Butter Swim Biscuits are a simple biscuit recipe where the dough is baked directly in melted butter. The dough spreads into the pan and soaks up the butter as it cooks.
This method creates a crisp bottom and soft, fluffy inside. It’s similar to buttermilk biscuits but much easier to prepare. Instead of cutting butter into flour, everything is mixed in one bowl and poured into the pan.
The edges turn golden and crisp, the centre stays soft, and every bite tastes like warm butter and classic buttermilk biscuits. They’re perfect with gravy, jam, honey, or even alongside Blueberry Cobbler.
Why You’ll Love These Butter Swim Biscuits?
You’ll love these Butter Swim Biscuits as they are quick and easy with simple pantry ingredients. There’s no need to cut butter into flour or shape the dough.
The melted butter creates crisp edges and a soft centre in every bite. They work for breakfast, brunch, or dinner with gravy. Once you try this butter swim biscuits recipe, you’ll want to make them again and again.
How To Prepare Butter Swim Biscuits?
Recipe Overview
Butter Swim Biscuits are soft buttermilk biscuits baked in melted butter for crisp edges and a fluffy center.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 28 minutes
- Total Time: 43 minutes
- Cuisine: American
- Course: Biscuits / Side Dish
- Difficulty: Easy
- Yield: 9 large biscuits
- Calories: ~280 per serving
- Servings: 9
Equipment
- 8×8 inch baking dish
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- Knife for slicing
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups (312.5 g) all-purpose flour
- 4 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 2 cups (490 g) buttermilk
- ½ cup (1 stick / 113 g) unsalted butter, melted
Ingredient Notes
1. Flour:
Regular all-purpose flour works perfectly. You can test butter swim biscuits with self rising flour by skipping baking powder and salt.
2. Buttermilk:
Gives that classic tang like traditional buttermilk biscuits. If you need butter swim biscuits without buttermilk, mix 2 cups milk with 2 tablespoons lemon juice and let it sit for 5 minutes.
3. Butter: Use real butter for best flavor. It creates the golden crust.
4. Sugar: Adds a slight sweetness that pairs well with gravy or jam.
How To Make Butter Swim Biscuits (Step by Step)
â–¶ Preheat and Melt Butter
Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Pour the melted butter into your baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
â–¶ Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt.
â–¶ Add Buttermilk
Pour in the buttermilk and stir gently until combined. The dough will be thick and sticky. Do not overmix.
â–¶ Spread in Pan
Transfer the dough directly over the melted butter. Use a spatula to spread it evenly to the edges.
â–¶ Score Before Baking
Using a knife, cut the dough into 9 squares before baking. This makes slicing easier later.
â–¶ Bake
Bake for 25–28 minutes until the top is golden brown and the edges look crisp.
â–¶ Cool Slightly
Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
My Tip
▶ If you want extra crisp edges like pioneer woman butter swim biscuits, bake a few extra minutes and broil for 1–2 minutes at the end.
Nutrition
- Calories: 280
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fat: 14g
- Protein: 5g
- Sodium: 520mg
Helpful Tips With Variations
1. Butter swim biscuits without buttermilk: Use regular milk plus lemon juice.
2. Butter swim biscuits with self rising flour: Skip baking powder and salt.
3. Blueberry butter swim biscuits: Fold in ½ cup fresh Blueberry pieces.
4. Ham and cheese butter swim biscuits: Add shredded cheese and diced ham.
5. Sweet potato butter swim biscuits: Mix in ½ cup mashed sweet potato.
Storage Tips
▶ Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in oven at 350°F for 8 minutes. You can freeze them for up to 2 months.
Serving Suggestions
1. Serve warm with sausage gravy.
2. Spread with honey or jam.
3. Pair with fried chicken.
4. Serve alongside soup or chili.
5. Add fresh Blueberry topping for a sweet twist.
â–¶ These are great for breakfast next to eggs and milk, or as a side for dinner.
Recipe Notes
- Do not overmix the dough.
- Score before baking for clean slices.
- Use real butter for the best flavor.
- Bake until deeply golden for crisp edges.
More Delicious Biscuits
FAQs
Can I Make Butter Swim Biscuits With Regular Milk?
Yes. Mix milk with lemon juice to mimic buttermilk.
Can I Use Bisquick?
You can test butter swim biscuits with Bisquick, though texture will be slightly different.
Why Are My Biscuits Dense?
Overmixing the flour can make them heavy. Stir just until combined.
Can I Make Blueberry Butter Swim Biscuits?
Yes, fold in fresh or frozen blueberries before spreading the dough.
Conclusion
Butter Swim Biscuits are one of those recipes I make when I want something warm, simple, and comforting without extra work. I love how the butter creates crisp edges and a soft center every single time.
There’s no rolling or cutting, which makes this recipe perfect for busy mornings or last-minute dinners. Try them once, and I think they’ll become a regular favorite in your kitchen too.
Butter Swim Biscuits
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Pour the melted butter into your baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt.
- Pour in the buttermilk and stir gently until combined. The dough will be thick and sticky. Do not overmix.
- Transfer the dough directly over the melted butter. Use a spatula to spread it evenly to the edges.
- Using a knife, cut the dough into 9 squares before baking. This makes slicing easier later.
- Bake for 25–28 minutes until the top is golden brown and the edges look crisp.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- ▶ If you want extra crisp edges like pioneer woman butter swim biscuits, bake a few extra minutes and broil for 1–2 minutes at the end.
