Swim Biscuits Recipe

Splash into Joy with Our Playful Swim Biscuits Recipe

Crispy, golden biscuits with a delightful swim biscuits recipe tantalize taste buds and bring comfort to any meal.

Southern kitchens have long cherished this delectable treat that pairs perfectly with soups and stews.

Buttery layers melt in your mouth, creating a satisfying crunch with every bite.

These biscuits promise warmth and nostalgia in a single serving.

Soft yet sturdy, they complement hearty dishes with their rich, tender texture.

Simple ingredients transform into a culinary masterpiece that feels like a warm embrace.

Prepare to savor every flaky, delicious morsel and experience a true Southern classic.

Reasons You’ll Love Ham and Cheese Swim Biscuits

  • These ham and cheese butter swim biscuits transform ordinary morning meals into a delightful culinary experience with their rich, savory flavors and buttery texture.
  • Perfect for busy home cooks, this recipe requires minimal ingredients and basic kitchen skills, making it accessible for both novice and experienced bakers.
  • Packed with hearty ham and melted cheese, these biscuits serve as a crowd-favorite dish that satisfies hunger and delivers maximum flavor in every bite.
  • Great for family breakfasts, weekend brunches, potlucks, or as a side dish that complements various main courses with its delicious, warm goodness.

What Goes Into Buttery Ham and Cheese Biscuits

Main Ingredients:
  • Flour: The primary base that provides structure and texture to the biscuits.
  • Buttermilk: Adds tanginess and helps create a tender, soft biscuit with a light crumb.
  • Butter: Provides rich flavor and creates a golden, crispy bottom for the biscuits.
Protein and Cheese:
  • Ham, Cheddar Cheese: Adds savory flavor and protein to make the biscuits more satisfying and delicious.
Leavening and Seasoning:
  • Sugar, Baking Powder: Helps the biscuits rise and adds a subtle sweetness to balance the savory ingredients.

Equipment for Quick Swim Biscuit Preparation

  • Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining dry ingredients and creating the biscuit dough.
  • Whisk: Essential for blending flour, sugar, and baking powder smoothly.
  • 9×9-inch baking dish: Ceramic or glass works best for even baking and butter coating.
  • Microwave-safe bowl: Useful for melting butter quickly and evenly.
  • Measuring cups: Accurate for buttermilk and dry ingredient measurements.
  • Cheese grater: Needed for shredding fresh cheddar cheese.
  • Sharp knife: Helps dice ham into small, uniform pieces.
  • Toothpick: Crucial for checking biscuit doneness.
  • Nonstick spray: Helps prevent sticking and makes handling dough easier.

How to Bake Ham and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 450F (232C).

Grab a 9×9-inch glass or ceramic baking dish and give it a quick spritz of nonstick spray.

Step 2: Whip Together Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, grab a whisk and blend:
  • Flour
  • Sugar
  • Baking powder

Combine these ingredients until they’re perfectly mixed.

Step 3: Pour in Buttermilk Magic

Slowly introduce buttermilk to your dry mixture.

Stir until the batter becomes gloriously sticky.

If it feels too dry, splash in a bit more buttermilk.

Step 4: Toss in Savory Surprises

Gently fold into the dough:
  • Diced ham
  • Shredded cheddar cheese

Make sure these tasty bits are evenly distributed throughout.

Step 5: Melt Butter Goodness

Zap butter in a microwave-safe bowl until it’s completely liquid.

Pour the golden goodness into your prepared baking dish, making sure it covers every single inch of the bottom.

Step 6: Dollop the Dough

Spoon your biscuit dough right on top of the melted butter.

Spread it out gently – pro tip: a quick spray of nonstick on your hands makes this way easier.

Step 7: Slice Before Baking

Carve the dough into 9 perfect squares.

This makes separating biscuits a breeze once they’re done.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the center of the oven.

Bake for 25-30 minutes.

Halfway through, give the dish a quick spin.

If the tops start getting too brown, drape some foil over the top.

Step 9: Final Doneness Check

Grab a toothpick and poke the center of the biscuits.

If it comes out clean, you’ve nailed it!

Your ham and cheese butter swim biscuits are ready to devour.

Pro Tips for Extra Fluffy Swim Biscuits

  • Prevent Sticking Spray your baking dish thoroughly with nonstick spray to ensure easy biscuit removal and cleanup.
  • Buttermilk Boost Use room temperature buttermilk for smoother batter integration and more tender biscuits.
  • Ham Hack Dice ham into small, uniform pieces to distribute flavor evenly throughout the biscuit dough.
  • Cheese Melt Shred cheese freshly for better melting and more pronounced flavor in your biscuits.
  • Butter Distribution Tilt the baking dish to spread melted butter evenly before adding the dough for maximum golden-brown crispiness.

Savory Swim Biscuit Flavors to Try at Home

  • Vegetarian Cheese Lovers: Replace ham with roasted bell peppers, spinach, or caramelized onions for a meat-free version packed with vegetable goodness.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Swap wheat flour with a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring the same fluffy texture and delicious taste for those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Low-Carb Keto Adaptation: Use almond flour instead of regular flour, replace buttermilk with heavy cream, and incorporate crispy bacon bits for added protein and flavor.
  • Spicy Southwest Remix: Add diced jalapeños, use pepper jack cheese, and sprinkle some chili powder into the dough for a zesty, bold southwestern-inspired biscuit.

How to Serve Ham and Cheese Biscuits Warm

  • Brunch Buddy Platter: Serve these buttery biscuits alongside scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, and fresh fruit for a complete morning feast.
  • Soup Sidekick: Pair with creamy tomato soup or hearty chicken chowder for a comforting lunch that warms the soul and satisfies hunger.
  • Game Day Appetizer: Cut biscuits into smaller bite-sized pieces and serve as a crowd-pleasing snack during sports events or casual gatherings with friends.
  • Picnic Perfect Pack: Wrap individual biscuits in parchment paper for an easy-to-transport meal during outdoor adventures or family picnics.

Swim Biscuit Storage for Lasting Freshness

  • Store leftover biscuits in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Wrap each biscuit individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
  • Place cooled biscuits in a freezer-safe container or zip-lock bag. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.
  • Preheat oven to 350F. Wrap biscuits in aluminum foil to prevent drying. Warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through. Unwrap for the last 2-3 minutes to crisp the exterior.

FAQs

  • What makes the ham and cheese unique in this recipe?

The combination of diced ham and shredded cheddar cheese adds savory flavor and protein directly into the biscuit dough, creating a hearty and delicious one-pan breakfast or side dish.

  • Can I use different types of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute cheddar with other melting cheeses like monterey jack, swiss, or pepper jack to customize the flavor profile of your biscuits.

  • Is buttermilk necessary for this recipe?

Buttermilk is crucial for creating tender, soft biscuits with a tangy flavor. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to regular milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.

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Swim Biscuits Recipe

Swim Biscuits Recipe


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4.6 from 25 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Delightful swim biscuits showcase Southern comfort with crispy, golden edges and tender centers. Coastal kitchens cherish this simple recipe that connects generations through warm, flaky memories.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups small diced ham
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 3/4 cups buttermilk (or up to 2 cups if needed)

Leavening and Sweetening:

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

Dairy and Fat:

  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) salted butter

Instructions

  1. Warm the oven to 450F (232C) and prepare a 9-inch glass baking dish with nonstick spray.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and baking powder using a whisk until thoroughly blended.
  3. Introduce buttermilk gradually to the dry ingredients, stirring until a sticky, cohesive batter forms. Adjust liquid if necessary to achieve proper consistency.
  4. Gently incorporate diced ham and shredded cheddar, ensuring even distribution throughout the dough.
  5. Melt butter completely in a microwave-safe container, then pour into the prepared baking dish, coating the entire bottom surface.
  6. Transfer the biscuit mixture over the melted butter, spreading carefully with lightly sprayed hands to prevent sticking.
  7. Create nine precise squares within the dough using a sharp knife, which will facilitate easier serving after baking.
  8. Position the dish in the oven’s center, baking for 25-30 minutes. Midway through cooking, rotate the dish to promote uniform browning. If the surface browns too quickly, shield with aluminum foil.
  9. Verify complete cooking by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should emerge clean and free of raw dough residue.

Notes

  • Customize the ham by using turkey ham for a leaner option or swap with vegetarian alternatives like smoked tofu for plant-based diets.
  • Experiment with different cheese varieties like Gruyère, pepper jack, or goat cheese to create unique flavor profiles that match your taste preferences.
  • Use gluten-free flour blend to make this recipe celiac-friendly without compromising the tender, buttery texture of the biscuits.
  • Prevent dry biscuits by not overmixing the dough and measuring flour accurately using the spoon-and-level method to maintain the perfect moisture balance.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Snacks, Breakfast
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 300
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 24 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 10 g
  • Cholesterol: 45 mg
Marcus Reed

Marcus Reed

Founder & Food Content Creator

Expertise

Single-recipe development, Seasonal and local ingredient utilization, Food photography and styling, Culinary writing and content creation​

Education

Culinary Arts Certificate, Blue Ridge Community and Technical College, WV
Focus: Fundamentals of culinary techniques, emphasizing hands-on experience in small-scale kitchen settings.


Marcus’s story begins in Asheville, where good food and family kitchens shaped his earliest memories. After hands-on culinary training and a lot of trial (and a little error), he realized that real cooking isn’t about perfection, it’s about connection.
At Pan and Oven, Marcus crafts recipes that are easy to follow, packed with flavor, and built for real kitchens.

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