Breakfast Butter Swim Biscuits Recipe
If you’re searching for a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s beyond easy to whip up, look no further than Breakfast Butter Swim Biscuits. This golden, buttery, tender biscuit recipe brings together everything you love about classic Southern biscuits—without any kneading or fuss. The magic happens as the biscuit dough bakes while literally swimming in a pool of melted butter, resulting in crisp edges, fluffy centers, and a flavor that begs for a second helping. Whether you’re planning a big brunch or just want to elevate your weekday mornings, these biscuits are about to become your new favorite breakfast treat.

Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a handful of basic ingredients to make magic happen here. Every component plays a key role in creating the signature taste and texture of Breakfast Butter Swim Biscuits, from the light crumb to the buttery, golden crust.
- All-purpose flour: The sturdy backbone of these biscuits, providing structure and a tender bite.
- Granulated sugar: Just a touch to balance out the savoriness and enhance browning.
- Baking powder: The secret to towering, fluffy biscuits—don’t skimp!
- Salt: Essential for bringing out all the flavors; use fine salt for even distribution.
- Buttermilk: Adds rich tang, moisture, and helps the biscuits rise beautifully; full-fat is best if you can find it.
- Unsalted butter (melted): The star of the show—this creates those legendary crisp, buttery edges.
How to Make Breakfast Butter Swim Biscuits
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 450°F (232°C). This high heat is key for getting those deeply golden tops and perfectly crisp edges. While your oven heats, melt a stick of unsalted butter and pour it straight into your baking dish. You want the bottom completely coated so every biscuit gets that glorious butter bath.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Take a moment to really combine everything—this ensures even rising and flavor in every bite.
Step 3: Add the Buttermilk
Pour the buttermilk into your dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined. The dough will be shaggy and wet, which is exactly what you want. Avoid overmixing; a light touch keeps your Breakfast Butter Swim Biscuits fluffy.
Step 4: Layer Over Butter
Carefully pour the dough over the melted butter in your baking dish. Gently spread it out to the edges, but try not to mix the dough into the butter. The butter should pool around the dough, not inside it—this is where the biscuit magic happens.
Step 5: Score and Bake
Using a sharp knife or a bench scraper, score the dough into 9 equal squares. This will help the biscuits bake evenly and make them easy to pull apart later. Pop the dish into the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the tops are beautifully golden and the edges are bubbling in butter.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Let your biscuits cool for just a few minutes before serving—they’ll be easier to cut and handle, but still perfectly warm. Now, get ready to watch them disappear!
How to Serve Breakfast Butter Swim Biscuits

Garnishes
For a finishing touch, try sprinkling fresh herbs like chives or parsley over the biscuits just before serving. A light dusting of flaky salt or a drizzle of honey adds another layer of flavor that complements the rich, buttery base.
Side Dishes
Breakfast Butter Swim Biscuits are a dream with scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, or sausage links. They’re also perfect alongside creamy grits or a fresh fruit salad for a balanced breakfast spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice the biscuits in half and use them for breakfast sandwiches—think egg, cheese, and ham piled high! Or, serve them with a trio of jams and butters for a build-your-own biscuit bar at brunch. For a savory twist, try adding shredded cheddar or chopped herbs to the dough before baking.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any biscuits left (which is rare!), let them cool completely before storing. Place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerate for up to five days to keep them fresh.
Freezing
Breakfast Butter Swim Biscuits freeze beautifully. Wrap each biscuit individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to three months and are perfect for busy mornings.
Reheating
To restore that just-baked warmth and crispness, reheat biscuits in a 350°F oven for about 8-10 minutes. For a quicker option, microwave on medium power for 20-30 seconds, but the oven method keeps the edges perfectly crisp.
FAQs
Can I use milk instead of buttermilk?
You can substitute whole milk, but the flavor and tender crumb won’t be quite the same. If you’re out of buttermilk, try adding a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to your milk and let it sit for five minutes before using.
Why do I need to score the dough before baking?
Scoring the dough helps the biscuits bake evenly and makes it easy to pull them apart after they’re done. It also encourages the butter to seep into every nook and cranny, creating those irresistible crispy edges.
Can I add cheese or herbs to the biscuits?
Absolutely! Shredded cheddar, chopped chives, or even a sprinkle of cooked bacon bits can be folded into the dough for a savory spin on the classic Breakfast Butter Swim Biscuits.
What size baking dish should I use?
This recipe works perfectly in an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch baking dish. The biscuits will be thick, fluffy, and easy to portion into nine generous squares.
Do these biscuits work for lunch or dinner?
Definitely! Breakfast Butter Swim Biscuits are just as delicious served alongside soups, stews, or salads for lunch or dinner. They’re a versatile addition to any meal.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never tried Breakfast Butter Swim Biscuits, now’s the time to treat yourself. They’re simple, comforting, and downright irresistible—perfect for making mornings a little brighter. Once you bake a batch, you’ll want to share them with everyone you know!
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Breakfast Butter Swim Biscuits Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 9 biscuits 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Breakfast Butter Swim Biscuits are a delightful Southern-style baked treat featuring tender biscuit dough baked atop a pool of melted butter, resulting in crispy, buttery edges and soft, fluffy centers. Perfect for pairing with eggs, bacon, or jam, these no-knead biscuits deliver rich flavor and a simple preparation that makes them an ideal morning comfort food.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cups buttermilk (full-fat recommended)
- ½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick), melted
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) to ensure it is hot enough for the biscuits to rise quickly and develop a golden crust.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until fully combined for even leavening and seasoning.
- Add Buttermilk: Pour the buttermilk into the dry ingredients and stir gently just until the dough comes together. Avoid overmixing to keep the biscuits tender.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Pour the melted butter into an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch baking dish, creating a buttery pool for the biscuits to bake in.
- Assemble Biscuits: Carefully pour the biscuit dough over the melted butter in the dish and gently spread it evenly without stirring the butter into the dough, allowing a layered buttery effect.
- Score Dough: Using a sharp knife or bench scraper, score the dough into 9 equal squares to help with portioning and even baking.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the tops of the biscuits are golden brown and the edges are crispy and buttery.
- Cool and Serve: Let the biscuits cool slightly before serving warm, enhancing the texture and flavor perfect for breakfast.
Notes
- Use full-fat buttermilk for the richest and creamiest flavor.
- These biscuits pair excellently with eggs, bacon, or your favorite jam for a satisfying breakfast.
- For a savory variation, add shredded cheese or chopped herbs like chives or thyme to the dough before baking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 biscuit
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 430mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 35mg