Golden • Buttery • Foolproof Comfort
If you’ve never made Butter Swim Biscuits, you’re in for a treat. Unlike traditional rolled biscuits, this dough is spread directly into a pan of melted butter — and as it bakes, the butter “swims” up around the edges, creating crisp golden sides and a soft, fluffy center.
No rolling. No cutting. No fuss.
Just mix, spread, score, and bake.
Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Bake Time: 20–25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 9 biscuits
Pan Size: 8×8 or 9×9 inch baking dish
Skill Level: Beginner
Ingredients & Their Purpose
2½ cups all-purpose flour
Structure and body.
2 cups buttermilk
Creates tenderness and slight tang.
1 stick (½ cup) butter
Forms crispy bottom and rich flavor.
4 teaspoons sugar
Light sweetness and browning boost.
4 teaspoons baking powder
Leavening for tall, fluffy rise.
2 teaspoons salt
Balances flavor.
Equipment Needed
- Medium mixing bowl
- Spatula
- 8×8 or 9×9 baking dish
- Knife for scoring
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Mix
Preheat oven to 450°F (232°C).
In a bowl, whisk together:
- Flour
- Sugar
- Baking powder
- Salt
Add buttermilk.
Mix gently until a moist, sticky dough forms.
Do not overmix.
Step 2: Butter the Pan
Melt butter in microwave-safe bowl.
Pour melted butter directly into baking dish.
Spread evenly.
Place dough directly on top of melted butter.
Use spatula to gently spread dough to edges of pan.
Step 3: Score Before Baking
Using a knife, cut dough into 9 even squares.
This helps with even baking and easy serving later.
Step 4: Bake
Bake 20–25 minutes.
Top should be golden brown.
Edges will be crisp from butter.
Texture & Flavor Profile
Bottom: Crispy, buttery crust
Center: Soft, fluffy interior
Top: Golden and lightly crisp
Flavor: Rich, slightly tangy, lightly sweet
Common Problems & Fixes
Dense texture:
Overmixed dough.
Too dry:
Measure flour properly (spoon & level).
Pale top:
Bake slightly longer or broil 1–2 minutes.
Greasy bottom:
Use correct pan size; avoid too much butter pooling.
Variations
Cheddar Garlic
Add 1 cup shredded cheddar + ½ tsp garlic powder.
Herb Biscuits
Add 1 tbsp fresh chopped rosemary or thyme.
Honey Butter
Brush tops with honey butter after baking.
Jalapeño Cheddar
Fold in diced jalapeños + cheddar.
Serving Ideas
- With sausage gravy
- With fried chicken
- With soups or stews
- As breakfast sandwich base
- With honey or jam
Storage
Room Temp: 1 day airtight
Refrigerator: Up to 4 days
Freeze: Wrap tightly up to 2 months
Reheat in oven at 350°F for 5–8 minutes.
Why This Recipe Works
- High heat creates rapid rise
- Buttermilk adds tenderness
- Butter in pan creates crispy edges
- No rolling prevents tough texture
It’s biscuit-making made simple.
Final Thoughts
Butter Swim Biscuits are one of those recipes that feel almost too easy for how good they are. Crispy edges, fluffy center, and rich buttery flavor — all without traditional biscuit fuss.
