Butter Swim Biscuits

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Butter Swim Biscuits

Introduction

Butter Swim Biscuits are the ultimate in comfort baking — soft, fluffy biscuits baked in a pool of melted butter so that each bite is rich, golden, and indulgent. Unlike traditional biscuits that require cutting butter into the dough, this recipe simplifies the process by letting the butter do the work while baking, creating a crispy edge and pillowy interior. Perfect for breakfast, dinner, or as a snack straight from the pan.

Ingredients (Serves 8–10)

  • ½ cup (1 stick / 115 g) unsalted butter
  • 2 ½ cups (315 g) all-purpose flour
  • 4 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 ¾ cups (415 ml) buttermilk (cold)

Instructions

Step 1 – Preheat and Prepare Butter

  1. Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C).
  2. Place butter in an 8×8-inch baking dish (glass or ceramic works best).
  3. Put the dish in the oven until the butter melts completely (about 5 minutes). Remove carefully.

Step 2 – Make the Biscuit Dough

  1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt.
  2. Pour in the cold buttermilk and stir just until combined — do not overmix. The dough will be sticky.

Step 3 – Assemble in Butter

  1. Pour the biscuit dough directly into the baking dish with melted butter.
  2. Gently spread the dough evenly, allowing some butter to pool on top.
  3. Use a butter knife to score the dough into 9–12 squares (this makes cutting easier later).

Step 4 – Bake

  1. Bake for 25–28 minutes, or until golden brown on top.
  2. Let rest for 5 minutes, then cut along the scored lines and serve warm.

Methods & Variations

  • Cheddar & Herb – Add 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese and 1 tbsp chopped chives to the dough.
  • Garlic Butter – Stir minced garlic into the melted butter before adding the dough.
  • Sweet Version – Add 2 tbsp sugar and a sprinkle of cinnamon for breakfast biscuits.
  • Bigger Batch – Double the recipe and bake in a 9×13-inch dish.

History

The concept of “swimming” baked goods in butter comes from Southern home cooking traditions. Biscuits have been a staple in the American South for centuries, evolving from British scones. This “melted butter” technique gained popularity in the late 20th century thanks to church potlucks and family cookbooks, as it removed the need for tedious butter-cutting while guaranteeing buttery flavor in every bite.

Benefits

  1. Simple & Foolproof – No need to cut in butter or roll dough.
  2. Rich Flavor – Butter soaks into the biscuit while baking.
  3. Perfect Texture – Crispy edges, soft centers.
  4. Versatile – Works for sweet or savory meals.
  5. Crowd-Pleaser – Loved by both kids and adults.

Formation (Components)

  1. Base Dough – Flour, leavening, sugar, and salt.
  2. Liquid – Buttermilk for tenderness.
  3. Fat – Butter both underneath and on top.
  4. Baking Dish – The “pool” where the biscuits swim.

Conclusion

Butter Swim Biscuits are the perfect marriage of ease and indulgence — a soft, fluffy interior wrapped in a buttery, crispy crust. Whether you serve them with gravy, soup, fried chicken, or just a drizzle of honey, they’ll vanish quickly.

For the Biscuit Lovers

If your ideal biscuit is melt-in-your-mouth soft yet has crispy, buttery edges, this recipe will make you fall in love. It’s rustic, homey, and irresistibly delicious.

Methods (Reiterated)

  • Use cold buttermilk for the best rise.
  • Avoid overmixing to keep biscuits tender.
  • Let the butter melt in the oven for a lightly toasted flavor.

Conclusion (Reiterated)

This recipe transforms the humble biscuit into a rich, decadent treat that looks fancy but takes minimal effort. A true kitchen win for busy mornings, family dinners, or holiday gatherings.

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