Name: Ham and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour.; 1 Tablespoon granulated sugar.; 1 Tablespoon aluminum-free baking powder.; 1 ¾ cups buttermilk (or up to 2 cups if needed).; 2 cups small diced ham.; 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese.; ½ cup (1 stick) salted butter.

Ham and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits are a delicious, savory treat that combines the richness of melted butter, the heartiness of diced ham, and the cheesy goodness of shredded cheddar. The biscuits are baked directly in butter, giving them a golden, crispy bottom while staying fluffy and soft inside. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a snack, these biscuits are easy to make and require minimal preparation time. The combination of ham and cheese adds an extra layer of flavor to traditional biscuits, making them a crowd-pleaser for family meals or gatherings. Serve these warm, straight from the oven, and enjoy the savory, buttery goodness with every bite. They pair well with eggs, soups, or salads and can be customized by adding ingredients like jalapeños or herbs for a twist.

Ham and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits are the perfect comfort food, offering a savory blend of ham, cheddar cheese, and fluffy biscuit dough, all baked to golden perfection in melted butter. These biscuits are ideal for breakfast, brunch, or even as a side dish for dinner. The result is a rich, buttery flavor with a cheesy, hearty texture that’s sure to satisfy.

INGREDIENTS

All-purpose flour: 2 ½ cups provide the base for these biscuits, creating a light yet structured dough.
Granulated sugar: 1 tablespoon adds a slight hint of sweetness, balancing the savory elements.
Baking powder: 1 tablespoon of aluminum-free baking powder gives these biscuits their rise, making them fluffy and light.
Buttermilk: 1 ¾ cups (up to 2 cups if needed) of buttermilk keeps the biscuits tender and adds a subtle tang.
Ham: 2 cups of small diced ham provide a salty, meaty flavor that pairs perfectly with the cheese.
Cheddar cheese: 1 ½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese add richness and gooey texture throughout the biscuits.
Butter: ½ cup (1 stick) of salted butter is melted and poured into the baking dish, giving the biscuits their signature crispy, buttery bottom.

INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1: Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) to ensure it’s hot enough to bake the biscuits evenly. Lightly coat a 9×9-inch glass or ceramic baking dish with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar, and 1 tablespoon of baking powder. This combination creates a fluffy, well-risen biscuit dough.
Step 3: Add the Buttermilk: Gradually add 1 ¾ cups of buttermilk to the dry ingredients, stirring as you go to form a sticky batter. If the dough seems too dry, add up to 2 cups of buttermilk. The dough should be moist and sticky, but not too runny.
Step 4: Fold in Ham and Cheese: Gently fold in 2 cups of small diced ham and 1 ½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese until evenly distributed throughout the dough. This step ensures every bite is packed with savory goodness.
Step 5: Melt the Butter: Melt ½ cup (1 stick) of salted butter in a microwave-safe bowl or directly in the baking dish if it’s microwave-safe. Once melted, pour the butter into the prepared baking dish, ensuring the bottom is fully coated.
Step 6: Add the Biscuit Dough: Spoon the biscuit dough over the melted butter in the baking dish. The dough will spread and touch the edges of the dish. To make separating the biscuits easier, cut the dough into 9 squares using a knife or spatula before baking.
Step 7: Bake the Biscuits: Place the dish in the center of the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, rotating halfway through to ensure even baking. If the tops begin to brown too quickly, cover the dish loosely with foil. The biscuits are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 8: Serve: Once baked, remove the biscuits from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them warm, and consider pairing them with eggs, soups, or salads for a complete meal.

Serving and Storage Tips

Ham and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits are best served warm, straight from the oven, when the cheese is melty, and the biscuits have that delicious buttery, crispy bottom.
These biscuits are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a side dish for soups, salads, and main courses. They pair especially well with hearty dishes like scrambled eggs, sausage gravy, or a simple green salad.
If you have leftovers, store the biscuits in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes to regain that fresh-from-the-oven texture. Avoid microwaving, as this can make the biscuits soggy.
You can also freeze the biscuits. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw them at room temperature and bake in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10 minutes.

Helpful Notes

If you’re looking to add extra flavor, consider sprinkling a bit of garlic powder or fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme into the biscuit dough.
You can easily swap out the ham for other proteins like cooked bacon, turkey, or even sausage to suit your preferences.
For a spicier version, try adding some diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the dough for a kick of heat.

Tips from well-known chefs

Chef Gordon Ramsay recommends using cold ingredients, such as buttermilk and butter, for flaky, light biscuits that rise well during baking.
Chef Ina Garten suggests brushing the tops of the biscuits with melted butter right after baking for an extra layer of richness and flavor.
Chef Alton Brown advises rotating the baking dish halfway through to ensure even browning and cooking, especially when using glass or ceramic dishes.