Introduction
Ham and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits are the ultimate comfort food. The name comes from their unique baking method—where the dough literally “swims” in melted butter, resulting in crisp golden edges and a soft, fluffy center. Adding diced ham and cheese makes them heartier and perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even as a dinner side.
The History of Butter Swim Biscuits
Butter swim biscuits originate from the American South, where simple, rich recipes shine. The technique of baking biscuit dough directly in a dish of melted butter creates a delicious contrast of crispy outside and tender inside. Over time, home cooks began adding meats and cheeses to turn this classic side into a satisfying main or snack.
Ingredients Breakdown
- All-purpose flour: the base structure
- Baking powder: provides lift
- Sugar: a light sweetness to balance the salt
- Salt: enhances flavor
- Buttermilk: adds tang and moisture
- Butter: melted, for the signature “swim”
- Diced ham: cooked and savory
- Shredded cheddar cheese: melty and sharp
Step-by-Step Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 ¾ cups buttermilk
- ½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick), melted
- 1 cup diced cooked ham
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C)
- Pour melted butter into a 9×9-inch baking dish
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt
- Stir in buttermilk just until combined (don’t overmix)
- Fold in diced ham and shredded cheese
- Pour dough into the buttered dish and gently spread it out
- Score the dough into 9 squares using a knife
- Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown on top
- Let cool slightly before slicing and serving
Tips for the Perfect Biscuits
Use cold buttermilk for the best texture
Avoid overmixing to keep biscuits tender
Let the butter heat in the oven for 1–2 minutes before adding the dough
Scoring the dough before baking helps it bake evenly and makes slicing easier
Variations and Customizations
Spicy: add chopped jalapeños or red pepper flakes
Vegetarian: swap ham for sautéed mushrooms, onions, or spinach
Other meats: try bacon, turkey, or sausage
Cheese options: experiment with pepper jack, gouda, or Swiss
Health Considerations and Nutritional Value
These biscuits are rich and filling. Estimated nutrition per serving (1/9 of the pan):
- Calories: ~320
- Fat: ~20g (10g saturated)
- Protein: ~10g
- Carbs: ~25g
- Sodium: ~600mg
Lighter Version Ideas:
Use reduced-fat cheese and lean ham
Substitute part of the butter with plain Greek yogurt
Try a gluten-free flour blend if needed
FAQ
Can I make them ahead of time?
Yes, store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or toaster oven to restore crispiness.
Can I freeze them?
Absolutely. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven after thawing.
What if I don’t have buttermilk?
Mix 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar with 1¾ cups milk. Let sit for 5 minutes, then use as buttermilk.
Do I have to use a glass baking dish?
Glass or ceramic is best for even browning, but a metal pan works too. Just check for doneness a bit earlier.
Ham and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder optional
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder optional
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter cubed
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup diced ham cooked
- 3/4 cup buttermilk or milk, if preferred
- 1 tablespoon melted butter for brushing
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Add the cold cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and diced ham.
- Pour in the buttermilk and stir until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in dense biscuits.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead it a few times to bring it together. Pat it into a rectangle about 1-inch thick.
- Use a biscuit cutter or a glass to cut out rounds of dough and place them onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Brush the tops of the biscuits with melted butter.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the biscuits are golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve warm, and enjoy!
Notes
- For an even cheesier biscuit, add more shredded cheddar or a combination of cheeses.
- You can substitute the ham with cooked bacon or sausage for a different twist.
- These biscuits are best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for a couple of days.