Description: Indulge in these tender, butter-soaked biscuits bursting with melted shredded cheese and savory chunks of ham. A delicious treat that will surely make your taste buds dance! These biscuits are incredibly easy to make and require minimal effort, making them perfect for a quick breakfast, brunch, or side dish. The combination of salty ham, sharp cheddar cheese, and buttery biscuit dough is simply irresistible. Prepare to be amazed by how simple ingredients can come together to create such a comforting and flavorful dish. The “butter swim” technique ensures that the biscuits are incredibly moist and flavorful, as the melted butter soaks into the dough during baking. This results in a golden-brown, crispy bottom crust and a soft, fluffy interior. The addition of ham and cheese elevates these biscuits to a whole new level of deliciousness, making them a crowd-pleasing favorite for any occasion.
Ingredients:
- 310g (2½ cups) all-purpose flour
- 13g (1 tbsp) granulated sugar (adds a touch of sweetness to balance the saltiness)
- 13g (1½ tbsp) baking powder (for rise and lightness)
- Wet Ingredients:
- 415ml (1¾ cups) buttermilk (plus extra if needed – or substitute with milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice)
- Mix-Ins:
- 250g (2½ cups) small-diced ham (about ½ inch cubes)
- 170g (1½ cups) shredded cheddar cheese (sharp for bold flavor – or mild for subtlety)
- For Topping:
- 115g (½ cup) salted butter, melted (or unsalted + ¼ tsp salt)
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat Oven & Prep Pan
Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C). Grease a 9×9-inch (23x23cm) square baking dish with non-stick cooking spray or butter—ensure it’s oven-safe and heatproof. Set aside while mixing the dough. Properly preheating the oven ensures even baking and a golden-brown crust. Greasing the pan prevents the biscuits from sticking and allows them to release easily after baking. Using a square baking dish provides a neat and uniform presentation, but a round baking dish can also be used.
Step 2: Whisk Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the following ingredients: flour, sugar, and baking powder. This ensures even rise and distribution of leavening agents. Whisking the dry ingredients together is an essential step in biscuit making. It helps to evenly distribute the baking powder, which is responsible for the biscuits’ rise and lightness. This also prevents pockets of baking powder from forming, which can result in an uneven texture.
Step 3: Add Buttermilk & Mix
Pour in the buttermilk and stir gently with a spatula or wooden spoon until a thick, sticky batter forms. If the batter feels too dry, add 1–2 tbsp more buttermilk. Buttermilk adds a tangy flavor and helps to create a tender and moist biscuit. It also reacts with the baking powder to create carbon dioxide, which helps the biscuits rise. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can develop the gluten in the flour and result in tough biscuits. The batter should be thick and sticky, but not dry or crumbly.
Step 4: Fold in Ham & Cheese
Gently fold in the diced ham and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix just until evenly distributed—no overmixing needed. The ham and cheese add a savory and flavorful element to the biscuits. Be sure to dice the ham into small pieces so that it is evenly distributed throughout the dough. Shredded cheddar cheese melts beautifully and adds a sharp, cheesy flavor. Gently fold in the ham and cheese to avoid overmixing the dough.
Step 5: Melt Butter in the Pan
Pour the melted butter into the prepared baking dish, coating the bottom evenly. This creates a golden, crispy crust on the bottom of your biscuits. The melted butter is what makes these biscuits “swim” in flavor. It creates a rich and buttery crust on the bottom of the biscuits and helps to keep them moist and tender. Be sure to coat the entire bottom of the pan with melted butter.
Step 6: Spread the Dough
Transfer the biscuit dough to the buttered pan and spread evenly with a spatula. Use sprayed hands or a greased spoon for easier handling. Spreading the dough evenly in the pan ensures that the biscuits bake uniformly. Using sprayed hands or a greased spoon can prevent the dough from sticking to your hands or the spoon.
Step 7: Score & Bake
With a knife, cut the dough into 9 equal squares (don’t worry about mixing the layers—it’s meant to be rustic!). Bake at 450°F (230°C) for 25–30 minutes, rotating halfway through. If the top browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil. Scoring the dough into squares makes it easier to separate the biscuits after baking. Rotating the pan halfway through baking ensures that the biscuits brown evenly. If the top of the biscuits browns too quickly, cover them loosely with foil to prevent them from burning.
Step 8: Check for Doneness
The biscuits are ready when: The top is golden brown and crisp, a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, and the edges are slightly caramelized and buttery. Let cool for 5 minutes before cutting along the scored lines. Checking for doneness is crucial to ensure that the biscuits are fully cooked. The top of the biscuits should be golden brown and crisp, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean. The edges of the biscuits should be slightly caramelized and buttery. Allowing the biscuits to cool slightly before cutting makes them easier to handle.
Step 9: Serve Warm & Buttery
Enjoy warm with an extra pat of butter or a drizzle of honey. Each bite brings together buttery, crispy bottom crust, soft, fluffy biscuit center, smoky ham pockets, and gooey, cheesy melted cheddar. These biscuits are best served warm, straight from the oven. An extra pat of butter or a drizzle of honey adds even more flavor. The combination of buttery crust, fluffy interior, smoky ham, and cheesy cheddar is simply irresistible.
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
You will love this recipe because it is incredibly easy to make, requires minimal effort, and delivers a delicious and satisfying result. The “butter swim” technique ensures that the biscuits are incredibly moist and flavorful, while the addition of ham and cheese elevates them to a whole new level of deliciousness. These biscuits are perfect for a quick breakfast, brunch, or side dish, and they are sure to be a crowd-pleasing favorite for any occasion. The ingredients are simple and readily available, and the recipe can be easily customized to suit your personal preferences. Whether you are a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, you will be able to make these biscuits with ease and confidence. The aroma of warm, buttery biscuits baking in the oven is simply heavenly, and the taste is even better. These biscuits are the ultimate comfort food, and they are guaranteed to bring a smile to your face.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve warm with a pat of butter or a drizzle of honey.
- Pair with a side of scrambled eggs or bacon for a complete breakfast.
- Serve as a side dish with soup, salad, or chili.
- Use as the base for a breakfast sandwich with eggs, bacon, and cheese.
- Enjoy as a snack or appetizer with your favorite dipping sauce.
Tips:
- Use cold butter and buttermilk for the best results.
- Do not overmix the dough.
- Use a sharp knife or biscuit cutter to cut the biscuits.
- Bake the biscuits in a preheated oven.
- Serve the biscuits warm.
- For a sweeter biscuit, add an extra tablespoon of sugar to the dough.
- For a more savory biscuit, add a pinch of garlic powder or onion powder to the dough.
- Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Gruyere, Swiss, or pepper jack.
- Add other mix-ins, such as chopped chives, green onions, or jalapenos.
- Store leftover biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 25-30 minutes Total Time: 40-45 minutes
Nutritional Information: (per biscuit, approximate) Calories can vary depending on precise ingredient amounts and brands.
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: 12-15g
- Sodium: 500-600mg
Conclusion:
Ham and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits are a delightful treat that is sure to please everyone. With their tender, buttery texture, savory ham and cheese filling, and easy preparation, they are the perfect addition to any meal or snack. Whether you are looking for a quick breakfast, a comforting side dish, or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, these biscuits are a guaranteed winner. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to indulge in the irresistible goodness of Ham and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits.
Question and Answer:
Q1: Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
A1: Yes, you can substitute regular milk for buttermilk. However, buttermilk adds a tangy flavor and helps to create a more tender biscuit. If you use regular milk, you can add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to the milk to mimic the acidity of buttermilk.
Q2: Can I freeze these biscuits?
A2: Yes, you can freeze these biscuits. Allow them to cool completely, then wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
Q3: Can I use different types of cheese?
A3: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese, such as Gruyere, Swiss, pepper jack, or Monterey Jack. Just be sure to use a cheese that melts well and complements the flavor of the ham.
Q4: Can I add other mix-ins to the dough?
A4: Yes, you can add other mix-ins to the dough, such as chopped chives, green onions, jalapenos, or crumbled bacon. Just be sure to add them in moderation so that they don’t overwhelm the flavor of the biscuits.
Q5: How do I prevent the biscuits from sticking to the pan?
A5: To prevent the biscuits from sticking to the pan, be sure to grease the pan generously with non-stick cooking spray or butter. You can also line the pan with parchment paper for added insurance.
