Delight in Comfort: Irresistible Ham and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits Recipe

Photo byAngie Bright

Ham and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits are a heavenly blend of savory, cheesy goodness and a touch of sweetness, all encased in a tender, buttery biscuit. This dish combines two beloved flavors, ham and cheddar, with the simplicity of a biscuit that practically swims in butter while it bakes. It’s the kind of recipe that brings people together, whether you're hosting a cozy brunch or serving a warm appetizer for a casual gathering.

Imagine biting into a warm, fluffy biscuit, perfectly golden on top with crisp edges, and a soft interior that's bursting with chunks of savory ham and gooey cheddar. It’s like a handheld bite of comfort that melts in your mouth, thanks to the magic of melted butter baked right into the dough. The balance of flavors and the rich, indulgent texture makes these biscuits a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

This recipe offers the best of both worlds: the ease of homemade biscuits without the fuss, and the decadent taste of ham and cheese wrapped in a buttery crust. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or someone trying their hand at a new dish, these biscuits are incredibly simple to prepare, yet yield impressive results that will make you the star of the meal.

Recipe: Ham and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits

Ingredients:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 Tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1 Tablespoon aluminum-free baking powder
• 1 ¾ cups buttermilk (or up to 2 cups if needed)
• 2 cups small diced ham
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup (1 stick) salted butter

Instructions:

1. Start by preheating your oven to 450°F (232°C). Lightly coat a 9×9-inch glass or ceramic baking dish with nonstick spray to ensure easy cleanup and prevent sticking.
2. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and baking powder. This creates the foundation for your biscuit dough, combining both structure and a touch of sweetness to balance out the savory ham and cheese.
3. Gradually pour in 1 ¾ cups of buttermilk while stirring the dry ingredients. You’re looking for a sticky, wet dough, so if it seems too dry, slowly add up to 2 cups of buttermilk. The dough should cling to your spoon and have a slightly lumpy appearance.
4. Gently fold in the diced ham and shredded cheddar cheese, making sure both are evenly distributed throughout the dough. These ingredients are what take this biscuit recipe to the next level, adding bursts of flavor in every bite.
5. Next, melt the butter. You can do this in the microwave using a microwave-safe bowl, or directly in the baking dish if it's microwave-safe. Once melted, pour the butter into the prepared dish, letting it pool at the bottom. This step is what gives the biscuits their “swim” in butter effect, ensuring that every bite has a buttery richness.
6. Spoon the biscuit dough over the melted butter. The dough might seem loose, but that’s part of the charm of these biscuits. Using nonstick spray on your hands can help spread the dough out evenly over the dish.
7. For easy serving later, lightly score the dough into 9 squares with a knife. This will make it much easier to separate the biscuits once they’re baked and golden.
8. Place the dish in the middle rack of your preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Halfway through the baking process, rotate the dish to ensure even browning. If the tops of your biscuits begin to brown too quickly, loosely cover the dish with aluminum foil.
9. After baking, check the doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the biscuits. If it comes out clean, the biscuits are ready. The tops should be a beautiful golden brown with the edges slightly crisp from the butter.

Once cooled slightly, serve these buttery, cheesy biscuits warm. They pair wonderfully with a side of honey mustard or even a pat of extra butter for those who really want to indulge. Whether served on their own or alongside a meal, Ham and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits will surely be a hit.

These biscuits are perfect for any occasion, from breakfast to dinner. They are the kind of comfort food that instantly warms you from the inside out, reminding you that sometimes the simplest recipes, with the right balance of flavors, can be the most satisfying.

Here are some sources for the Ham and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits recipe, along with variations and tips:

1. I Am Homesteader offers a comprehensive version of the recipe, explaining the technique of baking the biscuits in butter, along with detailed steps for incorporating cheddar cheese, ham, and chives for a savory treat. They also provide tips on preventing the butter from boiling over and ensuring the biscuits are perfectly golden. You can find the full recipe and preparation details (I Am Homesteader)tps://iamhomesteader.com/ham-cheese-butter-swim-biscuits/).
2. 12 Tomatoes highlights the recipe's ease and heartiness, emphasizing that these biscuits are practically a full meal due to the richness of the ham and cheese. The recipe breaks down how to layer the dough on melted butter, which gives the biscuits their unique crispy edges and (12 Tomatoes)ters. Learn more about their take on the recipe here.
3. The Freckled Cook provides helpful tips on making the biscuits, especially if you’re using leftover ham or different baking dish sizes. They also emphasize the i​(The Freckled Cook)of not overmixing the dough to maintain its light texture. Full recipe and instructions can be found here.

Each of these sources offers their own slight variations and helpful tips, making the recipe both versatile and easy to follow.