Butter Swim Biscuits Ham Cheese

These Butter Swim Biscuits with ham and cheese have become a goto recipe for busy mornings and cozy dinners alike. Their tender crumb paired with melted cheddar and salty ham creates a comforting dish that feels indulgent without much fuss. I've served these at family brunches where they disappear almost as fast as I can pull them from the oven.

I remember the first time I made these during a weekend brunch. The combination of warm butter soaking the biscuit bottoms and the cheesy pockets was an instant hit with everyone at the table.

Ingredients

• All-purpose flour: Two cups which gives structure but not too dense
• Baking powder: One tablespoon to ensure a nice rise and fluffy texture
• Salt: Half teaspoon to balance flavors without overpowering
• Unsalted butter: Quarter cup melted for richness and that golden crust underneath
• Buttermilk: One cup adds tang and helps tenderize the biscuits
• Diced ham: One cup brings a savory, meaty bite essential for flavor
• Shredded cheddar cheese: One cup melts perfectly for gooey pockets in each biscuit
• Chives: Quarter cup chopped optional for a fresh, mild hint of onion and color
• Notes: When selecting cheddar go for a sharp variety if you like a bolder taste and use freshly diced ham rather than prepackaged slices for better texture and flavor

Instructions

Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish:

Set the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit or 220 degrees Celsius. Pour the melted butter into a 9 by 13 inch baking dish and tip it around so the entire bottom is coated. This butter layer is key for creating that signature crispy, buttery underside on your biscuits.

Whisk Together Dry Ingredients:

In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisk thoroughly to ensure everything is evenly distributed. This step is important to avoid clumping and to get an even rise when baking.

Combine Wet Ingredients Separately:

In another bowl, stir together the buttermilk, diced ham, and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until the cheese and ham are evenly spread throughout the liquid but do not over-stir.

Gently Fold Wet into Dry Ingredients:

Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Use a spoon or spatula to fold the batters just enough to combine. It is very important not to overmix here because that will develop gluten and could make your biscuits tough instead of light and flaky. Small lumps in the dough are fine and even preferred.

Spoon Dough into Dish:

Using a large spoon or scoop, drop portions of the dough over the melted butter in your baking dish. Leave a little space between each scoop to allow spreading, but they will bake into one connected layer.

Bake Until Golden and Serve Warm:

Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Watch for a golden brown top and cooked through center. The lovely aroma is a good indicator of doneness. Let the biscuits cool for a few minutes after baking before serving for best texture.

One family memory that stands out is when my niece called them cheese clouds because of how soft and fluffy they were inside.

Storage Tips

Keep any leftovers airtight in the fridge to maintain freshness. When freezing, lay the biscuits flat on a tray first so they don’t stick together later. Reheat in the oven for best texture rather than the microwave to keep them crisp.

Ingredient Substitutions

Try Swiss or gouda cheese for a milder or nuttier flavor profile. If you want a bit of spice, pepper jack amps things up. Turkey or cooked bacon can stand in for ham depending on what you have.

Serving Suggestions

These biscuits shine as a breakfast sandwich base with egg and avocado. They also make a great side for soups especially creamy tomato or chicken noodle. You can even serve them as a snack dipped in mustard or honey mustard for a sweet-savory combo.

These Butter Swim Biscuits are a simple, satisfying bake that works for breakfast or dinner. Serve warm for best texture.

Common Questions About Recipes

→ What is the purpose of melted butter in the baking dish?

The melted butter creates a rich, crispy base layer, ensuring the biscuits develop a golden and flavorful crust on the bottom.

→ How do diced ham and cheddar affect the biscuit texture?

Diced ham adds savory salty pockets while shredded cheddar melts into gooey spots, enhancing both flavor and moistness inside the biscuits.

→ Why is it important not to overmix the dough?

Overmixing develops gluten which makes biscuits tough; keeping lumps ensures a tender, soft crumb.

→ Can I substitute the cheddar cheese with other types?

Yes, variations like Swiss, pepper jack, or gouda provide different flavor profiles while maintaining a melty, savory character.

→ How should baked biscuits be stored for freshness?

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze them flattened on a tray, then bagged, for up to 3 months.

→ What role do chives play in this dish?

Chives add a subtle fresh onion flavor and color contrast, brightening the overall richness of the biscuits.