Ham and Cheese Butter Swim

Few recipes strike the perfect balance between indulgence and simplicity like Ham and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits. These golden biscuits come out of the oven with perfectly crisp edges and soft centers, thanks to the unique method of baking them right in a pool of melted butter. With smoky ham and gooey cheese in every bite, this dish is total comfort food and always draws a crowd. Whether you are feeding your family on a weekend morning or looking for a savory side to round out a meal, these biscuits never disappoint.

I started making these after hunting for an easy but special breakfast. The first time I put the dish on the table, it vanished in minutes. Now it is the most requested item at our weekend gatherings.

Ingredients for Ham and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits

• All-purpose flour: gives the classic fluffy structure. Go for a high quality unbleached option
• Baking powder: ensures a tall and soft rise. Freshness is key so check your container date
• Sugar: balances the saltiness from ham and cheese for a rounded flavor
• Salt: brings the flavors together and seasons the biscuits throughout
• Buttermilk: adds tang and tenderness to the crumb. For best results choose full-fat and shake well
• Cooked diced ham: provides a smoky savory note. Use leftover baked ham or good quality deli ham and dice finely
• Shredded cheese: brings gooeyness. Sharp cheddar works beautifully but feel free to blend with mozzarella or another favorite
• Unsalted butter: is melted for the pan which creates those crisp buttery edges. Always use real butter for richness
• Optional garlic powder: gives a bit of extra flavor or toss in chopped fresh herbs for freshness

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat and Prepare:

Preheat the oven to four hundred fifty degrees F. Place your butter in the baking dish and slide it into the oven just until the butter is melted and bubbling. Carefully remove the hot dish and keep aside

Mix Dry Ingredients:

In a large mixing bowl whisk together flour baking powder sugar and salt making sure they are fully combined before moving on

Add Wet Ingredients:

Pour buttermilk into the flour mixture and stir gently with a spatula until you have a sticky slightly lumpy dough. Avoid stirring too much otherwise the biscuits become dense

Fold in Ham and Cheese:

Add the diced ham and shredded cheese to the dough. Fold with a light hand so everything is evenly spread throughout the mixture

Assemble:

Transfer the dough to your baking dish with the warm melted butter. Use a spatula to spread it gently so the butter rises up the sides and around the dough

Score the Dough:

Take a sharp knife and score the surface into nine equal squares. This step makes for cleaner easy cutting after baking and helps even cooking

Bake:

Place the dish in the oven and let it bake for twenty to twenty five minutes. The top should turn golden and the edges should look crisp and slightly separated from the pan

Serve:

Let the biscuits cool for five minutes. Cut along the scored lines and use a spatula to lift out each square while still warm

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Cheddar cheese is always the hit in my household but once I swapped it for pepper jack and everyone raved about the spicy twist. Pulling this bubbling pan of biscuits out of the oven with the kitchen filled with buttery aroma is a moment I look forward to every time.

Storage Tips

These biscuits keep well at room temperature for up to two days if stored in an airtight container. For longer storage refrigerate them for up to five days. To freeze wrap each biscuit in plastic wrap then in a freezer-safe bag. They reheat best in a toaster oven or sandwich press to revive that buttery crisp edge.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use smoked turkey instead of ham for a leaner but still flavorful version. For extra gooeyness try mozzarella with the cheddar. If you do not have buttermilk on hand you can mix one tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar into regular milk and let it sit for several minutes as a substitute.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these biscuits with scrambled eggs and fruit for a breakfast platter or alongside a big bowl of soup for a comforting dinner. Cut them small and offer them as party nibbles at brunches and potlucks. They also make an amazing base for an open-faced breakfast sandwich.

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Cultural and Historical Context

Butter swim biscuits are a tradition in Southern kitchens where rich baked goods bring everyone together. The method of baking dough right in the butter ensures every bite has intense flavor. Adding ham and cheese turns the classic into a full meal that is both celebratory and homey.

Common Recipe Questions

→ What does 'butter swim' mean?

This technique involves baking biscuit dough directly in a pan of melted butter, giving each bite a rich, crispy finish and tender crumb inside.

→ Can I use different cheeses?

Absolutely! Cheddar is classic, but try pepper jack, Swiss, mozzarella, or gouda for new flavors and textures.

→ How should I store leftovers?

Keep biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for two days, refrigerated for five days, or frozen for up to two months.

→ Are these suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, simply omit the ham or replace it with cooked vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or peppers to keep them meat-free.

→ What goes well with these biscuits?

Pair with scrambled eggs for breakfast, serve alongside soups or chili, or enjoy as a snack dipped in honey or hot sauce.

→ Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can refrigerate the dough for several hours before baking, then proceed as directed for fresh results.