beautifully and become fluffy.
- Salt: Enhances the overall flavor, lifting every bite.
- Buttermilk: Adds tang and moisture, helping tenderize the dough and develop flavor.
- Unsalted butter: Melted and poured into the baking dish, it’s what these biscuits literally swim in to get that golden, buttery finish.
How to Make Butter Swim Biscuits Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and mix your dry ingredients
Set your oven to a high 450 degrees F to ensure a golden crust. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until combined evenly. This step prepares a balanced dry base, crucial for your biscuit’s texture.
Step 2: Add the buttermilk and form the dough
Pour in the buttermilk and gently stir until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix; you want a slightly shaggy dough that promises tender biscuits, not dense or tough ones. This attention to mixing is what makes this Butter Swim Biscuits Recipe so reliably fluffy.
Step 3: Prepare the buttery swimming pool
Pour the melted butter into the bottom of an 8×8-inch glass baking dish. This is the secret that gives the biscuits their signature buttery base, soaking the bottoms as they bake.
Step 4: Spread and score the dough
Turn the dough into your buttered dish and spread it evenly. Use a bench scraper or a sharp knife to cut the dough into nine neat squares. Scoring ahead of time means you get perfectly portioned biscuits that bake evenly.
Step 5: Bake to buttery perfection
Place the baking dish in your oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’re looking for a glorious golden top with a springy bounce when pressed lightly—signs that these buttery beauties are ready.
Step 6: Let the biscuits soak and settle
Once out of the oven, wait about five minutes. This pause lets the biscuits absorb more of the luscious butter from beneath, deepening the flavor and keeping them irresistibly moist. Then, it’s time to enjoy!
How to Serve Butter Swim Biscuits Recipe
Garnishes
These biscuits shine all on their own, but if you want to wow your guests, try a dollop of homemade honey butter, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, or fresh herbs like chives or thyme for a fresh twist. These little touches add an elegant flair without overshadowing that buttery goodness.
Side Dishes
Butter Swim Biscuits are incredibly versatile alongside hearty breakfasts like scrambled eggs and crispy bacon. For dinner, they’re perfect with fried chicken or a bowl of creamy soup. Their mellow flavor complements both savory and sweet dishes effortlessly.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not turn your biscuits into mini sandwiches? Slice them horizontally and fill with smoked ham and melted cheese or a dollop of jam and whipped cream for a playful dessert delight. Stack them on a rustic platter or serve family-style so everyone can dive into this buttery treasure.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extras (and often, you will), simply store leftover biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This helps retain their softness and buttery flavor without drying out.
Freezing
Butter Swim Biscuits freeze beautifully for up to a month. Wrap each biscuit individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
To bring your frozen or leftover biscuits back to life, pop them in a preheated 350 degrees F oven for about 10 minutes. You can also warm them quickly in the microwave wrapped in a damp paper towel, but the oven will help keep that golden crust crisp and buttery.
FAQs
Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
While regular milk can be a substitute, using buttermilk is key to achieving the tender crumb and slight tanginess in this Butter Swim Biscuits Recipe. If you don’t have buttermilk, add a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to regular milk and let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
Why do the biscuits need to swim in melted butter?
The melted butter in the baking dish infuses the bottoms of the biscuits as they bake, creating a moist, rich layer that contrasts beautifully with the soft, fluffy top. It’s what makes this recipe stand out from regular biscuits.
Can I make these biscuits gluten-free?
Substituting gluten-free flour blends can work, but results may vary. You may need to adjust liquid amounts and baking time. Experimenting with a blend designed for baking will bring you closest to that signature texture of this Butter Swim Biscuits Recipe.
Is there a way to make these biscuits fluffier?
To boost fluffiness, ensure your baking powder is fresh and avoid overmixing the dough, which can make biscuits dense. Also, baking at a high temperature quickly sets the crust and allows the biscuits to rise beautifully.
Can I bake these biscuits in a metal pan instead of glass?
Yes, a metal pan can be used, but baking times may be slightly shorter or longer depending on heat conduction. Keep an eye on the biscuits as they bake to achieve that perfect golden color.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Butter Swim Biscuits Recipe enough—it’s a trusted crowd-pleaser that turns everyday ingredients into a buttery, tender delight. Once you try these biscuits, you’ll see how satisfying it is to pull golden squares from a bubbling pool of butter, sharing comfort and joy with every bite. Give them a go and make your kitchen smell irresistible today!
Print
Butter Swim Biscuits Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
- Yield: 9 biscuits
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American Southern
Description
Butter Swim Biscuits are tender, buttery biscuits baked in melted butter, which makes them incredibly moist and flavorful. With a slightly crisp top and soft interior, these biscuits are simple to prepare and perfect for breakfast or as a savory side.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour (300 grams)
- 1½ tablespoons granulated sugar
- 4 teaspoons baking powder
- 1½ teaspoons salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1¾ cups buttermilk
- ½ cup unsalted butter (melted, 1 stick)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 450 degrees F to ensure it reaches the ideal temperature for perfectly baked biscuits.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until thoroughly combined.
- Add Buttermilk: Pour in the buttermilk and gently mix until the ingredients are just combined. Be careful not to overmix as this can toughen the biscuits.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Pour the melted butter into the bottom of an 8×8-inch glass baking dish, making sure the entire surface is coated.
- Transfer Dough: Turn the dough out into the baking dish, spreading it evenly over the melted butter layer.
- Cut Dough: Use a bench scraper or a sharp knife to cut the dough into nine equal squares while still in the dish.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown on top and spring back when lightly pressed.
- Rest and Serve: Remove from the oven and allow the biscuits to rest for 5 minutes. This step lets them absorb the melted butter, enhancing their rich flavor and moist texture before serving.
Notes
- Do not overmix the dough to keep the biscuits tender and fluffy.
- Using an 8×8-inch glass baking dish is essential for proper heat distribution and butter absorption.
- Letting the biscuits rest after baking allows them to soak up more butter, adding flavor and moistness.
- Serve warm with additional butter, honey, or jam for best results.
