Honey Butter Swim Biscuits are soft, fluffy biscuits baked in a layer of melted butter, which gives them a crispy golden crust on the outside while keeping the inside tender and moist.
The biscuit dough is made with simple ingredients like flour, baking powder, buttermilk, and honey, then poured into a baking dish where it “swims” in butter while baking.
These Honey Butter Swim Biscuits are also wonderfully hearty thanks to the savory combination of diced ham and melted cheddar cheese mixed into the buttermilk biscuit batter. The salty ham and creamy cheese balance perfectly with the sweet honey butter topping.
They are great for breakfast, brunch, or served as a comforting side dish with soup or dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
There are so many reasons home cooks love this easy Honey Butter Swim Biscuits recipe. First, the recipe is incredibly simple. Unlike traditional biscuits that require cutting in butter and shaping dough, this one only requires mixing the ingredients and baking everything in one pan.
Second, the texture is amazing. Because the biscuits bake in melted butter, the outside becomes golden and crisp while the inside stays light and fluffy Another reason is the flavor combination. The slightly sweet honey, warm cinnamon, savory ham, and melted cheddar cheese create a balanced and comforting taste.
Finally, these Honey Butter Swim Biscuits are perfect for many occasions. You can serve them at breakfast with eggs, bring them to brunch gatherings, or enjoy them as a cozy side with soups and stews.
Honey Butter Swim Biscuits Recipe Overview
- Recipe Name: Honey Butter Swim Biscuits
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 9 biscuits
- Difficulty: Easy
- Course: Breakfast, brunch, or side dish
- Cuisine: American
- Calories: ~260 kcal
Ingredients
Biscuit Batter
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour (313g)
- 4 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 cups buttermilk
- ¼ cup honey
- 8 tablespoons butter (melted)
Honey Butter Topping
- 2 tablespoons butter (melted)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- ⅛ teaspoon cinnamon
- ⅛ teaspoon salt

Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Pan
Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Pour the 8 tablespoons of melted butter into an 8×8 baking dish, making sure the butter spreads evenly across the bottom.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon until well combined.
3. Add the Wet Ingredients
Pour in the buttermilk and honey. Stir gently until a thick biscuit batter forms. Do not overmix, as that can make the biscuits dense.
4. Add Ham and Cheese
Fold in the diced ham and shredded cheddar cheese until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
5. Add the Batter to the Dish
Spoon the biscuit dough directly into the baking dish with the melted butter. Spread it gently so the batter touches the edges of the pan.
6. Score the Dough
Using a knife, lightly score the dough into 9 squares. This makes it easier to cut the biscuits after baking.
7. Bake
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges look crisp.
8. Make the Honey Butter Topping
While the biscuits are baking, mix 2 tablespoons of melted butter, honey, cinnamon, and salt in a small bowl.
9. Brush the Biscuits
Once the biscuits come out of the oven, brush the honey butter mixture over the top while they are still warm.
Pro Tips for Perfect Butter Swim Biscuits
1. Use cold buttermilk for a better biscuit texture. It helps create a light and tender crumb.
2. Do not overmix the batter. Stir just until the ingredients combine to keep the biscuits fluffy.
3. Make sure the butter fully coats the bottom of the pan. This helps create the signature crispy edges.
4. Score the dough before baking so the biscuits separate easily later.
6. Brush the honey butter topping while the biscuits are warm so it melts into the crust.
Variations
1. Cheese Lover’s Version
Add extra shredded cheddar or mix in mozzarella for an even cheesier biscuit.
2. Spicy Breakfast Biscuits
Add chopped jalapenos or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the batter.
Mix fresh herbs like parsley or chives into the dough for a savory twist.
4. Bacon Honey Biscuits
Replace the ham with crispy bacon for a smoky flavor.
Serving Suggestions
These Honey Butter Swim Biscuits are incredibly versatile and pair well with many dishes.Serve them warm with scrambled eggs and fresh fruit for breakfast. They also work beautifully with fried eggs and breakfast sausage for a hearty brunch plate.
For lunch or dinner, enjoy them alongside creamy soups, chili, or roasted chicken. The buttery texture makes them perfect for soaking up sauces and broths. You can even serve them as a sweet snack with extra honey drizzled on top.
Storage & Reheating
1. Refrigerator:
Store leftover biscuits in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
2. Freezer:
You can freeze them for up to 2 months. Wrap each biscuit individually for best results.
3. Reheating:
Warm them in a 350°F oven for about 8–10 minutes or microwave for 20–30 seconds until heated through.
Other Biscuits Recipe You May Like
▶ Best Cornbread Butter Swim Biscuits
▶ Best Chocolate Chip Butter Swim Biscuits
▶ Best Sausage Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits
▶ Ham and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits
▶ Easy Peach Butter Swim Biscuits
FAQs
Can I Use Regular Milk Instead Of Buttermilk?
Yes, but for the best flavor and texture, mix 2 cups milk with 2 tablespoons lemon juice or vinegar to create a quick buttermilk substitute.
Can I Make These Biscuits Ahead Of Time?
Yes. You can bake them earlier in the day and reheat before serving.
Why Are My Biscuits Dense?
Overmixing the batter can make biscuits heavy. Stir only until the ingredients are combined.
Conclusion
These Honey Butter Swim Biscuits are one of the easiest and most comforting biscuit recipes you can make at home. The simple buttermilk batter bakes in melted butter, creating a crispy golden crust while keeping the inside soft and fluffy.
The combination of sweet honey butter, savory ham, and melted cheddar cheese makes these Honey Butter Swim Biscuits rich, satisfying, and full of flavor. They are perfect for breakfast, brunch gatherings, or served as a cozy side dish with your favorite meals.

Honey Butter Swim Biscuits
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Pour the 8 tablespoons of melted butter into an 8×8 baking dish, making sure the butter spreads evenly across the bottom.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon until well combined.
- Pour in the buttermilk and honey. Stir gently until a thick biscuit batter forms. Do not overmix, as that can make the biscuits dense.
- Fold in the diced ham and shredded cheddar cheese until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Spoon the biscuit dough directly into the baking dish with the melted butter. Spread it gently so the batter touches the edges of the pan.
- Using a knife, lightly score the dough into 9 squares. This makes it easier to cut the biscuits after baking.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges look crisp.
- While the biscuits are baking, mix together 2 tablespoons melted butter, honey, cinnamon, and salt in a small bowl.
- Once the biscuits come out of the oven, brush the honey butter mixture over the top while they are still warm.