Ham and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits

The ultimate cheesy, buttery comfort food, ready in 30 minutes.

If you’re craving something warm, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious, these Ham and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits are about to be your new favorite thing. They’re golden on the outside, fluffy inside, and swimming in rich, savory flavor.

The best part is you don’t need to roll or shape anything, just mix, pour, and bake. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy dinner side. And if you’re short on time, this recipe comes together in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These buttery, cheesy biscuits come together with just a few everyday ingredients. Each one plays a key role in making the biscuits fluffy, savory, and perfectly rich. All-purpose flour gives the base while baking powder helps them rise beautifully.

Optional Add-ins:

• Fresh herbs like parsley or chives
  
• A pinch of red pepper flakes for heat
  

Quick Time Guide

How to Make Ham and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits

Making these Ham and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits is quick, cozy, and satisfying. They come together in just one bowl, with no rolling or cutting required. Each step helps build that perfect balance of crispy, buttery edges, and soft, cheesy centers.

1. Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C), so it’s fully heated when you’re ready to bake. This high temp is key to getting a golden, crispy biscuit top. A properly preheated oven helps the dough rise fast and evenly.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Make sure the baking powder is evenly distributed, this helps with a good rise. Use a spoon or sifter to break up any flour clumps. Mixing the dry ingredients thoroughly creates a light and even biscuit texture.

3. Add the Good Stuff

Now stir in the diced ham and shredded cheese directly into the dry mixture. Use a fork or spoon to mix everything evenly throughout. The flour coating helps prevent the cheese and ham from sinking during baking.

4. Mix Wet Ingredients

In a separate medium bowl or measuring cup, combine the melted butter and milk. Whisk until the butter breaks up into small droplets throughout the milk. This helps create that rich, buttery flavor in every bite. You can use dairy milk or a plant-based option like oat or almond.

5. Combine Everything

Pour the milk and butter mixture into your dry ingredients and gently stir. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to mix just until everything comes together. The dough will be thick, moist, and slightly lumpy, don’t overmix it! Overworking the dough can make the biscuits dense instead of fluffy.

6. Butter the Dish

Take a 9×13-inch baking dish and pour about ¼ cup of melted butter into the bottom. Tilt the dish to evenly coat the bottom with butter. This is what gives the biscuits that signature “swim” and crispy crust. Make sure the butter reaches all four corners of the dish.

7. Drop in the Dough

Scoop spoonfuls of biscuit dough and drop them directly into the buttery dish. It’s fine if the dough mounds touch, they’ll rise together nicely as they bake. Spread them out as evenly as possible for even cooking. The butter will start to bubble up around the edges, which is exactly what you want.

8. Bake

Place the baking dish in your preheated oven, right in the center rack. Let the biscuits bake for 15 to 20 minutes until they’re golden and puffed. You’ll notice the edges crisping up beautifully in the butter. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center, it should come out clean.

9. Cool & Serve

Let the biscuits cool in the pan for 5–10 minutes after baking. This helps the butter soak in fully and makes them easier to serve. Use a spatula to lift each biscuit out, crispy edges and all. Serve warm with extra butter, honey, or a drizzle of hot sauce if you like.

Serving Ideas

These buttery, cheesy biscuits are incredibly versatile and pair well with a wide range of dishes. Serve them as a comforting side for soups, stews, or hearty salads. They also make a fantastic addition to any brunch spread or breakfast-for-dinner lineup.

• Pair with tomato soup or potato chowder
  
• Turn into a breakfast sandwich with egg and avocado
  
• Serve with a fresh green salad for a balanced meal
  

Pro Tips

Want to take your biscuits from good to unforgettable? These simple pro tips will help you nail the texture, flavor, and golden buttery crust every time. A few small adjustments make a big difference in the final result. From mixing techniques to baking dish choices, these tricks ensure biscuit success.

Healthier Options

Looking to enjoy these buttery biscuits with a lighter twist? A few smart swaps can make them more nutritious without sacrificing flavor. Try using whole wheat flour for added fiber and nutrients. Swap in turkey ham or lean diced chicken for a lower-fat protein option.

• Use whole wheat flour for more fiber
  
• Swap half the butter with Greek yogurt
  
• Choose low-sodium ham or cooked turkey
  
• Use dairy-free cheese and plant milk to make it vegan
  

Storage & Reheating

Got leftovers? No problem, these biscuits are stored and reheated beautifully. Let them cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them individually for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, reheat in the oven or toaster oven at 350°F until warmed through.

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days
  
• Freeze: Wrap each biscuit and freeze for up to 2 months
  
• Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F or microwave until heated through
  

Final Thoughts

These Ham and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits are the kind of feel-good food that brings people to the table. They’re quick, customizable, and seriously addictive. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just need something warm and delicious after a long day, this recipe delivers.
Pair them with soup, or salad, or enjoy them on their own, they shine every time. Once you try them, they’ll become a go-to favorite in your kitchen.

FAQs