Butter Swim Biscuits

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I still remember the first time I baked Butter Swim Biscuits — the smell of sizzling butter and the sight of those golden tops puffing up in the oven had me hooked immediately. These biscuits are unlike your typical roll-and-cut kind; they’re delightfully simple yet irresistibly rich. The dough is poured into a pool of melted butter before baking, resulting in fluffy, tender insides with perfectly crisp, buttery edges.

What I love most about this recipe is how forgiving it is. You don’t need to be a seasoned baker to pull it off. With just a few pantry staples and minimal prep, you’re rewarded with warm, homemade biscuits that taste like a cozy Sunday morning. Whether served with jam, honey, or as a savory side, these are the kind of biscuits that disappear fast.

Why You’ll Love This Butter Swim Biscuits Recipe

These biscuits check every box — they’re rich, comforting, and ridiculously easy to make. Because the dough bakes in butter, you don’t need to worry about perfect kneading or shaping. The buttery crust forms naturally in the oven, giving every bite a delicious contrast of crispy outside and soft, pillowy interior. Plus, this is a one-bowl, no-fuss kind of recipe, perfect for both beginners and busy cooks.

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What Kind of Butter Should I Use?

Unsalted butter is ideal here because it gives you full control over the saltiness of your biscuits. If you only have salted butter on hand, you can reduce the added salt in the dough slightly. You’ll want a good-quality butter since it’s such a key flavor in the final result — the biscuits literally swim in it. European-style butter with higher butterfat content will give you an even richer flavor, but regular store butter works beautifully too.

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Options for Substitutions

If you need to adapt this recipe, there’s some room to play:

• Buttermilk Substitute: No buttermilk? Mix 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar into a cup of milk and let it sit for 5–10 minutes.
• Gluten-Free Flour: Use a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend if you’re avoiding gluten — just make sure it includes xanthan gum.
• Dairy-Free: Substitute plant-based butter and use unsweetened almond or oat milk with a little vinegar for a dairy-free version.
• Add Cheese or Herbs: Mix in shredded cheddar, chopped chives, or garlic powder for a flavorful twist.

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Ingredients for this Butter Swim Biscuits Recipe

• All-Purpose Flour – The foundation of the biscuit, providing structure and fluff. Make sure to measure it correctly to avoid a dense texture.
• Baking Powder – This is what gives the biscuits their incredible rise and airiness. Fresh baking powder is essential for a good lift.
• Granulated Sugar – A small amount balances the savory richness with just a hint of sweetness.
• Salt – Enhances flavor and balances the butteriness. Adjust based on whether you’re using salted or unsalted butter.
• Buttermilk – Adds tang and tenderizes the dough, reacting with the baking powder for extra lift. It’s a must-have for soft, fluffy texture.
• Unsalted Butter – The star of the show! It creates the signature buttery crust and infuses every bite with rich flavor.

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Step 1: Preheat and Prep the Pan

Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Place a stick (1/2 cup) of unsalted butter into an 8×8-inch baking dish and let it melt in the oven while it heats. This creates the butter pool your biscuits will swim in.

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Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt. This ensures even distribution of leavening and seasoning, setting the base for tender biscuits.

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Step 3: Add the Buttermilk

Pour the buttermilk into the dry mix and stir until just combined. The dough will be sticky and somewhat lumpy — that’s exactly how it should be. Don’t overmix, or you’ll lose the fluff.

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Step 4: Transfer to the Buttered Dish

Carefully remove the hot pan with melted butter from the oven. Spoon the biscuit dough directly into the butter-filled dish. Gently spread it out to the edges — don’t stir it into the butter, just let it sit in that golden bath.

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Step 5: Score the Dough

Using a butter knife, score the dough into 9 even squares. This step helps the biscuits pull apart easily once baked and gives them their iconic shape.

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Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Place the dish back into the oven and bake for 22–25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are crisp and buttery. Let cool slightly before cutting and serving warm.

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How Long to Prepare the Butter Swim Biscuits Recipe

Making Butter Swim Biscuits doesn’t take long at all, which is part of their magic.

Prep Time: You’ll need about 10 minutes to get everything mixed and into the pan. Melting the butter while the oven preheats saves time and adds convenience.

Bake Time: These biscuits bake in roughly 22 to 25 minutes, depending on your oven. The tops should be golden and the butter bubbling around the edges.

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Tips for Perfect Butter Swim Biscuits

• Use cold buttermilk to help keep the dough slightly firm and achieve the best texture.
• Don’t overmix the dough — it should look shaggy, not smooth.
• Let the butter fully melt and heat in the pan before adding the dough. This helps create that crispy, buttery crust.
• Score the dough before baking. It helps with even baking and makes the biscuits easy to pull apart.
• Serve warm for the ultimate soft and flaky experience. These biscuits are best enjoyed fresh from the oven.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Using warm buttermilk can result in stickier, harder-to-handle dough.
• Overmixing the dough creates tough biscuits instead of fluffy ones.
• Skipping the scoring might make it harder to slice and serve the biscuits cleanly.
• Not preheating the pan and butter can prevent the signature crispy edges.
• Underbaking will leave the center doughy. Always look for that golden brown top.

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What to Serve With Butter Swim Biscuits?

1. Classic Sausage Gravy

Creamy, peppery gravy poured over these biscuits makes for a Southern-style breakfast worth waking up for.

2. Fried or Scrambled Eggs

A hearty breakfast plate isn’t complete without eggs on the side of your warm, buttery biscuit.

3. Fresh Fruit Preserves or Jam

A spoonful of strawberry or peach preserves adds a sweet contrast to the rich biscuit.

4. Honey Butter or Maple Syrup

Slather on a bit of honey butter or drizzle with syrup for a sweet-savory flavor combo.

5. Crispy Bacon or Ham

Add a salty protein to complete your breakfast or brunch spread.

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Storage Instructions

Room Temperature: If you plan to eat the biscuits within 1–2 days, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Reheat in the oven or microwave for a fresh-out-of-the-oven feel.

Refrigerator: For longer storage (up to 5 days), keep the biscuits in the fridge in a sealed container. Reheat them wrapped in foil at 350°F until warmed through.

Freezer: Freeze leftover biscuits in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen at 350°F for 15–20 minutes.

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Estimated Nutrition

(Per biscuit – assuming 9 biscuits total)

• Calories: ~250 kcal
• Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Sugar: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Sodium: 320mg
• Fiber: 0.5g
• Cholesterol: 40mg

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know when the biscuits are fully baked?

They should be golden brown on top with bubbly butter around the edges. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes! Simply double the ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch dish. You may need to increase the baking time slightly by 5 minutes.

What if I don’t have buttermilk?

Use whole milk mixed with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes before using.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can mix the dry ingredients and store them separately. Melt the butter and assemble just before baking for best results.

How do I reheat leftovers?

Reheat in the oven at 350°F wrapped in foil for about 10 minutes, or microwave in short bursts if you’re in a rush.

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Conclusion

Butter Swim Biscuits are proof that simple ingredients can create something deeply satisfying and unforgettable. With their fluffy centers, crispy golden edges, and deep buttery flavor, they’re bound to become your go-to biscuit recipe. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or any comforting meal, these biscuits are the kind of thing you’ll want to share — but we won’t blame you if you don’t.

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