If you’re craving something warm, cheesy, and downright comforting, let me introduce you to the Ham and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits Recipe—a delightful twist on traditional biscuits that swim in rich melted butter for that ultimate indulgence. This dish combines the savory goodness of ham, the melty charm of cheese, and the buttery luxury that makes every bite irresistible. Whether you’re whipping these up for breakfast, a snack, or alongside your favorite dinner, these biscuits are guaranteed to bring smiles all around the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Ham and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits Recipe calls for such simple, everyday ingredients that come together beautifully to create an unforgettable flavor and texture experience. Each component plays its role perfectly, giving you fluffy biscuits with pockets of gooey cheese and savory ham, all bathed in butter for that classic richness and golden crust.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation for tender, fluffy biscuits—make sure your flour is fresh for best rise.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder: This leavening agent ensures your biscuits puff up light and airy.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances the flavors and draws out the savory notes.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional): Adds a subtle punch of savory depth, perfect if you love that extra flavor layer.
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Swiss): Melts into pockets of ooey-gooey goodness inside every biscuit.
- 1 cup diced ham: Brings a delightful meaty texture and smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with cheese.
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted): Mixed into the batter for moisture and richness.
- 1 cup milk: Helps bind the ingredients, creating a soft dough.
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (for baking dish): Poured into the dish so the biscuits literally swim in butter, creating a gorgeous crust.
How to Make Ham and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by heating your oven to a hot 450°F (232°C). This high temperature is key—it creates that beautiful golden crust while keeping the insides soft and fluffy, the hallmark of the Ham and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits Recipe.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and optional garlic powder. Whisking ensures even distribution which helps your biscuits rise evenly and taste perfectly seasoned.
Step 3: Add the Cheese and Ham
Stir shredded cheese and diced ham right into the dry mix. This step means every bite is bursting with savory cheese and meaty ham goodness—no missed spots here!
Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients and Mix Batter
In a separate bowl, blend the melted butter and milk. Pour this wet mix into the dry ingredients, then stir gently just until the dough comes together. Leaving a few lumps keeps the biscuits tender—overmixing would make them tough, and nobody wants that.
Step 5: Prepare the Baking Dish with Butter
Pour ¼ cup melted butter evenly into a 9×13-inch baking dish. This buttery pool is what gives the ‘swim biscuits’ their name and wonderfully crispy bottoms. The biscuits will float on top, soaking up the butter as they bake.
Step 6: Spoon Batter into the Dish
Carefully spoon your biscuit batter over the melted butter. The batter will gently float, making sure each biscuit bakes with a buttery bath beneath it—pure comfort food magic.
Step 7: Bake Until Golden and Delicious
Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake for about 25 minutes until the biscuits puff up and develop a gorgeous golden-brown top. That buttery aroma filling your kitchen? That’s the sign that this Ham and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits Recipe is working its charm.
Step 8: Let Cool and Cut
Remove the dish from the oven and let the biscuits rest for a few minutes. This brief pause helps set the buttery puddle and makes slicing them into perfect squares a breeze.
Step 9: Serve Warm and Enjoy
Cut your swim biscuits into squares and serve them while warm. Each piece boasts that heavenly combination of buttery crust, cheesy pockets, and savory ham—a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
How to Serve Ham and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits Recipe
Garnishes
To add an extra splash of color and flavor, sprinkle fresh chopped chives or parsley over the biscuits just before serving. A tiny dollop of sour cream or a swipe of honey butter also partners beautifully with the rich, savory flavors.
Side Dishes
These biscuits shine alongside a crisp green salad for a balanced meal or alongside a bowl of hot soup—think tomato basil or creamy potato—to soak up every bit of that buttery goodness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the Ham and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits Recipe as part of a brunch spread with sliced fresh fruit and a handful of pickles for a tangy bite. Or build mini sandwich stacks with additional ham and a touch of mustard for a handheld sensation everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled completely, keep leftover biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps the biscuits soft, and the buttery flavor intact.
Freezing
If you want to hold onto them longer, freeze the cooled biscuits in a sealed freezer bag for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve texture and flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, pop your biscuits in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes until warm and slightly crisp on the outside. Microwave reheating is quick but can soften the crust, so the oven method is preferred.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese in this recipe?
Absolutely! While cheddar and Swiss are classics here, feel free to experiment with mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack for a bit of heat—just make sure it’s shredded for even distribution.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
You can swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking blend, just be sure it contains xanthan gum for structure. The baking powder and other ingredients stay the same, making this recipe adaptable.
What can I substitute for the ham?
If ham isn’t your favorite, cooked bacon, sausage bits, or even diced roasted turkey can be great alternatives and keep that wonderful meaty flavor going strong.
Why do the biscuits ‘swim’ in butter?
Pouring melted butter into the baking dish before adding the dough lets the biscuits bake with a buttery bottom and side, resulting in a moist interior and crisp, flavorful crust—the signature “swim” effect unique to this recipe.
Can I prepare the batter ahead of time?
The batter is best used fresh for optimal rise and texture, but you can prepare it up to an hour ahead, keeping it covered in the fridge. Give it a gentle stir before baking, but avoid overmixing.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Ham and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits Recipe a try soon—there’s something so comforting and joyful about biscuits swimming in butter, loaded with ham and cheese, that always brings people together. It’s a simple recipe with big flavor and heart, perfect for sharing with friends and family any day of the week. Happy baking and even happier eating!
Print
Ham and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Baked Goods
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Ham and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits are a deliciously rich and savory treat, perfect for a flavorful snack or side dish. Made with shredded cheese, diced ham, and lots of melted butter, these biscuits bake while ‘swimming’ in butter for a moist, tender crumb with a golden crust. Ready in just 40 minutes, they combine the satisfying flavors of ham and cheese in a soft, buttery biscuit that pairs wonderfully with a variety of meals.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup shredded cheese (such as cheddar or Swiss)
- 1 cup diced ham
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 cup milk
For Baking
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (for pouring into baking dish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 450°F (232°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking the biscuits evenly and achieving a golden crust.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and garlic powder if used. This step evenly distributes the leavening agents and seasoning throughout the flour.
- Add cheese and ham: Stir in the shredded cheese and diced ham thoroughly so they are well incorporated into the dry mixture, ensuring each bite will have a balance of flavors.
- Combine wet ingredients and mix: In a separate bowl, mix the melted butter and milk. Pour this wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Leave some lumps to prevent overmixing, which can lead to tough biscuits.
- Prepare the baking dish: Pour about ¼ cup of melted butter into a 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly to create a butter ‘bed’ for the biscuits to ‘swim’ in as they bake.
- Add biscuit batter to dish: Spoon the biscuit batter carefully over the melted butter in the baking dish. The batter will float on top of the butter, which keeps the biscuits moist and flavorful during baking.
- Bake the biscuits: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes until the biscuits turn golden brown and are thoroughly cooked through.
- Cool the biscuits: Remove the dish from the oven and allow the biscuits to cool for a few minutes. This setting time helps them firm up, making them easier to cut.
- Serve: Cut the biscuits into squares and serve warm for a rich, buttery snack or a savory side dish to complement your meal.
Notes
- Garlic powder is optional but adds a nice subtle flavor to the biscuits.
- Use a sharp cheddar or Swiss cheese for the best savory taste.
- For a crispier top, you can broil the biscuits for the last 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Make sure not to overmix the batter to maintain light, tender biscuits.
- These biscuits can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days and reheated gently in the oven.
