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
Scale
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.
