These butter swim biscuits are soft, fluffy, and baked right in melted butter for irresistibly crisp edges and tender centers. They are incredibly easy to prepare, require no rolling or cutting, and come together in just one bowl, making them perfect for any time you want warm, homemade biscuits with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll love this recipe because it is simple, fast, and practically foolproof. There is no kneading or shaping involved, yet the results are bakery-quality biscuits with rich buttery flavor. The dough bakes directly in butter, creating a golden crust while keeping the inside moist and fluffy. These biscuits pair beautifully with sweet or savory dishes and are ideal for breakfast, dinner, or special gatherings.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F). Prepare an 8×8-inch baking dish or a similar-sized oven-safe dish.
Pour the melted butter directly into the baking dish. Gently tilt the dish so the butter evenly coats the bottom.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar if using, and salt until well combined.
Pour in the buttermilk and stir gently just until the ingredients come together. The batter should be thick and slightly lumpy. Avoid overmixing.
Spoon the dough directly into the baking dish over the melted butter. Use a spatula to spread it evenly to the edges.
Using a knife, score the dough into 9 equal squares before baking. This will make serving easier once baked.
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are crisp.
Remove from the oven and allow the biscuits to cool for a few minutes before serving warm.
Servings and timing
Servings: 9 biscuits
Prep time: 10 minutes
Baking time: 20–25 minutes
Total time: about 35 minutes
Variations
For a savory version, mix in ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese or add 1 teaspoon garlic powder to the dry ingredients. Fresh chopped herbs such as parsley, chives, or rosemary can be folded into the dough for added flavor. For a sweet twist, drizzle the baked biscuits with honey or serve them with jam.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm them in a 180°C (350°F) oven for about 5–7 minutes or microwave briefly until heated through.
FAQs
Can I make these biscuits without buttermilk?
Yes, you can substitute by mixing 1¾ cups milk with 1¾ tablespoons lemon juice or vinegar and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
Why is my dough very thick?
The dough is meant to be thick. This helps the biscuits rise properly and hold their shape while baking in butter.
Can I use salted butter?
Yes, but reduce the added salt to ½ teaspoon to avoid overly salty biscuits.
Do I need to grease the baking dish?
No, the melted butter in the dish acts as the grease and flavor base.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can double it and bake in a 9×13-inch dish. Adjust baking time slightly if needed.
How do I know when the biscuits are done?
They are done when the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Can I freeze these biscuits?
Yes, baked biscuits can be frozen once cooled. Store them in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
Are these biscuits sweet or savory?
They are mostly savory, with a slight hint of sweetness if sugar is included.
Can I add spices to the dough?
Absolutely. Garlic powder, onion powder, or dried herbs work very well.
Why are they called butter swim biscuits?
Because the dough bakes while sitting in melted butter, allowing the biscuits to “swim” and develop crispy, buttery edges.
Conclusion
Butter swim biscuits are the perfect combination of ease and indulgence. With simple ingredients and a no-fuss method, you can enjoy warm, fluffy biscuits with rich buttery flavor any time. Whether served for breakfast, alongside dinner, or as a comforting snack, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
Butter Swim Biscuits are ultra-soft, fluffy, and baked right in melted butter for crisp, golden edges and tender centers. Made in one bowl with no kneading or rolling, they’re the perfect quick and comforting biscuit recipe for any meal.
Author:Sophia
Prep Time:10 minutes
Cook Time:25 minutes
Total Time:35 minutes
Yield:9 biscuits
Category:Bread
Method:Baking
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
2½ cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 tablespoon granulated sugar (optional)
1 teaspoon salt
1¾ cups buttermilk
½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 220°C (425°F).
Pour the melted butter into an 8×8-inch baking dish, tilting to coat the bottom evenly.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar (if using), and salt.
Add the buttermilk and stir just until combined. The dough will be thick and slightly lumpy.
Spoon the dough into the buttered baking dish and spread it evenly to the edges.
Score the dough into 9 squares using a knife for easy serving.
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the top is golden and the edges are crispy.
Let cool for a few minutes before serving warm.
Notes
For savory biscuits, mix in cheese, herbs, or garlic powder.
Use the buttermilk substitute if you don’t have buttermilk: milk + lemon juice or vinegar.
Double the recipe for a crowd and use a 9×13-inch baking dish.
