The Fluffiest Ham and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits Recipe

Golden and pillowy, these ham and cheese butter swim biscuits deliver a mouth-watering twist on classic comfort food.

Melted butter creates a luxurious base that cradles savory ham and sharp cheese inside tender bread.

Crispy edges promise a delightful crunch with every single bite.

Southern kitchens have long celebrated simple ingredients that pack maximum flavor into modest dishes.

Generous portions mean you can feed a hungry crowd without complicated preparation techniques.

Each biscuit emerges from the oven looking like a golden treasure map of deliciousness.

This recipe will make you the hero of any gathering, transforming ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal that everyone will crave.

FAQs About Ham and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits

• What type of buttermilk works best for this recipe?

Regular cultured buttermilk from the dairy section works perfectly. Low-fat or full-fat versions are both acceptable, but avoid using buttermilk substitutes for the best texture and flavor.

• Can I use different types of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute cheddar with other melting cheeses like monterey jack, provolone, or mild swiss. Choose cheeses that melt smoothly and complement the ham’s flavor.

• How do I prevent the biscuits from becoming too dry?

Do not overmix the dough and add buttermilk gradually. If the batter seems too thick, incorporate a little more buttermilk until you achieve a sticky, soft consistency. Avoid overbaking by checking doneness around 25 minutes.

Reasons to Love Ham and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits

• Satisfy Hunger Quickly: Perfect for busy families craving a delicious, filling meal that comes together with minimal kitchen effort.
• Customize with Creativity: Easily swap ham and cheese with alternative ingredients like bacon, different cheeses, or even vegetarian options to match personal taste preferences.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Delivers a warm, buttery experience that appeals to both kids and adults, making it an ideal dish for family gatherings or casual weekend meals.
• Minimal Prep, Maximum Flavor: Requires simple ingredients and straightforward techniques, allowing even novice cooks to create a restaurant-quality side dish with guaranteed success.

Ingredients for Ham and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits

• All-Purpose Flour: A versatile wheat-based ingredient that provides the base structure for the biscuits.
• Buttermilk: A tangy dairy product that helps create a tender and soft biscuit texture.
• Salted Butter: Adds rich flavor and creates a delicious buttery base for the biscuits.

• Diced Ham, Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Savory ingredients that bring depth of flavor and protein to the biscuits.

• Granulated Sugar, Aluminum-Free Baking Powder: Essential components that help the biscuits rise and add a subtle sweetness.

How to Prepare Ham and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Turn the oven to 450°F. Grab a 9×9-inch baking dish and give it a quick spray with nonstick cooking spray.

Step 2: Create Dry Mixture

In a bowl, blend flour, sugar, and baking powder until they’re perfectly combined. Whisk thoroughly to eliminate any lumps.

Step 3: Introduce Buttermilk

Pour buttermilk into the dry ingredients. Stir until you’ve got a thick, slightly sticky batter. The consistency should be smooth and easy to work with.

Step 4: Fold in Flavor Boosters

• Diced ham
• Shredded cheddar cheese

Gently fold these ingredients so they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 5: Butter Bath Preparation

Melt butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Pour the liquid gold into your prepared baking dish, creating a rich buttery base.

Step 6: Spread the Dough

Carefully spoon the biscuit mixture over the melted butter. Spread it evenly, making sure it covers the entire surface of the dish.

Step 7: Create Cutting Guidelines

Take a knife and slice the dough into 9 equal squares. This will make serving a breeze later on.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the hot oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes, giving the dish a quick spin halfway through to ensure even cooking. If the top starts getting too brown, drape some foil over the top.

Step 9: Check for Golden Goodness

Look for a beautiful golden-brown top. The biscuits should feel springy when you touch them. Do a toothpick test – it should come out clean when inserted in the center.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

Let the biscuits rest for a few minutes. Slice along the pre-cut lines and serve while they’re warm and inviting.

Pro Tips for Ham and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits

• Measure Precisely: Use exact measurements for flour and buttermilk to ensure the perfect biscuit texture and prevent dryness.
• Cheese Selection: Choose sharp cheddar for a more intense flavor, or experiment with different cheese varieties like gruyère or monterey jack for unique taste profiles.
• Butter Quality Matters: Use high-quality salted butter for better flavor and a more golden, crispy bottom crust.
• Ham Prep Tip: Dice ham into small, uniform pieces to distribute evenly throughout the biscuit dough for consistent flavor in every bite.
• Baking Watch: Keep an eye on browning and use foil if biscuits are getting too dark too quickly to prevent burning while ensuring a fully cooked interior.

Variation Ideas for Ham and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits

• Bacon Cheddar Swap: Replace ham with crispy bacon bits for a smoky flavor profile and extra crunch.
• Vegetarian Herb Biscuits: Substitute ham with roasted bell peppers and swap cheddar for a blend of mozzarella and parmesan, adding fresh chopped herbs like thyme or rosemary.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free, maintaining the same butter-rich texture and cheesy goodness.
• Spicy Jalapeño Biscuits: Incorporate diced jalapeños into the batter and use pepper jack cheese for a zesty, heat-packed alternative that brings extra excitement to the classic recipe.

Pairing Suggestions for Ham and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits

• Savor Bold Wine Pairing: A crisp Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the rich, buttery biscuits with its bright acidity, complementing the salty ham and melted cheese perfectly.
• Create Hearty Salad Companion: Whip up a tangy mixed green salad with dijon vinaigrette to balance the biscuits' heaviness, adding a fresh, zesty counterpoint to the warm, cheesy dish.
• Elevate with Quick Dipping Sauce: Craft a spicy honey mustard or herb-infused ranch dressing that enhances the ham and cheese flavors, providing an exciting additional layer of taste to each bite.
• Boost with Refreshing Beverage: Serve cold apple cider or a light wheat beer to cleanse the palate and refresh the taste buds between these rich, buttery biscuit bites.

Storage Advice for Ham and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Keep biscuits whole or cut to maximize storage space.
• Wrap individual biscuits tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months without losing quality or taste.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place biscuits on baking sheet, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Heat biscuits on microwave-safe plate for 20-30 seconds. Add damp paper towel on top to maintain moisture and prevent rubbery texture.

Ham And Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits Recipe

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4.9 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 40-45 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Southern comfort shines in these ham and cheese butter swim biscuits, blending hearty flavors with buttery, golden perfection. Comfort meets indulgence as you savor each flaky, melted bite of cheesy goodness.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups small diced ham
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

Dry Seasonings and Leavening Agents:

• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon aluminum-free baking powder

Liquid and Fat Ingredients:

• 1 3/4 cups buttermilk (can increase to 2 cups if batter seems dry)
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) salted butter

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Instructions

1. Prepare the baking environment by heating the oven to 450°F and coating a 9×9-inch dish with nonstick spray.
2. Combine flour, sugar, and baking powder in a mixing bowl, creating a uniform dry mixture.
3. Gradually introduce buttermilk into the dry ingredients, stirring until a thick, cohesive batter develops.
4. Incorporate diced ham and shredded cheddar cheese, gently folding to distribute evenly throughout the mixture.
5. Melt butter in a microwave-safe container, then pour into the prepared baking dish, ensuring complete coverage of the bottom.
6. Transfer the biscuit batter into the butter-lined dish, spreading it carefully to create an even layer that allows some butter to rise around the edges.
7. Use a sharp knife to create a precise grid, dividing the dough into 9 equal sections before baking.
8. Place the dish in the preheated oven, rotating midway through the 25-30 minute cooking process to ensure uniform browning.
9. Monitor the biscuits’ color and texture; they should transform into a golden-brown surface with a springy consistency when touched.
10. Allow a brief cooling period before separating the biscuits along the pre-scored lines, serving while still warm.

Notes

• Choose high-quality cheddar cheese for a richer, more robust flavor that enhances the overall taste of the biscuits.
• Experiment with different ham varieties like smoked, honey-cured, or black forest ham to add unique depth to the recipe.
• For a gluten-free version, swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Customize the biscuits by adding herbs like chives, thyme, or rosemary to the dough for an extra layer of aromatic complexity.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 254 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 292 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 35 mg