Introduction to Ham and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits
If you’re looking for the perfect blend of savory, cheesy, and buttery, these Ham and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits might become your new obsession. Simple to make and loaded with flavor, these biscuits “swim” in melted butter, creating a golden, crispy base and soft, cheesy layers inside. Whether you’re prepping for a cozy brunch, a holiday side, or a quick leftover transformation, this recipe is a must-try. Disover also this Baked Ham and Cheese Pinwheels
🥖 What Are Butter Swim Biscuits?
Unlike traditional biscuits that require cutting and rolling, butter swim biscuits are made by pouring sticky dough directly into a pool of melted butter. As they bake, the biscuits soak up the butter, developing a tender interior and a crispy, caramelized crust.
These biscuits originated in the South, but their popularity has exploded thanks to food bloggers and viral recipe videos. The ham and cheese variation takes this Southern staple to a whole new level.
In fact, understanding how to properly handle and prepare ham is important for both safety and flavor—here’s a guide on safe handling of ham from the USDA.
🧀 Why Ham and Cheese Is a Match Made in Biscuit Heaven
Combining ham and cheese with biscuits brings together:
- Savory richness from the ham
- Creamy meltiness from the cheese
- Crumbly, buttery goodness from the biscuit base
Cheddar cheese is the go-to for this recipe, but don’t be afraid to experiment. Learn more about the different types of cheddar cheese to elevate your recipe even further.
🛒 Ingredients for Ham and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits
The magic of Ham and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits lies in their simplicity. With just a few pantry staples and flexible options, these biscuits come together effortlessly. Below, we break down each ingredient—what it does, why it matters, and how you can swap it out if needed.
🛒 Core Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make the original version of this savory comfort food:
- All-Purpose Flour
The backbone of the biscuit. It creates structure and a soft crumb. Stick to unbleached flour for better flavor and texture. - Baking Powder (Aluminum-Free)
This leavening agent gives the biscuits their rise and fluffiness. Aluminum-free baking powder is preferred because it eliminates any metallic aftertaste, especially since this recipe uses a larger amount. - Granulated Sugar
Just a tablespoon helps balance the acidity from the buttermilk. It doesn’t make the biscuits sweet—it just rounds out the flavors. - Buttermilk
The secret ingredient for ultra-moist, tender biscuits. The acidity in buttermilk reacts with baking powder to give the dough a lift. It also enhances flavor and browns beautifully during baking. - Salted Butter
This is where the “swim” comes in. The melted salted butter sits at the bottom of the pan, soaking into the dough and creating golden, crispy bottoms with rich, buttery flavor. Avoid using margarine—it’s not the same. - Diced Ham
Adds savory depth and protein. Great for using up leftover holiday ham or deli slices. Choose from ham steaks, Virginia ham, Black Forest, or country ham—any variety works. - Shredded Cheddar Cheese
Sharp cheddar offers the best flavor punch and meltability. However, cheese is one of the easiest ingredients to switch up (see below).
🔁 Substitution Guide
Want to customize or work with what you already have in the kitchen? No problem. Here’s how you can make adjustments without sacrificing taste or texture:
✅ Flour Substitutes:
- Self-Rising Flour
Use in place of all-purpose flour, but omit the baking powder—self-rising flour already contains it. - Gluten-Free Flour
Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Make sure it includes xanthan gum for structure.
✅ Buttermilk Alternatives:
- Milk + Vinegar or Lemon Juice
Add 1 tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup of milk. Let sit 5 minutes to curdle. This mimics the acidity of buttermilk. - Yogurt or Sour Cream
Thin with a bit of milk or water. Provides richness and tang.
✅ Butter Options:
- Unsalted Butter
Works well—just add a pinch more salt to the dough. - Vegan Butter
For dairy-free diets, choose a high-fat, plant-based butter alternative. Make sure it melts well.
✅ Meat Swaps:
- Deli Turkey or Chicken
Mild but tasty alternatives. - Cooked Bacon or Sausage
Adds a smoky, breakfasty touch. - Roast Beef or Leftover Brisket
For a more robust, dinner-appropriate version. - Vegetarian Option
Skip the meat and double the cheese or add chopped veggies like spinach, jalapeños, or sun-dried tomatoes.
✅ Cheese Options:
- Mozzarella – gooey and stretchy
- Pepper Jack – spicy kick
- Swiss or Provolone – creamy and mild
- White Cheddar – rich and sharp
- Vegan Shredded Cheese – dairy-free option, choose meltable brands
With just a few tweaks, Ham and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits can fit just about any dietary preference or flavor profile. Whether you’re improvising with leftovers or planning ahead for brunch, these ingredient tips ensure you nail it every time.
👩🍳 How to Make Ham and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits
Making Ham and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits is incredibly easy—no rolling, kneading, or biscuit cutters required. The dough is soft, sticky, and baked directly in a pool of melted butter, which creates a golden, crispy crust and a fluffy, savory interior.
Follow this foolproof process to get delicious results every single time.
🧈 Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Yes, this high heat is correct—it helps give the biscuits their iconic crispy edges.
- Use a 9×9-inch glass or ceramic baking dish (metal pans don’t distribute heat as evenly).
- Melt ½ cup (1 stick) of salted butter directly in the baking dish—either in the oven or microwave—until fully melted.
- Set aside while preparing the dough.
🥣 Step 2: Make the Biscuit Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine:
- 2½ cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon of baking powder (use aluminum-free for best flavor)
- 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar
- Optional: ½ teaspoon of salt (if using unsalted butter)
Stir the dry ingredients to mix evenly.
Then, pour in:
- 1¾ cups of buttermilk
Gently mix with a wooden spoon or spatula until a thick, sticky batter forms. Don’t overmix! The dough should be shaggy but evenly hydrated.
🍖 Step 3: Add the Ham and Cheese
Fold into the dough:
- 2 cups of diced ham (leftovers or deli-style)
- 1½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese
Sharp cheddar gives the best flavor, but you can substitute with Swiss, pepper jack, or mozzarella.
Make sure the ham and cheese are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
🧱 Step 4: Assemble the Biscuits
- Carefully pour or spoon the dough on top of the melted butter in the baking dish.
- Use clean hands or a silicone spatula to gently press and spread the dough into the corners. Don’t stir the butter into the dough—it should remain on the bottom and along the sides.
- Score the unbaked dough into 9 equal squares using a knife or bench scraper. This makes cutting and serving easier after baking.
💡 Tip: Lightly spray your hands or spatula with nonstick spray to prevent sticking while spreading the dough.
🔥 Step 5: Bake
- Place the baking dish on the middle oven rack and bake for 25 to 30 minutes.
- Rotate the pan halfway through for even browning.
- If the tops are browning too quickly, lightly cover with foil during the last 10 minutes.
Check for doneness:
- The tops should be golden brown and slightly crisp.
- A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean.
- The edges will be bubbling with butter—that’s what you want!
🔪 Step 6: Cool, Cut, and Serve
- Let the biscuits cool for 5–10 minutes before cutting along the pre-scored lines.
- Serve warm with a pat of butter, a drizzle of honey mustard, or alongside eggs or soup.
With just a few pantry staples and no complicated techniques, you’ll have golden, cheesy, buttery biscuits ready in under 45 minutes. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or freezing leftovers, this recipe is the ultimate make-ahead comfort food win.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions of Ham and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits
Ham and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits are versatile:
- Serve with soups like potato leek or tomato basil.
- Great as a side dish at holiday dinners.
- Slice in half and use for breakfast sliders or sandwiches.
- Pair with fried eggs and hot sauce for a bold brunch.
❄️ Storage and Reheating for Ham and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Use an oven or air fryer for best texture.
📊 Nutritional Info (Per Serving)
Approximate values (based on 9 servings):
- Calories: 405
- Carbs: 31g
- Protein: 16g
- Fat: 24g
- Sodium: 624mg
Want to make it lighter?
- Use reduced-fat cheese
- Replace half the butter with Greek yogurt
- Try lean meats or reduce cheese quantity
🧪 Popular Variations for Ham and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits
Here are other flavor-packed spins on the classic:
- Bacon and Chive
- Jalapeño Cheddar
- Spinach and Feta
- Cinnamon Roll (for sweet lovers)
- Apple Pie version – perfect for fall brunches!
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overmixing = tough biscuits
- Skipping the pre-bake scoring = messy cuts
- Using cold butter in the pan = uneven distribution
- Substituting margarine = soggy and bland texture
🙋 FAQs About Ham and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits
1. Can I use different meats instead of ham?
Absolutely! Try turkey, chicken, or bacon.
2. Can I use self-rising flour?
Yes, just omit baking powder if you do.
3. Why are they called “butter swim” biscuits?
Because the dough “swims” in butter during baking, creating a crispy exterior.
4. How do I store leftovers?
Airtight container in the fridge for 4 days or freeze for 3 months.
5. Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Adjust liquid as needed.
6. What cheese works best?
Sharp cheddar is ideal, but feel free to get creative with Swiss or mozzarella.
🏁 Final Thoughts Of Ham and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits
Ham and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits are more than just a comfort food—they’re a simple, flexible recipe that works for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or snacks. Loaded with savory ham and gooey cheese, surrounded by crunchy, buttery biscuit edges, these are destined to become a family favorite.Buttermilk Substitute Guide
So, next time you’re staring down that leftover ham or just craving something hearty, swim into this recipe and let your taste buds dive in.
