Butter Swim Biscuits are a rich, buttery, and incredibly easy-to-make biscuit that’s perfect for any meal. They get their name from the method of “swimming” in melted butter before baking, which gives them a crispy, golden bottom and a soft, flaky top. These biscuits are perfect for breakfast, dinner, or as a side to any dish that needs a comforting carb. Here’s a simple and foolproof recipe for you:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup sugar (optional, for a slightly sweeter biscuit)
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
- 3/4 cup whole milk (or buttermilk for a richer flavor)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted (for swimming)
Instructions:
-
Preheat the oven:
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C).
-
Mix the dry ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar (if using).
-
Cut in the cold butter:
- Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter, forks, or your hands, work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized bits of butter remaining. This step is crucial for creating a flaky texture.
-
Add the milk:
- Pour in the milk (or buttermilk) and stir gently with a spoon or spatula until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to over-mix; it’s okay if it’s a little shaggy.
-
Prepare the baking dish:
- Pour the melted butter into a 9-inch square baking dish or a similar-sized baking pan. Tilt the pan to make sure the butter coats the bottom evenly.
-
Form the biscuits:
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Pat it into a rough square or rectangle about 1-inch thick.
- Use a biscuit cutter, a glass, or even a sharp knife to cut the dough into squares or circles.
-
Arrange and bake:
- Place the biscuits in the baking dish with the melted butter, arranging them so that they are just touching each other. This will help them bake up soft and tender on the sides.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown.
-
Serve:
- Once baked, remove the biscuits from the oven and brush with any remaining melted butter for an extra rich finish.
- Serve warm with honey, jam, or as a side with dinner.
These Butter Swim Biscuits are incredibly rich, buttery, and soft on the inside, with a crispy edge that’s just irresistible. The method of using melted butter in the pan results in a biscuit that’s both fluffy and crisp—like a cross between a biscuit and a buttery bread roll.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can mix in shredded cheese, herbs (like rosemary or thyme), or even garlic powder into the dough for extra flavor.
Would you serve these with anything in particular, like a savory dish or a sweet spread?