Before we dive into golden, buttery bliss, let me just say—thank you for stopping by! Whether you’re here because you saw that irresistible final photo or because someone whispered the words “butter swim biscuits” and your Southern heart skipped a beat, I’m so glad you’re here.
These biscuits? Oh, honey. They are fluffy, rich, tender-on-the-inside, golden-on-the-outside, and unapologetically buttery. If you’ve never made biscuits that literally swim in butter as they bake—well, you’re in for a treat that’ll change your biscuit game forever.
You might want to make a double batch. (Trust me—I almost ate the whole pan before dinner even started!)
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What Are Butter Swim Biscuits?
Butter swim biscuits (sometimes called “melted butter biscuits”) are fluffy buttermilk biscuits baked directly in a pool of melted butter. As they bake, that butter gets pulled into the dough and forms a crispy, golden bottom crust while keeping the inside tender and fluffy.
This recipe skips the rolling, cutting, and stressing. You mix the dough, drop it in the pan, and bake. It’s rustic, rich, and foolproof—even for beginners!
Why You’ll Love This Biscuit Recipe
- Just 6 pantry ingredients
- No rolling or biscuit cutter needed
- Ready in under 30 minutes
- Buttery, crispy bottoms + fluffy tops = biscuit perfection
- Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dinner sides
What Do They Taste Like?
Each bite is a buttery, tender cloud with a slightly crisp, golden crust. They’re rich, but not greasy. Fluffy, but not dry. Think of a cross between a classic Southern buttermilk biscuit and the melt-in-your-mouth goodness of a dinner roll—then multiply that by extra butter.
Health & Comfort Benefits
- Comfort food at its finest – just what you need on cozy nights or tough days.
- High in calcium (thanks to the buttermilk!)
- Naturally vegetarian
- Freezer-friendly for make-ahead meals or impromptu brunch guests
Ingredients
- 2½ cups (312.5g) all-purpose flour
- 4 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 2 cups (490g) buttermilk
- ½ cup (1 stick / 113g) butter, melted
Tools You’ll Need
- Medium mixing bowl
- Whisk or fork
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- 8×8-inch baking dish (glass or metal)
- Sharp knife or bench scraper (for scoring dough)
Butter Swim Biscuits
Equipment
- medium mixing bowl
- whisk or fork
- spatula or wooden spoon
- 8×8-inch baking dish
- knife or bench scraper
Ingredients
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 4 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 2 cups buttermilk
- ½ cup melted butter (1 stick / 113g)
Instructions
- Set oven to 450°F (232°C). This high heat helps give you that crisp top and buttery bottom!
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt.
- Pour in the buttermilk and stir until just combined. Don’t overmix—it’s okay if the dough looks a bit shaggy or sticky.
- Pour melted butter into an 8×8-inch baking dish and tilt to coat the bottom evenly.
- Spoon or scrape the dough directly on top of the butter. Gently spread it to the edges with a spatula or damp hands.
- Use a knife to score the unbaked dough into 9 equal squares (3×3 pattern).
- Bake for 28–30 minutes or until the tops are golden brown and the butter is bubbling around the edges.
- Let them sit for 5–10 minutes to allow the butter to soak in, then cut and serve warm.
Notes
Nutrition
Add-Ins & Substitutions
- Herby Twist: Add 1 tsp dried rosemary, thyme, or parsley to the dry mix.
- Cheddar-Garlic Version: Stir in ½ cup shredded cheddar + 1 tsp garlic powder.
- No Buttermilk? Mix 2 cups milk + 2 tbsp lemon juice or vinegar. Let sit 5–10 mins.
- Make it sweet: Add 2 more tbsp sugar and brush the tops with honey before baking!
How to Make Butter Swim Biscuits
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Set oven to 450°F (232°C). This high heat helps give you that crisp top and buttery bottom!
2. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together:
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 4 tsp baking powder
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 2 tsp kosher salt
Tip: Whisking helps “sift” the ingredients together for fluffier biscuits.
3. Add Buttermilk
Pour in the buttermilk and stir until just combined. Don’t overmix—it’s okay if the dough looks a bit shaggy or sticky.
4. Add Butter to Baking Dish
Pour the melted butter into an 8×8-inch baking dish and tilt to coat the bottom evenly.
5. Add Biscuit Dough
Spoon or scrape the dough directly on top of the butter. Gently spread it to the edges with a spatula or damp hands.
6. Score the Dough
Use a knife to score the unbaked dough into 9 equal squares (3×3 pattern). This helps them bake evenly and gives that bakery-style look.
7. Bake
Bake for 28–30 minutes or until the tops are golden brown and the butter is bubbling around the edges.
8. Rest, Slice, and Serve
Let them sit for 5–10 minutes to allow the butter to soak in, then cut along the scored lines and serve warm.
What to Serve With Butter Swim Biscuits
- Biscuits & Gravy – Layer with sausage gravy for a hearty breakfast
- Jam & Honey – The crispy tops are so good with a swipe of jam
- Eggs & Bacon – Hello, breakfast-for-dinner!
- Soup or Chili – Use them to sop up every last drop
- Roast Chicken or Ham – As a buttery dinner side
Biscuit Tips from the Heart 💛
- Don’t overmix! Lumpy dough = happy biscuits.
- Use real buttermilk for the best tang and texture.
- Make them extra golden by brushing the tops with a bit more melted butter mid-bake.
- Let them rest before cutting, so that buttery base can set.
Storage & Freezing
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Microwave for 10–15 seconds or toast in the oven.
- Freeze: Wrap individually and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw and warm before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I double this recipe?
Yes! Use a 9×13-inch dish and add 5–10 more minutes to the baking time.
Why score the dough before baking?
Scoring helps the biscuits bake evenly and makes them easier to cut cleanly after baking.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend with baking powder already included.
Why “swim” in butter?
Because butter is flavor, and these biscuits soak it up while they bake—giving you that signature crispy edge and melt-in-your-mouth middle.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been on the hunt for a biscuit recipe that’s easy, impressive, and drop-everything delicious—this is the one. Butter swim biscuits are the kind of recipe that gets passed down, talked about at Sunday dinners, and requested again and again.
So go ahead… make that pan just for you. I won’t judge. 😉
More Southern-Inspired Recipes You’ll Love
- Old-Fashioned Buttermilk Cornbread
- Southern Sausage Gravy
- Peach Cobbler Dump Cake
- Flour-Dusted Oven Bacon (Perfect pairing!!)
Share the Love 🧈
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Nutritional Info (Per Biscuit, Approx.)
- Calories: 245
- Fat: 14g
- Carbs: 26g
- Protein: 4g
- Sodium: 340mg
Values will vary depending on ingredients used.
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