Butter Swim Biscuits
Golden, buttery, and outrageously tender, these Butter Swim Biscuits are unlike any biscuit you’ve had before. What makes them magical is the way they bake in a pool of melted butter, creating a crispy bottom, golden edges, and a fluffy, soft interior that practically melts in your mouth.
They’re simple, rustic, and taste like something straight from a Southern kitchen. These biscuits require no rolling, no biscuit cutter, and no fuss. Just mix, pour, and bake. Whether it’s breakfast, brunch, or the sidekick to a big bowl of chili, these biscuits rise to the occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Butter Swim Biscuits Recipe
These biscuits are the definition of comfort food. Their richness comes from an abundance of butter and the clever technique of baking the dough in it. That buttery bath ensures a golden, crunchy crust while keeping the inside light and pillowy. Perfect for slathering with jam or sopping up gravy.
They’re also easy enough for beginners. No kneading. No special equipment. It all comes together in one bowl with a handful of pantry staples.
What Kind of Butter Should I Use?
Since butter is the star, use one that tastes great on its own. A good-quality salted butter brings the most flavor, though you can go unsalted if you prefer to control the salt yourself. Just make sure it’s real butter—not margarine—for the best texture and flavor.
Ingredients for the Butter Swim Biscuits
The beauty of Butter Swim Biscuits is how few ingredients they need. Yet each one plays an important role in achieving that perfect fluffy-yet-crispy bite.
All-purpose flour gives the biscuits their structure and softness. No need for self-rising here.
Baking powder is the leavening agent that makes the biscuits rise beautifully in the oven.
Granulated sugar adds just a hint of sweetness to balance the butter.
Salt enhances flavor and rounds out the biscuit.
Buttermilk gives the dough tanginess and helps tenderize the crumb.
Butter is the hero here. It crisps the edges, flavors the entire biscuit, and makes the bottom irresistible.

How To Make the Butter Swim Biscuits
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 450°F. Melt the butter and pour it into an 8×8 baking dish. Set aside while you make the dough.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt until well combined.
Step 3: Add Buttermilk
Pour the buttermilk into the dry mix and stir gently until just combined. Do not overmix—the dough will be sticky.
Step 4: Spread and Cut
Transfer the dough directly into the buttered baking dish. Gently spread it to the edges, then score the top with a knife into 9 squares. This helps them pull apart cleanly once baked.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown on top. Let them cool slightly before serving warm.
Serving and Storing Butter Swim Biscuits
These buttery squares are best served fresh and warm out of the oven, when the edges are crisp and the center steams when pulled apart. They make a dreamy base for sausage gravy, breakfast sandwiches, or just enjoyed with a drizzle of honey.
This recipe feeds about 9 people if serving as a side. If you’re using them as part of a main (like for breakfast sandwiches), plan for fewer servings.
To store leftovers, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best results—a quick zap in the microwave works, too, but won’t restore that crunchy edge.
What to Serve With Butter Swim Biscuits?
Sausage Gravy
Classic Southern comfort. The biscuits soak up the savory gravy like a dream.
Fried Chicken
Turn them into mini chicken biscuit sandwiches for a hearty bite.
Chili or Stew
These biscuits make a perfect side for anything saucy. Think beef stew or a big bowl of chili.
Scrambled Eggs and Bacon
A breakfast platter feels more complete with these on the plate.
Honey Butter or Jam
Let their buttery base play with something sweet.
Tomato Soup
Dip one in and you’ll be surprised how well they complement a tangy, warm soup.
BBQ Pulled Pork
Use the biscuits as sliders for BBQ night.
Want More Biscuit Ideas with a Twist?
If you love Butter Swim Biscuits, here are more comforting favorites to try:
- Canned Biscuit Sugar Donuts for a sweet twist on canned biscuits.
- Cheesy Baked Tennessee Onions that pair beautifully with buttery carbs.
- Old-Fashioned Corn Fritters if you crave crispy, soft interiors.
- Peanut Butter Cornflake Cookies for a nostalgic finish.
- Southern Banana Cobbler to complete the comfort food mood.
Save This Recipe For Later
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest bread or brunch board so you can make it again and again.
Let me know in the comments how yours turned out! Did you drizzle honey or serve them with gravy? Maybe you spiced them up with jalapeños?
I love seeing the creative spins people take on these cozy bakes. Your questions and tips help everyone enjoy them more.
Explore beautifully curated comfort bakes and savory recipes on Luna Meals on Pinterest and get inspired for your next craving!

Butter Swim Biscuits
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 9 biscuits
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These golden Butter Swim Biscuits are baked in a pool of melted butter for an ultra-tender center and crispy, buttery edges. This easy Southern-style biscuit recipe uses buttermilk and pantry staples—perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a side to comfort food favorites.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 ¾ cups buttermilk
½ cup butter (1 stick), melted
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 450°F and melt the butter in an 8×8 baking dish.
2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt.
3. Pour in buttermilk and stir until just combined; dough will be sticky.
4. Transfer dough to the buttered baking dish and gently spread it out.
5. Score the dough with a knife into 9 squares (do not cut all the way through).
6. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until golden brown on top.
7. Let cool slightly before serving warm.
Notes
These biscuits are best enjoyed fresh and warm.
Use real butter—not margarine—for the best results.
Don’t overmix the dough to keep them light and fluffy.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 biscuit
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 360mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 35mg


