If you’re craving a warm, flaky, buttery biscuit that melts in your mouth, you need to try Butter Swim Biscuits. This Southern-inspired recipe is baked in a generous amount of melted butter, creating crispy golden edges and a soft, fluffy center. Whether served for breakfast or alongside dinner, these biscuits are always a crowd-pleaser—and they’re surprisingly simple to make.
Why These Biscuits Are So Special
- One Bowl, One Pan: Minimal prep and cleanup
- Flaky and Tender: Thanks to the butter-bath baking method
- Perfect for Any Meal: Breakfast, brunch, or as a dinner side
- Beginner-Friendly: No fancy tools or techniques needed
Let’s break down how these buttery wonders work and how you can make them flawlessly every time.
What Makes Butter Swim Biscuits Unique?
Unlike traditional biscuit recipes that use cold butter cut into flour, this version melts the butter first and pours it directly into the pan. The biscuit dough “swims” in this buttery base while it bakes, soaking up flavor and creating a crunchy, golden crust.
Also, you don’t have to worry about layering or shaping the dough. Just mix, press into the pan, and bake.
Ingredients You’ll Need (Makes 8–10 biscuits)
Dry Ingredients
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour (or self-rising flour — skip salt and baking powder if using)
- 1 tablespoon baking powder (make sure it’s fresh)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, adds a slight sweetness)
Wet Ingredients
- 1¼ cups buttermilk (or whole milk + 1 tbsp vinegar left for 5 minutes)
- Half a cup (113g) of melted unsalted butter
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). While it’s heating, melt the butter in a saucepan or microwave, then pour it into an 8×8-inch baking dish or cast iron skillet.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a spacious bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar until well blended. Stir everything together until well combined—no need to sift.
Step 3: Add the Buttermilk
Pour the buttermilk into the dry mix and stir just until the dough comes together. It’s okay if it’s a little lumpy—overmixing will make the biscuits tough.
Step 4: Add Dough to Buttered Pan
Transfer the sticky dough into the butter-filled dish. Gently press it into an even layer. Then use a knife or spatula to score the dough into 9 or 10 squares—this helps them bake more evenly.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 20–25 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the edges are crispy. Let them cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Tips for Success
- Don’t overmix the dough—less handling means fluffier biscuits.
- Make sure the oven is hot before you bake; a high starting temperature helps create a crispy top.
- Fresh buttermilk makes a big difference in both flavor and texture.
Optional Variations
Want to level up your Butter Swim Biscuits? Try these twists:
- Garlic & Herb: Add 1 tsp garlic powder and 2 tbsp chopped herbs like parsley or rosemary.
- Cheddar Jalapeño: Stir in ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar and 1 chopped jalapeño for a spicy kick.
- Sweet Cinnamon: Mix in 2 tbsp brown sugar and 1 tsp cinnamon for a dessert-style biscuit.
Serving Suggestions
These biscuits go well with just about anything:
- Drizzle with honey or maple syrup for breakfast
- Pair with sausage gravy or scrambled eggs
- Serve as a side for fried chicken, stew, or chili
- Use as a base for strawberry shortcake
Final Thoughts
Butter Swim Biscuits are the perfect combination of crispy and soft, buttery and light. They’re incredibly easy to make, even if you’ve never baked biscuits before. Once you try them, they’re guaranteed to become a regular recipe in your kitchen.
So go ahead—preheat that oven and let your biscuits take a buttery swim!