These ham and cheese butter swim biscuits are a rich, savory twist on a classic buttermilk biscuit. Their defining characteristic is the method: the dough is pressed into a pan filled with melted butter, creating an irresistible buttery crust with a tender, fluffy interior packed with ham and cheese.
Here is a synthesis of the key elements from popular recipes, focusing on a straightforward and delicious version.
📝 Core Recipe Overview
Here is a quick look at the essential components and nutritional information for this dish.
Recipe Yield
· Makes 9 large biscuits or 10 servings
Prep & Cook Time
· Prep Time: 10-15 minutes
· Cook Time: 20-30 minutes
· Total Time: ~45 minutes
Nutritional Profile (Approximate per serving)
· Calories: 350-400 kcal
· Fat: 19-22g
· Carbohydrates: 31-35g
· Protein: 15-18g
🛒 Ingredients
For the Biscuits:
· 2 ½ cups (312.5g) all-purpose flour
· 4 teaspoons baking powder
· 1-2 teaspoons salt (1 tsp if using salted butter; 2 tsp if using unsalted)
· 1-2 teaspoons garlic powder or granulated garlic (optional, for a savory note)
· 1 ½ tablespoons granulated sugar (optional, balances flavor)
· 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese, cubed or shredded
· 2 cups cooked ham, diced into ¼-inch pieces
· ¼ cup fresh chives, chopped
· 2 cups buttermilk
For the Butter Bath:
· ½ cup (1 stick / 113g) butter, melted. Using unsalted butter gives you better control over the final saltiness.
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Pour the melted butter into a deep 8×8-inch, 9×9-inch, or 7×11-inch baking dish. If your dish is shallow, place a baking sheet underneath to catch any potential butter overflow.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, garlic powder (if using), and sugar.
3. Add Mix-ins: Stir the diced ham, cheese, and chopped chives into the dry ingredients until they are evenly coated.
4. Form the Dough: Pour in the buttermilk. Stir gently with a spatula just until a moist, shaggy dough forms and no dry flour remains. It’s crucial not to overmix.
5. Create the Butter Swim: Carefully place the dough on top of the melted butter in your prepared pan. Use a spatula or your hands to gently spread the dough evenly to all edges of the pan. For extra flavor, you can use a knife to score the top into 9 or 10 squares before baking.
6. Bake: Bake for 20-30 minutes, until the tops are a deep golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Rest and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the biscuits rest in the pan for 5-10 minutes. This allows the butter to be fully absorbed and makes them easier to slice. Serve warm.
💡 Pro Tips for Success
· Butter is Key: The generous amount of butter is what creates the signature crispy, golden edges and rich flavor. Don’t skimp.
· Handle Gently: Overmixing the dough is the most common mistake, as it leads to tough biscuits. Mix until just combined.
· Customize It: This recipe is perfect for using up leftovers. Try cooked bacon or sausage instead of ham, or use a blend of your favorite cheeses like white cheddar or Gruyère.
· Freshness First: For the best texture and melted cheese pockets, cubed cheese from a block works better than pre-shredded cheese, which contains anti-caking agents.
📚 A Note on History and Nutrition
· Origins: The “butter swim” method is a modern, viral take on classic Southern buttermilk biscuits. It simplifies the process of cutting cold butter into flour by instead bathing the dough in melted butter, ensuring maximum flavor and a foolproof, tender result.
· A Balanced View: These biscuits are a hearty, comforting treat. They provide protein from the ham and cheese and can be part of a balanced meal when paired with fresh vegetables or a salad. However, like many savory baked goods, they are energy-dense. The scientific literature consistently shows that frequent consumption of foods high in sugars and saturated fats is associated with increased health risks, including dental caries. Enjoying them occasionally as a special breakfast or side dish is the best approach.
🥡 Storage & Reheating
· Store: Cool leftovers completely, wrap tightly in foil or place in an airtight container. They will keep at room temperature for 1-2 days or can be refrigerated for a few days longer (though they may dry out).
· Reheat: To restore their fresh-baked texture, reheat biscuits in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-10 minutes until warmed through.
· Freeze: You can freeze baked biscuits for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven.
In conclusion, Ham and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits are a crowd-pleasing recipe that combines simplicity with incredible flavor. The method is forgiving for bakers of all levels, and the result is a guaranteed hit for brunch, a holiday side, or a hearty snack.
I hope you enjoy making and sharing these delicious biscuits! If you try different cheese or meat combinations, I’d love to hear how they turn out.
