If you are craving a warm, comforting treat that combines the savory goodness of ham, the melty delight of cheese, and the golden buttery magic of fresh biscuits, then you are in for a real treat with this Ham and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits Recipe. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a cozy hug on a plate, where each bite swims in rich butter, making it irresistibly tender and flavorful. Whether you’re serving it at brunch, as a snack, or alongside your favorite meal, this recipe is guaranteed to become a beloved staple that brings everyone to the table with a smile.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple and essential ingredients is the first step toward creating the magic of this dish. Each one plays a vital role—flour gives structure, baking powder adds that lovely rise, while ham and cheese bring savory bursts of flavor. The butter ensures richness and a mouthwatering golden crust, and the milk ties everything together with the perfect batter consistency.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of your biscuits, providing a tender but sturdy dough.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder: The leavening agent that makes your biscuits light and fluffy.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances flavor without overpowering the dish.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional): Adds a subtle depth of savory aroma if you want a little extra zing.
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Swiss): Melts beautifully, infusing cheesy goodness throughout every bite.
- 1 cup diced ham: Brings a satisfying smoky, meaty note that pairs perfectly with the cheese.
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted): Incorporated into the batter for tenderness and richness.
- 1 cup milk: Provides moisture and smoothness to the batter, ensuring soft biscuits.
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (for baking dish): The secret to the “swimming” effect, creating crispy, buttery bottoms on your biscuits.
How to Make Ham and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 450°F (232°C). This high temperature is key to achieving that golden brown crust and airy interior. Getting your oven hot before baking ensures the biscuits rise properly and develop that irresistible flaky texture.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and optional garlic powder. This step guarantees even distribution of the leavening agents and seasoning, so every bite is consistent and flavorful.
Step 3: Combine Ham and Cheese
Fold the shredded cheese and diced ham into the dry mixture. You want them distributed thoroughly so that each biscuit will have pockets of savory delight without overwhelming the dough.
Step 4: Add the Wet Ingredients and Stir
In a separate bowl, mix the melted butter and milk gently. Pour this wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir just until combined. Leave some lumps to prevent overmixing, which can make the biscuits tough instead of light and fluffy—that’s the trick to tender results!
Step 5: Prepare the Baking Dish
Pour about ¼ cup of melted butter into a 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom. This butter pool is what makes the biscuits truly “swim,” creating crispy, buttery bases that contrast wonderfully with their soft tops.
Step 6: Pour Batter into the Dish
Carefully spoon the biscuit batter over the melted butter. Don’t stir or mix at this stage—the batter will float on top, which is exactly what you want. This separation is crucial to the biscuit’s texture and buttery bottom layer.
Step 7: Bake Until Golden
Place the baking dish in your preheated oven and bake for about 25 minutes. The biscuits are done when they develop a gorgeous golden brown color and spring back lightly when touched, signaling they’re cooked through with flaky interiors.
Step 8: Cool Slightly Before Serving
Remove the dish and let it cool for a few minutes. This brief rest time allows the buttery layers to set a bit, making it easier to cut into squares without the biscuits falling apart.
Step 9: Cut and Enjoy!
Slice the biscuits into squares and serve warm. Whether as a snack, breakfast treat, or side dish, these buttery, cheesy, ham-filled biscuits will disappear fast!
How to Serve Ham and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Ham and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits Recipe, consider sprinkling a fresh herb like chopped chives or parsley on top just before serving. A dollop of sour cream or a swipe of hot honey butter can also add a delightful contrast that brightens each bite.
Side Dishes
These biscuits pair beautifully with simple sides like a crisp green salad to balance their richness, roasted vegetables for heartiness, or a bowl of warm tomato soup for dipping. They also work wonderfully alongside breakfast classics like scrambled eggs or sautéed greens.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking these biscuits with layers of scrambled eggs and spinach for a hearty breakfast sandwich, or serve them alongside a charcuterie board featuring different cheeses and cured meats for a fancy brunch spread. Their buttery nature makes them perfect to be warmed and served family-style for sharing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To preserve their texture, keep the biscuits separate and avoid stacking too tightly to prevent sogginess.
Freezing
You can freeze baked biscuits by wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.
Reheating
Reheat your biscuits in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. This method helps restore their crisp edges and melty cheese center far better than a microwave, which can sometimes make them rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese in this recipe?
Absolutely! While cheddar or Swiss are classic choices, feel free to experiment with mozzarella, gouda, or even pepper jack for a different flavor profile. Just make sure the cheese melts well for the best texture.
Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking mix of equal volume can work. However, results may vary slightly in texture, so choose a blend that includes xanthan gum or similar binding agents for best success.
Can I add other mix-ins besides ham and cheese?
Definitely! You can mix in cooked bacon, sautéed mushrooms, or even diced jalapeños for a bit of heat. Just be mindful of additional moisture when adding more ingredients to maintain the biscuit’s consistency.
Why is the butter poured into the baking dish?
The butter forms a swimming pool where the biscuits bake. This creates a crispy, golden bottom while keeping the insides soft and moist. It’s what makes these “butter swim” biscuits unique and so delicious.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
You can, but reduce or omit the additional salt in the dry ingredients to avoid the biscuits becoming too salty. Unsalted butter gives you more control over the seasoning balance.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly satisfying about the simple joy of a warm, buttery biscuit filled with ham and cheese, swimming in a pool of butter as it bakes to golden perfection. The Ham and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits Recipe is a delicious way to bring comforting, homemade magic to your table with minimal fuss and maximum flavor. I can’t wait for you to try it and see just how quickly it becomes a go-to favorite in your kitchen!
Print
Ham and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Biscuit
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Ham and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits are savory, buttery biscuits filled with melted cheese and bits of ham, baked in a pool of butter for a rich, golden crust and tender, flavorful interior. Perfect as a snack or a savory side to complement any meal.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
Add-ins
- 1 cup shredded cheese (such as cheddar or Swiss)
- 1 cup diced ham
Wet Ingredients
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 cup milk
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (for pouring into baking dish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) to ensure it reaches the correct temperature for baking the biscuits evenly.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and garlic powder if using, to evenly distribute the leavening and seasoning.
- Add Cheese and Ham: Stir in the shredded cheese and diced ham thoroughly until they are evenly combined within the dry mixture.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the melted butter and milk. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir just until combined, leaving some lumps to avoid overmixing which can toughen the biscuits.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Pour about ¼ cup of melted butter into a 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly so the biscuits will ‘swim’ in the butter while baking.
- Arrange Batter: Spoon the biscuit batter carefully into the baking dish over the melted butter; the batter will float on top of the butter.
- Bake: Place the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes until the biscuits turn golden brown and are baked through.
- Cool: Remove the dish from the oven and let the biscuits cool for a few minutes, allowing them to set slightly and making them easier to cut.
- Serve: Cut the biscuits into squares and serve warm as a flavorful snack or side dish to complement your meal.
Notes
- Do not overmix the batter to keep biscuits tender and fluffy.
- Using cheese types like cheddar or Swiss enhances flavor and meltiness.
- Ensure butter in the baking dish is evenly spread so biscuits bake in a rich butter pool.
- Serve warm for the best texture and taste.
- These biscuits can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days and reheated in the oven.
