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

Description

Ham and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits are tender, cheesy, and savory biscuits baked in melted butter. Loaded with cheddar cheese, diced ham, and chives, these biscuits are perfect as a side dish, snack, or even a breakfast treat. They are easy to make and wonderfully golden brown with a buttery, flaky texture.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Dry Ingredients

- - 2 1/2 cups (312.5 g) all-purpose flour
  - 4 teaspoons baking powder
  - 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  - 2 teaspoons garlic powder

Cheeses and Add-ins

- - 1 cup (113 g) medium cheddar cheese, shredded
  - 1 cup (113 g) white cheddar cheese, shredded
  - 1 cup (135 g) cooked ham, diced
  - 1/4 cup (12 g) chives, chopped

Wet Ingredients

- 2 cups (490 g) buttermilk
- 1/2 cup (1 stick / 113 g) unsalted butter, melted

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F and spray a 7×11-inch deep baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Set it aside for later use.
Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, kosher salt, and garlic powder until evenly combined.
Prepare the cheese blend: In a small bowl, mix the shredded medium cheddar and white cheddar cheeses together to create a cheese blend.
Add mix-ins to batter: To the flour mixture, add 1 cup of the cheese blend, diced ham, and chopped chives. Pour in the buttermilk and stir gently until the ingredients are mostly combined. Be careful not to overmix, ensuring a tender texture.
Prepare the baking dish: Pour the melted butter into the prepared baking dish, ensuring it coats the bottom evenly. Place the dough on top of the melted butter. Use a spatula or your hands to spread the dough evenly to the edges of the pan.
Add topping and bake: Sprinkle the remaining cup of cheese over the top of the dough. Bake the dish in the preheated oven for 26-28 minutes, or until the biscuits become golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Let biscuits rest and serve: Once baked, remove the biscuits from the oven and allow the butter to be absorbed into them before cutting and serving. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

Use a baking dish that is 2 to 3 inches deep to avoid butter spilling over the edges during baking.
If your baking dish is shallow, place a baking sheet underneath it to catch potential spillover.
The biscuits taste best when served fresh and warm.
These biscuits pair well with soups or can be served as a standalone snack or appetizer.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 biscuit
Calories: 315
Sugar: 2 g
Sodium: 580 mg
Fat: 21 g
Saturated Fat: 12 g
Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 22 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 9 g
Cholesterol: 60 mg