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Butter Swim Biscuits: The Ultimate Comfort Food
If you’ve ever dreamed of a biscuit that’s fluffy, buttery, and full of flavor, then look no further than Butter Swim Biscuits. These deliciously indulgent biscuits are a Southern classic, loved for their soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture and golden, buttery finish. Whether you’re serving them at a holiday meal, a family gathering, or just as a special treat for breakfast, Butter Swim Biscuits are sure to become your go-to recipe for comfort food.
What makes these biscuits different from others is their method of preparation: they swim in melted butter, which gives them their signature richness and flavor. In this article, we’ll dive into how you can easily make this crowd-pleasing biscuit recipe right at home, plus a few tips for customizing them to your taste.
What Are Butter Swim Biscuits?
Butter Swim Biscuits are a type of biscuit that is baked in a swimming pool of melted butter. The process is simple: the dough is placed in a baking dish that is filled with butter, and the biscuits are baked until golden brown. The result is a biscuit with a crisp, buttery exterior and a soft, flaky interior.
These biscuits are a Southern staple and are often served as a side dish with savory meals like fried chicken, chili, or soups, but they also make an amazing breakfast paired with jam or honey.
Ingredients for Butter Swim Biscuits:
To make these easy, buttery biscuits, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (optional, depending on how sweet you like your biscuits)
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 3/4 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup buttermilk (optional for extra flavor)
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional for a savory twist)
For the butter bath:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted (for the swimming butter)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Baking Dish:
Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). While the oven heats, prepare your baking dish by pouring the 1/2 cup of melted butter into the bottom of an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch square baking dish (or a similarly sized dish). This buttery pool will give the biscuits their signature golden crispness.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar (if using). If you want to add garlic powder or any other seasoning, stir it in at this stage.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, pour the whole milk and buttermilk (if using). Add the melted butter and mix together until smooth.
4. Form the Biscuit Dough:
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently stir to combine. Mix until just incorporated — be careful not to overmix, as this can make the biscuits dense. The dough will be slightly sticky, which is perfectly fine!
5. Scoop and Place the Dough:
Scoop large spoonfuls of the dough and drop them into the prepared baking dish over the melted butter. The dough should cover most of the bottom of the dish, but don’t worry if they’re a little spread out. As they bake, the biscuits will rise and puff up, forming the beautiful layers.
6. Bake the Biscuits:
Bake the biscuits in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the tops are golden brown and the biscuits are cooked through. Keep an eye on them towards the end of baking, as oven temperatures can vary.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Once the biscuits are golden and bubbly, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly. Serve them warm, straight from the baking dish. You can drizzle with extra butter or top them with honey, jam, or gravy for an extra touch of deliciousness.
Tips for the Best Butter Swim Biscuits:
- Don’t Overmix the Dough: Overmixing biscuit dough can result in tough biscuits. Stir the dough until just combined to ensure light and fluffy biscuits.
- Use Cold Ingredients: For even flakier biscuits, use cold butter when making the dough. Cold butter creates pockets of steam in the dough as it bakes, giving the biscuits their airy texture.
- Make Them Savory: While traditional Butter Swim Biscuits are delicious on their own, you can add a savory twist by incorporating herbs like rosemary or thyme into the dough, or sprinkle some cheddar cheese on top before baking for a cheesy, flavorful variation.
- Serve with Gravy: Butter Swim Biscuits are excellent when paired with gravy — whether it’s classic sausage gravy or a more decadent cream-based gravy, these biscuits will soak it up perfectly.
