There is something irresistibly delightful about a warm, buttery biscuit fresh from the oven, and the Butter Swim Biscuits Recipe captures that cozy comfort perfectly. These biscuits are soft, fluffy, and generously bathed in melted butter, creating a tender crumb with a golden, shiny crust that feels like a warm hug for your taste buds. Whether you’re looking for a classic Southern breakfast treat or a versatile side for any meal, this recipe is a total winner that will quickly become a beloved staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
It’s amazing how just a few simple ingredients come together to create such mouthwatering biscuits. Each component plays a crucial role — flour gives structure, sugar adds a hint of sweetness, baking powder acts as the leavening magic, salt balances the flavors, buttermilk brings tender moisture and a lovely tang, and the melted butter is the star that transforms these biscuits into buttery delights.
- All-purpose flour (2½ cups): The base that provides the perfect structure for light, fluffy biscuits.
- Granulated sugar (1½ tablespoons): Just enough sweetness to subtly enhance the flavor without overpowering.
- Baking powder (4 teaspoons): The rising agent that ensures a tender, airy crumb.
- Salt (1½ teaspoons): Essential for balancing flavors and enhancing the buttery notes.
- Buttermilk (1¾ cups): Adds moisture and a gentle tang, making the biscuits irresistibly tender.
- Unsalted butter (½ cup, melted): The heart of the recipe—this butter bath keeps the biscuits moist and adds rich flavor.
How to Make Butter Swim Biscuits Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by heating your oven to a toasty 450 degrees Fahrenheit. High heat is key here because it helps the biscuits rise quickly and develop that gorgeous golden crust you’re aiming for.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Taking a moment to really combine these dry ingredients ensures every biscuit will have consistent flavor and texture.
Step 3: Add the Buttermilk
Pour the buttermilk into the dry mix and stir just until everything is incorporated. Be careful not to overmix—the dough should look a little shaggy and just combined for tender results.
Step 4: Prepare the Butter Bath
Generously pour the melted butter into the bottom of an 8×8-inch glass baking dish. This is where your biscuits will “swim,” soaking in all that rich, buttery goodness during baking.
Step 5: Spread the Dough Into the Dish
Carefully turn the batter into the baking dish and gently spread it out into an even layer over the butter. No need for perfection here—rustic is part of the charm.
Step 6: Score the Biscuits
Using a bench scraper or a sharp knife, cut the dough into nine equal squares while still in the dish. This pre-scoring allows for a neat biscuit pull-apart once baked.
Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection
Place the dish in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’re looking for a deep golden color on top, and the biscuits should spring back gently when pressed—signaling they are perfectly baked.
Step 8: Let Butter Absorb
Once out of the oven, allow the biscuits to rest for about 5 minutes. This wait time lets them soak up the melted butter in the pan, making each bite incredibly moist and flavorful.
How to Serve Butter Swim Biscuits Recipe
Garnishes
While these biscuits shine without much fuss, a light pat of honey butter, a drizzle of maple syrup, or a sprinkling of flaky sea salt can elevate them to divine levels. Fresh herbs like chives or thyme also add a lovely herbal brightness if you’re feeling adventurous.
Side Dishes
Butter Swim Biscuits are incredibly versatile. Serve them alongside scrambled eggs and smoky bacon for breakfast, beside rich and hearty stews for dinner, or as part of a Southern-style spread with fried chicken and collard greens. Their warm, buttery nature complements a wide array of dishes.
Creative Ways to Present
Try flipping the pan upside down on a serving plate for a rustic presentation, letting the buttery glaze drip slightly. Or layer biscuits with fried green tomatoes and pimento cheese for a delicious sandwich twist. They also make an excellent base for mini biscuits topped with pulled pork or smoked salmon and cream cheese.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover Butter Swim Biscuits tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. They maintain their softness well but are best enjoyed fresh.
Freezing
If you want to keep them longer, these biscuits freeze beautifully. After baking and cooling completely, wrap them individually in foil or plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to three months without losing their buttery charm.
Reheating
To revive your biscuits, warm them in a 350-degree oven for about 10-15 minutes. This method restores that fresh-baked texture and reactivates the buttery soak. A quick zap in the microwave works too, just don’t overheat or they’ll dry out.
FAQs
Can I substitute regular milk for buttermilk in the Butter Swim Biscuits Recipe?
While buttermilk adds a unique tang and tender crumb, you can mimic it by adding a tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to a cup of milk, letting it sit for 5 minutes before using. This homemade substitute works well in a pinch.
What if I don’t have an 8×8-inch baking dish?
No worries! You can use a similarly sized oven-safe dish or pan—just make sure it has enough depth to hold the batter and butter so the biscuits can bake evenly. A cast-iron skillet can also add a lovely crust.
Why must I pour the melted butter before adding the dough?
This step is what sets the Butter Swim Biscuits Recipe apart. The melted butter at the bottom allows the biscuits to bake in a buttery pool, making the bottoms tender and rich instead of dry, turning every bite into pure comfort.
Can I make these biscuits gluten-free?
For gluten-free options, try substituting the all-purpose flour for a trusted gluten-free baking blend. Keep in mind that texture might vary a bit, but generally, the biscuits will still be delicious and buttery.
How can I make these biscuits fluffier?
Make sure you don’t overmix the dough, and always use fresh baking powder. The high oven temperature also helps them rise quickly. Gently folding the ingredients just until combined keeps your biscuits tender and airy.
Final Thoughts
Making the Butter Swim Biscuits Recipe is like inviting a little bit of buttery heaven into your kitchen, and I promise you’ll love how easy it is to create something so comforting and delicious. Once you try these biscuits, they’ll quickly become your go-to for breakfasts, dinners, and everything in between. So grab your melted butter and get ready to swim in biscuit bliss!
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: Southern American
Description
Butter Swim Biscuits are soft, flaky biscuits baked in melted butter, creating a rich, moist texture that feels like they are swimming in butter. This classic Southern-style biscuit recipe is quick to prepare, perfect for a comforting breakfast or side dish, boasting a tender crumb and delicious buttery finish.
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 Fahrenheit to ensure a hot cooking environment that helps the biscuits rise well and develop a golden crust.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and seasonings.
- Add Buttermilk: Pour in the buttermilk and gently mix until the dough just comes together. Avoid overmixing to keep the biscuits tender and flaky.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Pour the melted butter into the bottom of an 8×8-inch glass baking dish, coating the base evenly to allow the biscuits to bake in butter.
- Transfer Dough: Turn the biscuit dough into the baking dish and spread it into an even layer over the melted butter to ensure uniform baking and absorption of butter.
- Cut Dough: Use a bench scraper or sharp knife to cut the dough into nine equal squares directly in the baking dish, which will allow them to bake together while remaining distinct biscuits.
- Bake Biscuits: Bake the biscuits in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until they turn golden brown and spring back when lightly pressed, indicating they are fully baked.
- Rest and Serve: Allow the biscuits to rest in the baking dish for 5 minutes after baking. This lets them absorb the melted butter at the bottom for extra richness before serving.
Notes
- Do not overmix the dough to avoid tough biscuits.
- Ensure the oven is fully preheated before baking for best rise and texture.
- You can substitute buttermilk with milk mixed with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar if needed.
- Serve warm for the best flavor and texture.
- Leftover biscuits can be reheated in the oven or toaster oven to restore crispness.
