Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

While buttermilk provides the best flavor and texture, you can substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 2 cups of regular milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes before using. The acidity helps tenderize the biscuits and activates the baking powder.

Why are they called "butter swim" biscuits?

The name comes from the unique baking method where the biscuit dough is poured over melted butter in the pan. As they bake, the biscuits essentially "swim" in butter, absorbing it and creating an incredibly rich, moist texture with a beautifully crisp bottom and edges.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can prepare the dry ingredients and cheese mixture ahead of time, but I recommend mixing in the buttermilk just before baking for the best rise and texture. These biscuits are at their absolute best fresh from the oven, though they reheat well too.

What's the best ham to use in this recipe?

Any cooked ham works beautifully in this recipe! Leftover holiday ham, deli ham, or even ham steak will all provide great flavor. Just make sure to dice it into small, even pieces so it distributes well throughout the biscuits.

Ham and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits Recipe

Name: Ham and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 26 min
Total time: 36 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 ½ cups (312.5 g) all-purpose flour; 4 teaspoons baking powder; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 2 teaspoons garlic powder; 1 cup (113 g) medium cheddar cheese, shredded; 1 cup (113 g) white cheddar cheese, shredded; 1 cup (135 g) cooked ham, diced; ¼ cup (12 g) chives, chopped; 2 cups (490 g) buttermilk; ½ cup (1 stick / 113 g) unsalted butter, melted

These Ham and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits are the ultimate comfort food that combines fluffy, buttery biscuits with savory ham and melty cheese. Ready in just 36 minutes, this recipe creates a showstopping dish perfect for brunch, dinner, or anytime you need something deliciously satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. The biscuits literally “swim” in butter as they bake, resulting in an irresistibly moist texture and golden crust that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

No Kneading or Rolling: Unlike traditional biscuits, these require no tedious kneading, rolling, or cutting – just mix, pour, and bake!
Incredible Flavor Profile: The combination of two kinds of cheese, savory ham, and fresh chives creates layers of flavor in every bite.
Crowd-Pleaser: These biscuits disappear fast at family gatherings, potlucks, or weekend brunches – they’re universally loved by adults and kids alike.
Versatile: Works brilliantly as a side dish, main course with a salad, or even as the base for breakfast sandwiches.

Ingredients You’ll Need

All-purpose flour: Creates the foundation for our biscuits, providing structure while remaining tender.
Baking powder: The leavening agent that gives these biscuits their impressive rise without any yeast.
Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors – don’t skip it!
Garlic powder: Adds a subtle savory note that complements the ham and cheese perfectly.
Medium cheddar cheese: Provides a classic sharp flavor that melts beautifully.
White cheddar cheese: Offers a more mellow, creamy flavor that balances the medium cheddar.
Cooked ham: Adds savory, meaty bites throughout the biscuits – use leftover holiday ham or deli ham.
Chives: Brings a fresh, mild onion flavor and beautiful color contrast.
Buttermilk: Creates tenderness and adds a slight tanginess that makes these biscuits special.
Unsalted butter: The magic ingredient that creates that incredible buttery exterior and moist interior.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Breakfast Version

Swap the ham for cooked, crumbled breakfast sausage and add a pinch of cayenne for a morning kick.

Herb Lover’s Delight

Add 1-2 tablespoons of fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or sage for an aromatic twist.

Spicy Southwest

Add diced jalapeños and substitute pepper jack for one of the cheddars for a spicy variation.

Vegetarian Option

Skip the ham and add extra cheese, plus some finely diced bell peppers and spinach for a veggie-packed version.

How to Make Ham and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 450°F. Spray a deep 7×11-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. The depth is important here – you need those 2-3 inch sides to contain all the buttery goodness.

Step 2: Mix Your Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and garlic powder until well combined.

Step 3: Prepare Your Cheese Blend

Mix the medium cheddar and white cheddar together in a small bowl. Set aside half of this mixture for topping later.

Step 4: Add Mix-ins to Flour

Add half of your cheese blend to the flour mixture, along with the diced ham and chopped chives. Gently toss everything together.

Step 5: Add Buttermilk

Pour the buttermilk into your flour mixture. Stir until just combined – the key is to avoid overworking the batter. It will be wet and sticky, not like traditional biscuit dough.

Step 6: Prepare the Butter Bath

Pour the melted butter into your prepared baking dish, creating an even layer across the bottom.

Step 7: Add the Biscuit Mixture

Spoon your biscuit mixture on top of the melted butter. Use a spatula (or clean hands) to gently spread it to the edges of the dish.

Step 8: Top with Remaining Cheese

Sprinkle the reserved cheese blend evenly over the top of the biscuit mixture.

Step 9: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake for 26-28 minutes until the biscuits are gorgeously golden brown and the cheese has melted into a bubbly, crispy topping.

Step 10: Rest Before Serving

Allow the biscuits to rest for about 5 minutes after baking. This gives the butter time to be fully absorbed into the biscuits.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Overmix: Stir the batter just until combined – overmixing develops gluten and creates tough biscuits.
Fresh Ingredients Matter: Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-shredded, which contains anti-caking agents.
Buttermilk Substitute: No buttermilk? Add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to regular milk and let it sit for 5 minutes.
Baking Dish Safety: Place a baking sheet under your dish if you’re worried about butter overflow – especially if using a shallow dish.
Check for Doneness: The inside should be fully cooked but still moist. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out without wet batter.

How to Serve

Perfect Pairings

These biscuits are fantastic alongside a bowl of tomato soup or chili for a comforting meal that satisfies the soul.

Brunch Star

Serve as the centerpiece of a weekend brunch with scrambled eggs and fresh fruit on the side.

Make It a Meal

Turn these into a complete dinner by pairing with a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness.

Holiday Helper

These are a fantastic alternative to dinner rolls at holiday meals – they’re substantial enough to soak up gravy and complement turkey or ham.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled biscuits in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The butter content helps keep them from drying out too quickly.

Freezing

These freeze beautifully! Wrap individual biscuits tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

For best results, reheat in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes until warmed through. Microwaving works in a pinch (about 20-30 seconds), but you’ll lose some of the textural contrast.

FAQs

Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

While buttermilk provides the best flavor and texture, you can substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 2 cups of regular milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes before using. The acidity helps tenderize the biscuits and activates the baking powder.
Why are they called “butter swim” biscuits?

The name comes from the unique baking method where the biscuit dough is poured over melted butter in the pan. As they bake, the biscuits essentially “swim” in butter, absorbing it and creating an incredibly rich, moist texture with a beautifully crisp bottom and edges.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can prepare the dry ingredients and cheese mixture ahead of time, but I recommend mixing in the buttermilk just before baking for the best rise and texture. These biscuits are at their absolute best fresh from the oven, though they reheat well too.
What’s the best ham to use in this recipe?

Any cooked ham works beautifully in this recipe! Leftover holiday ham, deli ham, or even ham steak will all provide great flavor. Just make sure to dice it into small, even pieces so it distributes well throughout the biscuits.

Final Thoughts

These Ham and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits are the definition of comfort food made simple. They combine the ease of a dump-and-bake recipe with the impressive results of a dish you’d work hours on. The way the butter creates that golden exterior while keeping the inside tender and flavorful is nothing short of magical. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just want to treat yourself to something special, these biscuits deliver big flavor with minimal effort. Give them a try – I promise they’ll become a regular in your recipe rotation!