Description: These incredibly easy and delicious Ham and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits are a delightful twist on classic biscuits. The dough, studded with savory ham and cheddar cheese, bakes in a pool of melted butter, creating irresistibly golden, crispy edges and a soft, tender interior. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a comforting side dish, these biscuits are sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 2 tablespoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick or 113g) cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1 cup (approximately 4 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup (approximately 6 ounces) diced cooked ham, preferably smoked
- 1 cup buttermilk, cold
- 1/2 cup (1 stick or 113g) unsalted butter, melted, for the “swim”
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley (optional, for visual appeal and a hint of herbaceousness)
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). It’s crucial to have the oven preheated properly to ensure the biscuits rise evenly and develop a beautiful golden crust. While the oven preheats, grease a 9×13-inch baking pan. You can use butter, shortening, or cooking spray. Ensuring the pan is well-greased will prevent the biscuits from sticking and make them easy to remove after baking. A 9×13-inch pan is ideal, but a slightly smaller pan will work too, resulting in slightly thicker biscuits.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. The baking powder is the leavening agent, responsible for creating the light and airy texture of the biscuits. Whisking ensures that the baking powder and salt are evenly distributed throughout the flour, which is vital for uniform rising and flavor.
Step 3: Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry blender or your fingertips, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The size of the butter pieces is essential; aim for pieces about the size of peas. Cold butter is crucial here. As the biscuits bake, the cold butter will melt, creating pockets of steam that help to puff up the dough and create those desirable flaky layers. Avoid overworking the dough at this stage, as this can result in tough biscuits.
Step 4: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and diced ham. Distribute them evenly throughout the flour-butter mixture. The cheddar cheese adds a sharp, savory flavor and a delightful gooeyness to the biscuits. Using pre-shredded cheese works well for convenience, but freshly shredded cheese will melt more smoothly. The diced ham provides a smoky, salty element that complements the cheese perfectly. You can use leftover ham, deli ham, or even ham steak, as long as it’s diced into small, bite-sized pieces.
Step 5: Pour in the cold buttermilk. Gently mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this will develop the gluten and result in tough biscuits. The dough should be slightly shaggy and wet. Buttermilk adds a tangy flavor and helps to create a tender, moist biscuit. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to a measuring cup, then filling it with milk to equal 1 cup. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
Step 6: Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. The dough will be somewhat sticky, so you can lightly flour your hands or a spatula to help spread it. Don’t worry about achieving a perfectly smooth surface; the unevenness will create interesting textures in the finished biscuits.
Step 7: In a small bowl, melt the remaining 1/2 cup of butter. Stir in the optional garlic powder and dried parsley (if using). The melted butter is the “swim” that gives these biscuits their unique character. The garlic powder adds a subtle savory note, while the dried parsley provides a touch of visual appeal and a hint of herbaceousness. You can adjust the amount of garlic powder and parsley to your liking or omit them altogether if preferred.
Step 8: Pour the melted butter mixture evenly over the dough in the pan. Ensure that the entire surface of the dough is coated with butter. This is what creates the crispy, golden-brown edges that everyone loves.
Step 9: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown on top and cooked through. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so check the biscuits after 25 minutes. To test for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of a biscuit; if it comes out clean, the biscuits are ready.
Step 10: Remove the biscuits from the oven and let them cool slightly in the pan before serving. Cooling slightly will make them easier to handle. Cut the biscuits into squares or rectangles and serve warm.
Why you will love this recipe:
- Incredibly Easy: This recipe requires minimal effort and uses simple ingredients that you likely already have on hand. No biscuit cutting or shaping is required, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights.
- Deliciously Savory: The combination of ham and cheddar cheese creates a satisfyingly savory flavor that is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a side dish to a comforting meal.
- Crispy Edges, Tender Interior: The butter swim creates irresistibly crispy, golden-brown edges while keeping the interior of the biscuits soft and tender.
- Versatile: You can easily customize this recipe to suit your taste preferences by using different types of cheese, adding other ingredients like jalapenos or chives, or adjusting the amount of garlic powder and parsley.
- Family Favorite: These biscuits are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will be enjoyed by both kids and adults.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve warm for breakfast or brunch with a side of scrambled eggs, bacon, or sausage.
- Enjoy as a side dish to soups, stews, chili, or pot roast.
- Use as a base for mini ham and cheese sandwiches.
- Serve with a dollop of honey butter or a drizzle of maple syrup for a sweet and savory treat.
- Pack them in lunchboxes for a delicious and satisfying midday snack.
Tips:
- Use cold butter for the best results. The cold butter creates pockets of steam that help to puff up the biscuits and create flaky layers.
- Don’t overmix the dough. Overmixing will develop the gluten and result in tough biscuits.
- For extra flavor, try using smoked cheddar cheese or adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dough.
- If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to a measuring cup, then filling it with milk to equal 1 cup. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
- Store leftover biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: 40-45 minutes
Nutritional Information: (Approximate, per biscuit, based on 12 servings)
- Calories: 350-400
- Protein: 10-12g
- Sodium: 400-500mg
Conclusion:
These Ham and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits are a winning combination of ease of preparation and mouthwatering flavor. The buttery, cheesy, and savory elements meld together to create a truly satisfying treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast, a comforting side dish, or a crowd-pleasing snack, this recipe is sure to deliver. Give it a try and experience the magic of butter swim biscuits!
Questions and Answers about Ham and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits:
- Can I use different types of cheese? Answer: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese to customize the flavor of your biscuits. Sharp cheddar is a classic choice, but you could also use Gruyere, Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, pepper jack (for a little heat!), or even a blend of cheeses. Just be sure the cheese is shredded for even distribution throughout the dough.
- What if I don’t have buttermilk? Answer: No problem! Buttermilk adds a lovely tang and helps create a tender crumb, but you can easily substitute it. A common substitution is to make your own “sour milk” by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to a measuring cup and then filling the rest of the cup with regular milk. Let it sit for about 5 minutes to curdle slightly before using. You can also use plain yogurt or sour cream thinned with a little milk.
- Can I add other ingredients to these biscuits? Answer: Definitely! These biscuits are very versatile and can be easily customized to your liking. Consider adding chopped chives, green onions, or jalapeños for extra flavor. A sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning on top before baking would also be delicious. Just be mindful not to add too many wet ingredients, as this could make the dough too sticky.
- How do I prevent the biscuits from sticking to the pan? Answer: Thoroughly greasing the baking pan is crucial to prevent the biscuits from sticking. You can use butter, shortening, or cooking spray. Lining the pan with parchment paper is another great option, as it creates a barrier between the biscuits and the pan. After baking, let the biscuits cool slightly in the pan before cutting and serving. This will give them a chance to firm up and make them easier to remove.
- Can I make these biscuits ahead of time? Answer: You can prepare the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just be sure to cover it tightly to prevent it from drying out. When you’re ready to bake, spread the dough in the pan, pour the melted butter mixture over the top, and bake as directed. You can also bake the biscuits ahead of time and reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving.
