Butter Swim Biscuits are the ultimate comfort food indulgence. Imagine soft, fluffy layers of golden biscuit dough literally swimming in a pool of rich, melted butter. These biscuits are ridiculously simple to make but taste like a Southern dream come true. They bake up with golden, crispy edges and a tender, buttery center that melts in your mouth with every bite.
Whether you’re serving them with a hearty dinner, topping them with honey or jam for breakfast, or just grabbing one warm from the pan as a treat, these biscuits will have everyone reaching for seconds. The best part? No fancy biscuit cutter, no folding layers—just mix, pour, bake, and dive into buttery bliss.
Why You’ll Love This Butter Swim Biscuit Recipe
Butter Swim Biscuits are a busy cook’s best friend. They take minimal effort, use pantry staples, and go from bowl to oven in under 10 minutes. The butter infuses every inch of the biscuit with flavor and helps create that crave-worthy crust on the bottom. They’re versatile, cozy, and totally addicting.
What Kind of Flour Works Best for Butter Swim Biscuits?
All-purpose flour is the classic choice for this recipe. It provides just the right balance of structure and tenderness. Avoid self-rising flour unless you’re adjusting the leavening agents, as that can make the biscuits puff unevenly. Stick to all-purpose for consistently fluffy results every time.
Ingredients for the Butter Swim Biscuits
The beauty of these biscuits lies in their simplicity. Each ingredient has a purpose, and together they create magic in a cast iron skillet or baking dish.
- All-purpose flour – This forms the base of the dough, giving the biscuits their structure without making them too dense.
- Baking powder – The key leavening agent that gives your biscuits rise and lightness.
- Sugar – A touch of sweetness balances the richness of the butter.
- Salt – Essential for enhancing flavor.
- Buttermilk – Adds a slight tang and contributes to the soft, tender crumb.
- Unsalted butter – The star of the show. Melted and poured into the pan, it infuses the dough with deep buttery flavor and creates a golden crust.

How To Make the Butter Swim Biscuits
Step 1: Preheat and Prep the Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 450°F (232°C). While the oven heats, pour the melted unsalted butter into a 9×9-inch baking dish or cast iron skillet.
Step 2: Mix the Biscuit Dough
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt. Pour in the buttermilk and stir just until a sticky dough forms. Avoid overmixing.
Step 3: Pour and Spread
Spoon the dough directly over the melted butter. Use a spatula to spread the dough evenly to the edges. Don’t worry if some butter pools on top—that’s exactly what you want.
Step 4: Score the Dough
Use a knife to gently score the top of the dough into 9 squares. This helps the biscuits bake evenly and gives you perfect pull-apart pieces.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Place the pan in the oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are crisp and bubbling. Let the biscuits rest for a few minutes before serving.
Serving and Storing These Biscuits
Butter Swim Biscuits are best served warm, right out of the oven. That’s when the butter is still cozy and the crumb is perfectly soft. They’re delicious with honey, jam, or even smothered in sausage gravy. This recipe makes 9 hearty biscuits, enough to feed a small family or a few very hungry guests.
To store, let them cool completely and place in an airtight container. They keep well at room temperature for up to 2 days, or you can refrigerate for up to 5. Reheat in a toaster oven or wrapped in foil in a 300°F oven for best texture.
What to Serve With Butter Swim Biscuits?
Sausage Gravy
Creamy sausage gravy ladled over warm biscuits is a Southern classic that never fails to satisfy.
Scrambled Eggs and Bacon
Serve these biscuits as part of a big breakfast spread with fluffy eggs and crispy bacon on the side.
Fried Chicken
Pair with crunchy fried chicken for a dinner that feels like Sunday supper.
Chili or Stew
Use the biscuits to sop up hearty stews or chili on a chilly evening.
Tomato Soup
The buttery crunch of the biscuit goes surprisingly well with a bowl of tangy tomato soup.
Fresh Berry Jam
A slather of berry jam on a warm biscuit turns it into a sweet afternoon treat.
Pulled Pork
These biscuits are sturdy enough to sandwich with pulled pork and coleslaw for a creative twist on a BBQ favorite.
Want More Biscuit and Bread Ideas?
If you love these Butter Swim Biscuits, you’ll probably enjoy these other comfort-packed recipes:
- Red Lobster’s Cheese Biscuit Loaf for that cheesy garlic flavor.
- Herb Cheese Quick Bread Recipe when you want something savory and sliceable.
- Southern Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers for a bite-sized sweet and savory combo.
- Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread if you’re craving a nutty, sweet bread.
- Copycat Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole for a breakfast side that’s pure comfort.
Save This Recipe For Later
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest breakfast or brunch board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add extra herbs or spices? Try it with cheddar or jalapeño?
I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other bake smarter.
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Butter Swim Biscuits
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 9 biscuits
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These easy Butter Swim Biscuits are soft, fluffy, and baked in a pool of melted butter for a golden crust and irresistible flavor. Made with simple pantry staples like flour, buttermilk, and baking powder, they’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy dinner side. Comfort food doesn’t get any better!
Ingredients
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
4 teaspoons baking powder
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt
2 cups buttermilk
½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 450°F (232°C) and pour melted butter into a 9×9-inch baking dish or cast iron skillet.
2. In a bowl, mix together flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt.
3. Add buttermilk and stir just until combined—do not overmix.
4. Drop the dough into the baking dish over the butter and spread it evenly.
5. Score the top of the dough into 9 squares using a knife.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown on top and edges are bubbling.
7. Let cool slightly, then cut along the scored lines and serve warm.
Notes
Make sure to use real buttermilk for the best flavor and texture.
Don’t overmix the dough to keep the biscuits tender.
For extra flavor, sprinkle a pinch of garlic powder or shredded cheese over the top before baking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 biscuit
- Calories: 235
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 310mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 34mg


