Ham and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits represent the perfect marriage of comfort food and culinary innovation. These aren’t your ordinary biscuits – they’re a game-changing twist on the classic Southern butter swim biscuit that will revolutionize your breakfast, brunch, or dinner table. The magic lies in the technique: the dough literally “swims” in melted butter as it bakes, creating an incredibly tender, flaky interior while developing a golden, crispy exterior that’s absolutely irresistible.
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Why You Should Try Ham and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits
What makes Ham and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits so special is their incredible versatility and foolproof nature. Unlike traditional biscuits that require careful handling and precise technique, these forgiving beauties are nearly impossible to mess up. The butter swimming method ensures consistent results every time, while the addition of savory ham and melted cheese transforms them from simple bread into a complete, satisfying meal component.
The combination of salty, smoky ham with rich, creamy cheese creates layers of flavor that complement the buttery biscuit base perfectly. Each bite delivers a delightful contrast of textures – the crispy, butter-kissed exterior gives way to a pillowy soft interior studded with pockets of melted cheese and tender ham pieces. These biscuits are ideal for busy weeknight dinners, weekend brunch gatherings, or holiday celebrations when you want something special but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.
Ham and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits also offer incredible make-ahead convenience. You can prepare the dough in advance, and the swimming butter technique means they’ll stay moist and flavorful even when reheated. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want to elevate your family’s regular meal rotation, these biscuits deliver restaurant-quality results with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction.
Ham and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits: A Savory Twist on Southern Comfort
Ham and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits take the beloved Southern tradition of butter swim biscuits and elevate it with savory, protein-packed ingredients. These incredibly tender biscuits literally swim in melted butter as they bake, creating an impossibly soft interior and golden, crispy exterior. The addition of diced ham and melted cheese transforms these from simple bread into a complete, satisfying dish perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dinner. With their foolproof technique and irresistible flavor combination, these biscuits deliver bakery-quality results with minimal effort, making them an ideal choice for both novice and experienced home cooks.
Storage Options
Room Temperature: Store cooled biscuits in an airtight container for up to 2 days. For best texture, wrap individually in plastic wrap before placing in container.
Refrigerator: Keep biscuits fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator. Store in airtight container or wrap tightly in aluminum foil.
Freezer: Ham and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. Wrap individually in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: Warm in 350°F oven for 5-8 minutes, or microwave for 20-30 seconds. For crispy exterior, reheat in toaster oven or regular oven rather than microwave.
Summary
Ham and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits are the ultimate comfort food that combines the traditional Southern butter swim technique with savory ham and cheese. These biscuits bake in a pool of melted butter, creating an incredibly tender texture with a golden, crispy exterior. Perfect for any meal of the day, they’re easy to make and nearly impossible to mess up.
Equipment
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Sharp knife for dicing ham
- Whisk or large spoon for mixing
- Kitchen scale (optional but recommended)
Ingredients
For the Biscuits:
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1¾ cups whole buttermilk
- 1 cup diced cooked ham
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
For the Butter Base:
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Place the stick of butter in your 9×13 inch baking dish and put it in the oven while it preheats to melt the butter completely.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Pour the buttermilk into the dry ingredients and stir just until a shaggy dough forms. Don’t overmix.
- Fold in Ham and Cheese: Gently fold the diced ham, cheddar cheese, and mozzarella cheese into the dough until evenly distributed.
- Transfer to Pan: Carefully remove the hot baking dish from the oven. The butter should be completely melted and bubbling. Drop spoonfuls of the dough evenly over the melted butter, creating 12 portions.
- Bake: Return to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the biscuits have risen significantly.
- Cool and Serve: Let cool for 5 minutes before serving. The biscuits will absorb some of the butter as they cool.
Notes
- Use cold buttermilk for best results
- Don’t overmix the dough to ensure tender biscuits
- The dough will look quite wet and sticky – this is normal
- Ham and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits should be golden brown on top when done
- Internal temperature should reach 190°F for fully cooked biscuits
Tips for Success
Choose Quality Ingredients: Use good-quality ham and sharp cheddar cheese for maximum flavor impact in your Ham and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits.
Don’t Skip the Buttermilk: Buttermilk provides the tangy flavor and tender texture that makes these biscuits special. If you don’t have buttermilk, make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon lemon juice to regular milk.
Temperature Matters: Ensure your oven is fully preheated to 450°F for proper rise and browning.
Butter Temperature: The butter should be completely melted and hot when you add the dough. This creates the signature swimming effect.
Gentle Handling: Mix the dough just until ingredients are combined. Overmixing will result in tough biscuits.
Additional Tips and Variations
Cheese Variations: Try different cheese combinations like pepper jack and cheddar, or add cream cheese for extra richness to your Ham and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits.
Ham Alternatives: Substitute bacon bits, cooked sausage, or even leftover turkey for different flavor profiles.
Herb Addition: Fresh chives, green onions, or dried herbs like thyme complement the ham and cheese beautifully.
Make-Ahead Option: Prepare the dough the night before and refrigerate. Let come to room temperature before baking.
Size Variations: Make mini biscuits in a muffin tin for appetizers, adjusting baking time to 15-18 minutes.
Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I use different types of ham in Ham and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits? A: Absolutely! Deli ham, leftover holiday ham, or even Canadian bacon work well. Just ensure it’s diced into small, uniform pieces.
Q: What if I don’t have buttermilk? A: Make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1¾ cups of regular milk. Let sit for 5 minutes before using.
Q: Can I make these biscuits ahead of time? A: Yes! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate overnight. You can also freeze the baked biscuits for up to 3 months.
Q: Why are my biscuits not rising properly? A: Check that your baking powder is fresh (replace every 6 months) and ensure your oven is fully preheated to 450°F.
Q: Can I double this recipe? A: Yes, but use two separate 9×13 pans rather than one larger pan for even cooking.
Q: How do I know when the biscuits are done? A: They should be golden brown on top and spring back lightly when touched. Internal temperature should reach 190°F.
Conclusion
Ham and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits represent everything we love about comfort food – they’re incredibly flavorful, surprisingly easy to make, and guaranteed to please a crowd. The genius of the butter swim technique ensures foolproof results every time, while the addition of ham and cheese transforms simple biscuits into a complete, satisfying dish. Whether you’re serving them for a special brunch, weeknight dinner, or holiday gathering, these biscuits deliver bakery-quality taste with homemade warmth. The combination of crispy, buttery exterior and tender, cheesy interior studded with savory ham creates a truly irresistible experience that will have everyone asking for the recipe. Master this simple technique, and you’ll have a go-to recipe that never fails to impress.
Ham and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits
Equipment
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Sharp knife for dicing ham
- Whisk or large spoon for mixing
- Kitchen scale (optional but recommended)
Ingredients
- For the Biscuits:
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1¾ cups whole buttermilk
- 1 cup diced cooked ham
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- For the Butter Base:
- ½ cup 1 stick unsalted butter
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Place the stick of butter in your 9×13 inch baking dish and put it in the oven while it preheats to melt the butter completely.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Pour the buttermilk into the dry ingredients and stir just until a shaggy dough forms. Don’t overmix.
- Fold in Ham and Cheese: Gently fold the diced ham, cheddar cheese, and mozzarella cheese into the dough until evenly distributed.
- Transfer to Pan: Carefully remove the hot baking dish from the oven. The butter should be completely melted and bubbling. Drop spoonfuls of the dough evenly over the melted butter, creating 12 portions.
- Bake: Return to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the biscuits have risen significantly.
- Cool and Serve: Let cool for 5 minutes before serving. The biscuits will absorb some of the butter as they cool.
Notes
Don’t overmix the dough to ensure tender biscuits
The dough will look quite wet and sticky – this is normal
Ham and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits should be golden brown on top when done
Internal temperature should reach 190°F for fully cooked biscuits Tips for Success
Choose Quality Ingredients: Use good-quality ham and sharp cheddar cheese for maximum flavor impact in your Ham and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits.
Don’t Skip the Buttermilk: Buttermilk provides the tangy flavor and tender texture that makes these biscuits special. If you don’t have buttermilk, make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon lemon juice to regular milk.
Temperature Matters: Ensure your oven is fully preheated to 450°F for proper rise and browning.
Butter Temperature: The butter should be completely melted and hot when you add the dough. This creates the signature swimming effect.
Gentle Handling: Mix the dough just until ingredients are combined. Overmixing will result in tough biscuits.
Additional Tips and Variations
Cheese Variations: Try different cheese combinations like pepper jack and cheddar, or add cream cheese for extra richness to your Ham and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits.
Ham Alternatives: Substitute bacon bits, cooked sausage, or even leftover turkey for different flavor profiles.
Herb Addition: Fresh chives, green onions, or dried herbs like thyme complement the ham and cheese beautifully.
Make-Ahead Option: Prepare the dough the night before and refrigerate. Let come to room temperature before baking.
Size Variations: Make mini biscuits in a muffin tin for appetizers, adjusting baking time to 15-18 minutes.
Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I use different types of ham in Ham and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits?
A: Absolutely! Deli ham, leftover holiday ham, or even Canadian bacon work well. Just ensure it’s diced into small, uniform pieces.
Q: What if I don’t have buttermilk?
A: Make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1¾ cups of regular milk. Let sit for 5 minutes before using.
Q: Can I make these biscuits ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate overnight. You can also freeze the baked biscuits for up to 3 months.
Q: Why are my biscuits not rising properly?
A: Check that your baking powder is fresh (replace every 6 months) and ensure your oven is fully preheated to 450°F.
Q: Can I double this recipe?
A: Yes, but use two separate 9×13 pans rather than one larger pan for even cooking.
Q: How do I know when the biscuits are done?
A: They should be golden brown on top and spring back lightly when touched. Internal temperature should reach 190°F.
