Butter Swim Biscuits are the epitome of Southern comfort food—tender, flaky, and luxuriously rich from being baked in a pool of melted butter. These biscuits get their name from the unique technique of letting the dough “swim” in butter before baking, resulting in golden, crispy edges and a melt-in-your-mouth interior. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or alongside a hearty dinner, these biscuits are foolproof and irresistibly delicious.
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The Science Behind Butter Swim Biscuits
Understanding the technique ensures perfect biscuits every time:
- Cold Butter vs. Melted Butter: Traditional biscuits use cold butter for flakiness, but here, melted butter creates a crispy crust while keeping the interior tender.
- Leavening Agents: Baking powder provides lift, so ensure it’s fresh for maximum rise.
- Minimal Handling: Overworking the dough leads to tough biscuits—gentle mixing keeps them light.
Ingredients & Substitutions
(Makes 8-10 biscuits)
Core Ingredients:
- 2 ½ cups (300g) all-purpose flour (or self-rising flour—omit baking powder & salt if using)
- 1 tbsp baking powder (ensure it’s fresh)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar (optional, for slight sweetness)
- 1 ¼ cups (300ml) buttermilk (or whole milk + 1 tbsp vinegar, rested 5 mins)
- ½ cup (1 stick / 113g) unsalted butter (salted butter works, but reduce added salt)
Substitutions:
- Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Dairy-Free: Swap butter for vegan butter and buttermilk for almond milk + lemon juice.
- Herb & Cheese Variation: Add ½ cup shredded cheddar + 1 tsp garlic powder.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep the Butter Pool
- Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C).
- Melt ½ cup butter in a microwave or saucepan, then pour into an 8×8-inch baking dish or cast-iron skillet.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a large bowl, whisk together:
- Flour
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Sugar (if using)
3. Add Buttermilk
- Pour 1 ¼ cups buttermilk into dry ingredients.
- Gently stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until just combined (some lumps are fine).
4. Shape & Swim
- Transfer dough to the butter-filled dish.
- Lightly pat into an even layer (don’t overwork).
- Use a knife or bench scraper to cut into 8-10 squares before baking.
5. Bake to Golden Perfection
- Bake 20-25 mins until tops are golden and edges crisp.
- Let cool 5 mins before serving.
Pro Tips:
- ✔ Don’t overmix—this keeps biscuits tender.
- ✔ Hot oven ensures a good rise.
- ✔ Use real buttermilk for tang and tenderness.
Creative Variations
- Garlic-Herb: Add 1 tsp garlic powder + 2 tbsp chopped parsley.
- Cheesy Jalapeño: Fold in ½ cup cheddar + 1 diced jalapeño.
- Sweet Cinnamon: Replace sugar with 2 tbsp brown sugar + 1 tsp cinnamon.
Serving Suggestions
- Breakfast: Top with honey, jam, or sausage gravy.
- Dinner Side: Pair with fried chicken or stew.
- Elevated Twist: Use as a base for strawberry shortcake.
Butter Swim Biscuits are a game-changer—simple enough for beginners but impressive enough for any table. With their crispy edges, buttery richness, and fluffy interior, they’re bound to become a staple in your kitchen. Don’t wait—preheat that oven and let these biscuits swim their way into your heart!
Happy Baking!