Go Back

Butter Swim Biscuits

Decadent and simple, these Butter Swim Biscuits boast a crispy, buttery base with a tender, fluffy interior. Perfect for weekend brunches or weeknight dinners, this recipe uses common pantry staples to create a comforting, restaurant-quality treat without the fuss.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Breakfast, Brunch, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 485
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Dry Ingredients
  • 2½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 4 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
  • 2 cups buttermilk well-shaken
  • ½ cup unsalted butter melted
Optional
  • 1 tablespoon melted butter for brushing the tops

Equipment

  • 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch baking dish
  • Large bowl
  • Whisk
  • Knife
  • Spatula

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
  2. Melt the ½ cup unsalted butter directly in an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch baking dish until it forms a golden pool at the bottom.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients – 2½ cups all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, 4 teaspoons baking powder, and 1 teaspoon salt.
  4. Pour in 2 cups of well-shaken buttermilk and stir just until the ingredients come together. Do not overmix; a few lumps are desired for a tender texture.
  5. Gently pour the batter over the melted butter in the dish. Use a spatula to spread it evenly without stirring the butter into the batter.
  6. Lightly score the surface of the batter into 9 even squares with a knife to help the biscuits bake evenly and make them easier to separate.
  7. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes until the tops turn a beautiful golden brown with crispy edges.
  8. For an extra buttery finish, brush the hot biscuits with 1 tablespoon melted butter immediately after removing them from the oven.

Notes

These Butter Swim Biscuits are incredibly simple yet deliver a rich, comforting flavor with minimal effort. They benefit from using well-shaken buttermilk (or a quick homemade substitute using milk and vinegar/lemon juice) to activate the baking powder and achieve a tender crumb. The method of pouring the batter over a pool of melted butter ensures a uniquely crispy base while keeping the tops soft. Ideal for any meal, these biscuits can be enjoyed as a side with savory dishes or dressed up with sweet toppings for breakfast or brunch.