Get ready to discover the magic of Butter Swim Biscuits, a recipe so simple and delicious it feels like a well-kept secret. Forget everything you know about complicated biscuit-making. There’s no cutting in cold butter, no folding, and no special cutters required. These biscuits literally swim in a pool of butter as they bake, emerging from the oven with incredibly soft, fluffy centers and irresistibly crisp, golden-brown edges. If you’re looking for a foolproof recipe that delivers bakery-quality results with minimal effort, you’ve found it.
This recipe uses basic pantry staples to create a batch of the most tender, flavorful biscuits imaginable. They are perfect for a weekend breakfast, a comforting side with dinner, or a simple snack anytime. Let’s dive in and make the best biscuits of your life.
What Are Butter Swim Biscuits?
Butter Swim Biscuits are a unique and wonderfully simple type of biscuit. The name comes from the method itself: the biscuit dough is placed in a baking dish, and melted butter is poured all around it. As the biscuits bake, they “swim” in the butter, absorbing all the rich flavor. This process creates a distinct texture that’s soft and steamy on the inside with a delightful buttery crunch on the outside. It’s an unconventional technique that yields remarkably consistent and delicious results every time.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Biscuit Recipe
Incredibly Simple: With just a handful of ingredients and a straightforward process, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
No Special Equipment: You don’t need a pastry cutter or biscuit cutters. A bowl, a whisk, and a baking dish are all it takes.
Amazingly Fluffy & Tender: The combination of buttermilk and the butter bath creates a super-soft, moist interior that practically melts in your mouth.
Versatile Side Dish: These biscuits are the perfect accompaniment to almost any meal, from savory stews like this Slow Cooker Mediterranean Beef Stew to a hearty breakfast platter.
The Simple Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about this recipe is its simplicity. You only need a few core ingredients that you likely already have on hand.
Those crispy, buttery edges are pure perfection.
For the Biscuits:
All-Purpose Flour: The structural foundation of our biscuits.
Baking Powder: The leavening agent that gives the biscuits their impressive height and fluffiness.
Granulated Sugar: Just a touch to balance the flavors. It doesn’t make the biscuits sweet, but enhances the buttery notes.
Salt: Essential for flavor.
Buttermilk: The star ingredient for a tender crumb and a slight tang. If you don’t have any, see the FAQ section for an easy substitute.
Melted Butter: This is what the biscuits “swim” in, creating those signature crispy edges and rich flavor.
How to Make Butter Swim Biscuits Step-by-Step
Making these Butter Swim Biscuits is as easy as mix, pour, and bake. Follow these simple steps for perfect biscuits.
Preheat and Prep: First, preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Pour the melted butter into an 8×8 inch baking dish, ensuring it covers the entire bottom.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt.
Add Buttermilk: Pour in the buttermilk and stir until just combined. The dough will be sticky and shaggy. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough biscuits.
Shape the Dough: Lightly flour your hands and a clean work surface. Gently pat the sticky dough into a rough rectangle, about 1/2 inch thick.
Cut and Place: Cut the dough into 9 equal squares. Place each square into the prepared baking dish on top of the melted butter.
Bake to Perfection: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the tops are beautifully golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The butter will be bubbly and absorbed into the biscuits.
The inside is just as incredible as the buttery, crisp outside.
Pro Tips for Perfect, Fluffy Biscuits
Don’t Overmix the Dough: Mix only until the ingredients are just combined. A few lumps are perfectly fine. Overmixing develops gluten, which will make your biscuits tough instead of tender.
Use Full-Fat Buttermilk: For the richest flavor and most tender texture, use full-fat buttermilk.
Ensure Baking Powder is Fresh: Baking powder loses its potency over time. For the best rise, use a fresh container.
Serve Warm: These biscuits are at their absolute best when served warm from the oven, allowing the butter to shine.
Flavor Variations to Try
While the classic recipe is divine, you can easily customize these biscuits. Try adding about 1/2 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese and a teaspoon of garlic powder to the dry ingredients for a savory twist. For something herbaceous, add two tablespoons of chopped fresh chives or rosemary. These additions make them a fantastic side for a savory main course like our Cowboy Butter Chicken. You could even go sweet by adding a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar on top before baking.
What to Serve With Your Biscuits
These versatile Butter Swim Biscuits can be served in so many ways! Enjoy them for breakfast with jam, honey, or a savory sausage gravy. They make a wonderful side for dinner alongside fried chicken, chili, or a comforting soup like this Philly Cheesesteak Soup.
Storing and Reheating
Store any leftover biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, wrap them in foil and place them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through. This method helps them retain their moisture and softness.
They get their name from the unique baking method. The biscuit dough is placed in a dish, and then melted butter is poured around it, causing the biscuits to ‘swim’ in butter as they bake. This creates their signature soft centers and crispy edges.
Buttermilk is highly recommended for the best texture and flavor. However, if you’re in a pinch, you can make a substitute by adding 2 tablespoons of lemon juice or white vinegar to 2 cups of regular milk. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes to curdle before using.
This recipe is specifically developed for all-purpose flour. Using other types, like self-rising flour, would require adjusting the baking powder and salt measurements. For best results, stick with all-purpose flour.
The biscuits are done when their tops are a deep golden brown and the butter around the edges is bubbly. You can also insert a toothpick into the center of a biscuit; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Absolutely! For a savory twist, you can mix in about 1/2 to 3/4 cup of shredded sharp cheddar, along with herbs like chives or a pinch of garlic powder, into the dry ingredients before adding the buttermilk.
The Easiest Butter Swim Biscuits Recipe
FL Recipes
Butter Swim Biscuits: The Ultimate Easy Homemade Biscuit Recipe
Discover the easiest, most delicious Butter Swim Biscuits! This foolproof recipe uses simple pantry staples to create incredibly soft, fluffy biscuits with irresistibly crisp, buttery edges. No cutting in butter or special equipment needed!
Preheat oven to 450°F (232°C). Pour the melted butter into an 8x8 inch baking dish, tilting to coat the bottom completely.
In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.
Pour in the buttermilk and stir with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. The dough will be very sticky. Do not overmix.
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. With floured hands, gently pat the dough into a rectangle about 1/2 inch thick.
Cut the dough into 9 equal squares. Place the squares into the prepared baking dish, arranging them in the melted butter.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the tops are golden brown and a tester comes out clean. The butter around the edges should be bubbly.
Let cool for a few minutes before serving warm.
Nutrition
Calories: 310kcalProtein: 7gFat: 14gFiber: 1g
Notes
For best results, use fresh baking powder and full-fat buttermilk. Don't overmix the dough! A shaggy, sticky dough is what you're looking for to get tender, fluffy biscuits. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
I can’t wait for you to try this incredibly easy Butter Swim Biscuits recipe! They are sure to become a new family favorite. If you make them, please leave a comment below and let me know how they turned out. And don’t forget to share your beautiful biscuit creations on Pinterest!
You won't believe how easy these Butter Swim Biscuits are to make!
Hi, I’m Emily Carter, and welcome to FL Recipes! I share simple, healthy recipes that make cooking easy, fun, and delicious for everyone. more about me »
