Butter Swim Biscuits: The Ultimate Recipe for Fluffy, Delicious Biscuits

Butter Swim Biscuits are a delightful treat that have captured the hearts and taste buds of many. Originating from the Southern United States, these biscuits are not just a side dish; they are a comforting staple that evokes memories of family gatherings and warm kitchens. The unique method of swimming the biscuits in melted butter before baking gives them a rich, golden crust and a soft, fluffy interior that is simply irresistible.

What I love most about Butter Swim Biscuits is their incredible taste and texture. The buttery flavor combined with a hint of sweetness makes them perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even as a side for dinner. Plus, they are incredibly convenient to make, requiring minimal ingredients and time. Whether you’re serving them with jam, honey, or alongside a hearty meal, these biscuits are sure to impress. Join me as we dive into the world of Butter Swim Biscuits and discover why they are a beloved favorite in so many homes!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, for swimming (melted)

Preparing the Dough

1. **Preheat the Oven**: Start by preheating your oven to 450°F (232°C). This high temperature is key to achieving those beautifully golden and flaky biscuits.

2. **Mix Dry Ingredients**: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, baking soda, and granulated sugar. Whisk these ingredients together until they are well blended. This step is crucial as it ensures that the leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the flour.

3. **Add Wet Ingredients**: Next, pour in the buttermilk and the 1/2 cup of melted unsalted butter into the dry mixture. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, gently stir the mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine. Overmixing can lead to tough biscuits, and we want them to be light and fluffy!

4. **Let the Dough Rest**: Allow the dough to rest for about 5-10 minutes. This resting period helps the flour to hydrate and the gluten to relax, which will contribute to a tender biscuit.

Shaping the Biscuits

5. **Prepare the Baking Dish**: While the dough is resting, take a 9×13 inch baking dish and pour the 1/4 cup of melted butter into it. Make sure the butter coats the bottom evenly. This is what gives the biscuits their signature buttery flavor and crispy edges.

6. **Scoop the Dough**: After the resting period, use a large spoon or a cookie scoop to drop generous portions of the dough into the prepared baking dish. You can make them as big or as small as you like, but I usually aim for about 1/4 cup of dough per biscuit. Space them out evenly, but they can touch slightly as they will rise and expand while baking.

Cooking Process

7. **Bake the Biscuits**: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the biscuits have risen beautifully. The aroma that fills your kitchen during this time is simply irresistible!

8. **Check for Doneness**: To ensure they are fully cooked, you can insert a toothpick into the center of one of the biscuits. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, they are ready to come out of the oven.

9. **Cool Slightly**: Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let the biscuits cool for about 5 minutes. This cooling time allows the butter to set slightly, making them easier to serve.

Assembling and Serving

10. **Serve Warm**: These butter swim biscuits are best served warm. You can pull them apart easily, and they are perfect for slathering with butter, honey, or your favorite jam.

11. **Storing Leftovers**: If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare in my house!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes to bring back their fresh-baked goodness.

12. **Enjoy with Your Favorite Dishes**: These biscuits pair wonderfully with a variety of meals. I love serving them alongside fried chicken, soups, or even as a base for biscuits and gravy. They are versatile and can elevate any meal!

Tips for Perfect Butter Swim Biscuits

– **Use Cold Ingredients**: For even flakier biscuits, consider using cold buttermilk and butter. This helps create steam during baking, which contributes to the rise and flakiness.
– **Don’t Overwork the Dough**: Remember, the key to tender biscuits is to mix just until combined. The less you handle the dough, the better your biscuits will be.
– **Experiment with Add-ins**: Feel free to get creative! You can add shredded cheese, herbs, or even bits of cooked bacon to the dough for a savory twist.

Now that you have the complete recipe for butter swim biscuits, I hope you enjoy making them as much as I do! They are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed any time of the day. Happy baking!

Conclusion:

In summary, these Butter Swim Biscuits are an absolute must-try for anyone looking to elevate their baking game. The combination of buttery goodness and a soft, flaky texture makes them a delightful addition to any meal, whether you’re serving them alongside a hearty soup, a fresh salad, or even as a base for a savory breakfast sandwich. You can also get creative with variations by adding herbs, cheese, or even a touch of garlic to the batter for an extra flavor kick.

I encourage you to give this recipe a whirl and experience the joy of pulling warm, golden biscuits from the oven. Trust me, your family and friends will be begging for the recipe! Once you’ve tried them, I’d love to hear about your experience. Did you stick to the classic version, or did you add your own twist? Share your thoughts and any variations you came up with in the comments below. Happy baking, and enjoy every buttery bite of these incredible Butter Swim Biscuits!

---

June 24, 2025 by Melissa