Butter Swim Biscuits are a delicious and easy-to-make treat that will quickly become a favorite in your household. These biscuits are soft, buttery, and perfectly flaky, thanks to the rich butter swimming in the pan during baking. The best part? They require just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, yet they deliver big on flavor. Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast, a side for dinner, or a snack to enjoy with a cup of tea, Butter Swim Biscuits are sure to impress. The golden-brown top and the soft, pillowy inside make these biscuits a comforting addition to any meal.
Why This Recipe Works
This Butter Swim Biscuits recipe works for several reasons. The method of baking the dough in a pan of melted butter gives these biscuits their signature texture. The biscuits absorb some of the butter as they bake, making them wonderfully tender on the inside, with a crisp, golden top. The combination of all-purpose flour, buttermilk, and a touch of sugar results in a moist, slightly sweet biscuit that complements any meal. The high heat of 450°F ensures that the biscuits bake quickly, developing a perfect, golden crust without drying out.
The key to the recipe’s simplicity and success lies in the dough’s consistency. It’s easy to mix, no need for rolling or cutting, and the biscuits bake right in the pan. This method is a real time-saver, making Butter Swim Biscuits an excellent choice for anyone who loves fresh biscuits but doesn’t want to spend a lot of time in the kitchen.
What You’ll Need for This Recipe
To make these simple and flavorful Butter Swim Biscuits, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour – The base of any biscuit dough, providing structure and tenderness.
- 4 tsp baking powder – Helps the biscuits rise, ensuring they’re light and fluffy.
- 4 tsp sugar – A touch of sweetness to balance the savory flavors.
- 2 tsp salt – Enhances the overall flavor of the biscuits and balances the sweetness.
Wet Ingredients:
- 2 cups buttermilk – The key ingredient that provides moisture and tenderness. Buttermilk also reacts with the baking powder to create a light, airy texture.
- 1 stick butter (1/2 cup) – Butter is essential for the flavor and texture of these biscuits. It’s melted and poured into the pan, helping to form the crispy, golden crust and ensuring the biscuits are moist on the inside.
How to Make Butter Swim Biscuits
Making Butter Swim Biscuits is a straightforward process that requires minimal effort but delivers incredible results. Here’s how to make these biscuits:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 450°F (232°C). This high temperature ensures the biscuits bake quickly and develop that perfect golden-brown crust. While the oven is heating up, take an 8×8 or 9×9 baking dish and melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Once melted, pour the butter into the baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom. It’s important to make sure the pan is not too small or shallow, as the butter needs to stay in the pan while the biscuits bake.
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 4 teaspoons baking powder, 4 teaspoons sugar, and 2 teaspoons salt. Stir the dry ingredients together until they are evenly mixed.
Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients
Pour in the 2 cups buttermilk and stir everything together until a moist dough forms. The dough should be somewhat sticky but not too runny. If you find that it’s too dry, add a little extra buttermilk, a tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together.
Step 4: Add the Dough to the Pan
Once your dough is ready, place it directly on top of the melted butter in the baking dish. Use a spatula to spread the dough evenly across the pan, ensuring that it touches the sides. The dough should be “swimming” in the butter at this point, which is what gives these biscuits their signature richness and texture.
Step 5: Cut the Dough and Bake
Using a knife or a spatula, cut the unbaked dough into 9 even squares. This will make it easier to separate the biscuits once they’re done baking and allow for even cooking.
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The biscuits will have absorbed some of the butter and will have a crisp, buttery top with a soft, pillowy inside.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once the biscuits are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. These biscuits are best enjoyed fresh and warm, but they also store well for a couple of days. Serve them as a side dish with dinner, with your favorite jam or honey for breakfast, or just as a snack to enjoy any time of day.
Tips + Tricks & More for Recipe Success
- Use Cold Butter for Better Texture: If you prefer a flakier texture in your biscuits, you can try cutting the butter into small cubes and chilling it before adding it to the pan. However, for Butter Swim Biscuits, this isn’t necessary since the melted butter contributes to the biscuit’s unique texture.
- Adjust the Sweetness: The amount of sugar in the recipe is quite minimal, so if you prefer a slightly sweeter biscuit, feel free to add an extra teaspoon or two of sugar.
- Use Buttermilk for Authentic Flavor: While you can substitute regular milk or heavy cream for buttermilk, buttermilk is what gives the biscuits their characteristic tang and richness. If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes before using it in the recipe.
- Don’t Overmix the Dough: When mixing the dough, be careful not to overwork it. Stir until just combined to avoid tough biscuits. Overmixing can lead to dense biscuits, and nobody wants that!
- Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the biscuit dough in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 hours before baking. This can be a great time-saver when preparing for a family meal or a special occasion.
- Add-Ins for Extra Flavor: Feel free to experiment with add-ins such as shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, or herbs like rosemary and thyme to customize the biscuits to your liking.
How to Serve Butter Swim Biscuits
Butter Swim Biscuits are incredibly versatile and can be served with a variety of meals. Here are some great ways to enjoy them:
- With Breakfast: These biscuits pair wonderfully with a side of scrambled eggs, bacon, or sausage. Add a dollop of jam, honey, or butter for extra sweetness.
- As a Side for Dinner: Serve these buttery biscuits alongside roasted chicken, beef stew, or even a hearty soup. They make the perfect accompaniment to almost any main course.
- With Gravy: For a Southern-inspired treat, serve Butter Swim Biscuits with homemade sausage gravy. The rich, creamy gravy pairs perfectly with the tender, buttery biscuits.
- As a Snack: Enjoy these biscuits on their own as a snack, perhaps with a little butter or fruit preserves. Their light, fluffy texture makes them perfect for nibbling.
- With Soup: These biscuits are excellent when paired with any soup, especially creamy ones like chicken noodle soup, tomato bisque, or potato leek soup. The soft inside of the biscuits soaks up the soup perfectly.
Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes
- Servings: 9 biscuits
- Calories: Approximately 250-300 calories per biscuit
Butter Swim Biscuits are a simple yet indulgent treat that can be served at any time of day. With their buttery, fluffy texture and minimal prep, they’ll be a staple in your recipe rotation. Whether enjoyed for breakfast, with dinner, or as a snack, these biscuits will quickly become a favorite!