DESSERT

Ham and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits: A Fluffy and Flavorful Delight! 🧀🥓🧈

Get ready to indulge in pure deliciousness with these Ham and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits! These incredibly soft and flavorful biscuits are a true gem, combining the richness of cheese and the smoky taste of ham, all baked in a pool of melted butter that guarantees an irresistible texture. This is the perfect recipe for a gourmet brunch, a hearty breakfast, a comforting side for soup, or even a savory snack any time of day. Forget complicated kneading and cutting; these biscuits are effortlessly simple to make and always a guaranteed hit!

(What Exactly is a “Butter Swim Biscuit”? The Secret to Unmatched Tenderness)

The “Butter Swim Biscuit” concept is an ingenious innovation that simplifies biscuit making while ensuring an incredibly tender result. Unlike traditional biscuits that require working the dough and cutting shapes, here, the dough is simply poured into a generously buttered baking dish. As the butter melts, it “swims up” and submerges the dough, creating a golden, crispy crust on top and unbelievably soft, buttery sides. This unique method gives the biscuits their characteristic texture and intense buttery flavor without any kneading or folding effort. By adding ham and cheese, we transform this already delicious base into a complete and savory delight.

Key Ingredients: Simplicity for Gourmet Taste 🧈🧀🥓🌾🥛

Here’s what you’ll need to make these divine biscuits (for 9-12 biscuits, depending on how you cut them):

  • Unsalted butter: 1 stick (½ cup / 113g), cut into small pieces or thin slices, or melted. This is the secret to the “Butter Swim”!
  • All-purpose flour: 2 cups (240g)
  • Baking powder: 1 tablespoon (yes, a full tablespoon for good lift!)
  • Granulated sugar: 1 tablespoon (optional, but balances savory flavors and helps with browning)
  • Salt: ½ teaspoon
  • Whole milk: 1 cup (240ml), cold
  • Cooked ham: 1 cup (about 150g), finely diced (deli ham, smoked ham, or even leftover pork roast)
  • Shredded cheddar cheese: 1 cup (about 120g), or a blend of cheeses (cheddar, mozzarella, Emmental, Gruyère)

Detailed Preparation: Easy, Fast, and Delicious! 📝

Follow these simple steps for perfect biscuits every time:

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish:
    • Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
    • Take an 8×8 inch (20×20 cm) square baking dish or a similar-sized rectangular dish.
    • Place the butter pieces evenly on the bottom of the dish. Put the dish in the preheated oven for 5 to 7 minutes, just long enough for the butter to melt completely and coat the bottom of the dish. Remove the dish from the oven and set aside.
  2. Prepare Dry Ingredients:
    • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar (if using), and salt. Ensure the baking powder is well distributed.
  3. Add Milk and Mix-ins:
    • Pour the cold whole milk into the flour mixture. Mix with a spatula or wooden spoon just until the flour is hydrated and there are no dry pockets of flour. The dough will be sticky; this is normal. Do not overmix.
    • Add the diced ham and shredded cheddar to the dough. Gently fold them in until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. Again, do not overmix.
  4. Pour Dough into Melted Butter:
    • Carefully pour the dough directly over the melted butter in the hot baking dish.
    • Spread the dough evenly in the dish with your spatula, making sure it makes good contact with the butter. Do not mix it with the butter; leave the butter at the bottom.
  5. Cut and Bake:
    • Before baking, use an un-serrated knife or a bench scraper to cut the dough into 9 or 12 squares (3×3 or 3×4) directly in the dish. Don’t separate the squares completely, just score them. This will help them separate easily after baking.
    • Bake the dish in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the tops of the biscuits are golden brown and the edges are crispy. The butter will have “swum” up and permeated the biscuits, creating that golden, crispy top.
  6. Serve and Enjoy:
    • Remove the dish from the oven. Let the biscuits rest for a few minutes in the dish.
    • Use a spatula to separate the biscuits along the scored lines.
    • Serve them warm and savor their soft texture and rich flavor.

Tips for Perfect Biscuits Every Time! ✨

  • Don’t Overheat the Butter: The butter should be melted, not scorching hot. If your oven was very hot, let the dish cool for a moment before pouring in the dough.
  • Minimum Dough Mixing: This is the secret to a tender biscuit. Overmixing develops gluten, which results in tough, rubbery biscuits.
  • Cold Milk: Using cold milk helps to keep the butter in the dough in small pieces (before it fully melts underneath) and contributes to a better texture.
  • Cheese Variety: Cheddar is classic, but a blend with mozzarella for stretchiness, or Emmental/Gruyère for flavor, also works great.
  • Pre-Cut Dough: Cutting the dough before baking helps to form well-defined biscuits and makes serving easier.
  • Oven Temperature: A hot oven is essential for quick rising and beautiful browning.

Creative Variations for Every Taste 🌈

The “Butter Swim Biscuit” base is incredibly versatile. Here are some ideas to mix things up:

  • Ham and Cheese with Herbs/Green Onion: Add 2 tablespoons of chopped green onions or fresh chopped basil to the dough with the ham and cheese.
  • Cheese and Jalapeño: For a spicy kick, incorporate ¼ cup of chopped jalapeños (fresh or canned, well-drained) with the ham and cheese.
  • “Everything Bagel” Biscuit: Add 1 tablespoon of “Everything Bagel” seasoning to the dry dough mixture or sprinkle it over the top before baking.
  • Bacon and Cheddar: Replace the ham with crispy bacon bits for an even more intense savory flavor.
  • Sausage and Cheese: Add cooked and crumbled breakfast sausage.
  • Fresh Herbs: For an aromatic touch, add chopped fresh parsley, thyme, or rosemary.
  • Sweet Version: For sweet biscuits, omit the ham and cheese, and increase the sugar to ¼ cup. Add blueberries, chocolate chips, or cinnamon.

Serving Suggestions 🍽️

These biscuits are delicious on their own, but they also make an excellent accompaniment:

  • For Brunch: Serve them with scrambled eggs, bacon, fresh fruit, and a good cup of coffee.
  • With Soup: They are perfect for dipping into creamy tomato soup, chili, or a vegetable stew.
  • As a Side: Serve them alongside roasted chicken, BBQ, or grilled vegetables.
  • As a Sandwich: Slice them in half and fill with eggs, ham, or a slice of tomato for a warm mini-sandwich.

Storage 🧊

  • The biscuits are best enjoyed the same day, warm and fresh.
  • You can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days.
  • To reheat, microwave for a few seconds or warm them in an oven at 150°C (300°F) for a few minutes to regain their tenderness.