Butter Swim Biscuits

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Golden, buttery, and incredibly fluffy, Butter Swim Biscuits are the Southern-style comfort food that checks every box. These biscuits are literally baked in a pool of butter, which gives them a crispy, golden crust on the outside and a rich, tender inside that practically melts in your mouth. Whether you’re serving them for breakfast, brunch, or dinner, they elevate any meal with almost zero effort.

What makes these biscuits so magical is that they come together with simple pantry staples. No rolling, no biscuit cutter, no fuss. Just mix, pour, and bake. In less than 30 minutes, you’ll have buttery, golden biscuits that taste like they came straight from grandma’s kitchen. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll be making them on repeat.

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What Kind of Butter Should I Use?

For the richest flavor and best browning, go with salted butter. Unsalted butter works too, especially if you want more control over the salt level, but you’ll want to add a pinch more salt to the dry mix. As for the quality? Use real dairy butter—this isn’t the time for margarine. The better the butter, the better the biscuit.

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Ingredients for the Butter Swim Biscuits

• All-Purpose Flour – The base of the dough. Stick with classic all-purpose flour for that tender biscuit crumb.
• Baking Powder – Adds lift, giving the biscuits their signature rise and fluff.
• Granulated Sugar – Just a touch to balance the savory butter with subtle sweetness.
• Salt – Essential for flavor.
• Buttermilk – Adds moisture and that classic tangy bite. It also reacts with baking powder for extra fluff.
• Salted Butter – Melted and poured directly into the pan before the dough goes in. This is the secret to that crispy, buttery crust.

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How To Make the Butter Swim Biscuits

Step 1: Preheat and Prep the Pan

Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). While the oven heats up, melt a full stick of salted butter (1/2 cup) in an 8×8 baking dish by placing the dish in the oven for a few minutes. Keep a close eye so the butter doesn’t brown or burn.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and 1 teaspoon of salt.

Step 3: Add the Buttermilk

Pour in 1 3/4 cups of buttermilk and stir until just combined. The dough will be sticky and wet, almost like a thick batter. That’s exactly what you want.

Step 4: Transfer to Buttered Dish

Carefully remove your baking dish from the oven. Pour the dough right into the hot, melted butter. Use a spatula to gently spread the dough evenly. The butter will float to the top and edges—don’t worry, that’s the magic.

Step 5: Score the Dough

Use a knife to score the dough into 9 square sections (3×3). This helps the biscuits bake evenly and makes them easy to pull apart later.

Step 6: Bake Until Golden

Bake for 22 to 25 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the edges are beautifully crispy. Let them rest for a few minutes before serving.

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How to Serve and Store Butter Swim Biscuits

Serve these biscuits warm, straight from the oven. They’re perfect with a drizzle of honey, a swipe of jam, or paired with gravy, eggs, or fried chicken. For a sweet-savory twist, try spreading on some fruit preserves or cinnamon butter.

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat in a toaster oven or air fryer to revive that crisp edge. You can also freeze them—just wrap each biscuit individually and freeze for up to 2 months.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use self-rising flour instead?

Yes, just skip the baking powder and salt since self-rising flour already contains both.

What if I don’t have buttermilk?

You can make a quick substitute by combining 1 3/4 cups of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.

Can I make these in a cast iron skillet?

Absolutely. Just make sure it’s oven-safe and well-greased. The skillet will help develop an even crisper edge.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes! Use a 9×13 baking dish and double all the ingredients. You may need to bake a few minutes longer.

Are these biscuits sweet or savory?

They’re more on the savory side, but that little bit of sugar adds balance. You can adjust based on your taste.

Can I add cheese or herbs?

Totally! Shredded cheddar, chives, garlic powder—they all make great additions.

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Want More Biscuit and Bread Ideas?

If these buttery biscuits hit the spot, you’ll love trying some of these other comforting carbs:

• Cheesy Baked Tennessee Onions Recipe for a bubbly, cheesy side.
• Homemade Naan Bread when you’re craving soft, pillowy flatbread.
• Cafeteria Noodles with Garlic Butter Chicken Bites for a full cozy meal.
• Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce to serve these biscuits alongside creamy pasta.
• Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes for a satisfying dinner pairing.

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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out! Did you add cheese or herbs? Did you double the batch?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other bake smarter.

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