Ham and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits Recipe: Easy Comfort Food

Fluffy, buttery, and packed with savory ham and cheese goodness, this Ham and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits Recipe is the ultimate comfort food with a delicious twist. These incredible biscuits literally swim in melted butter as they bake, creating crispy golden bottoms and tender, pillowy tops loaded with diced ham and sharp cheddar cheese. It’s the kind of breakfast or brunch dish that fills your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas and has everyone gathered around the table before you even call them.

Each bite delivers a satisfying combination of textures—crispy buttery edges, soft fluffy centers, and savory pockets of melted cheese and ham throughout. Whether you’re serving weekend brunch or need a crowd-pleasing side for dinner, this Ham and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits Recipe is as simple to make as it is irresistible. Serve them warm with extra butter, honey, jam, or gravy for a customizable treat that feels like a special occasion every time.

Why You’ll Love This Ham and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits Recipe

• Incredibly easy: No rolling, cutting, or fancy techniques required—just mix, pour, and bake for perfect biscuits every time.
• Butter swim magic: The biscuits bake in a pool of melted butter, creating the most incredible crispy, golden crust you’ve ever tasted.
• Savory and satisfying: Ham and cheese turn simple biscuits into a complete meal that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dinner.
• Make-ahead friendly: Prep the night before and bake fresh in the morning, or freeze baked biscuits for quick reheating later.
• Family favorite: Kids and adults alike can’t resist these buttery, cheesy biscuits—they disappear faster than you can make them.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use (Essential Tools and Equipment, Plus Why They Matter)

Before diving into this delicious Ham and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits Recipe, having the right tools on hand will make everything smoother—from mixing to serving.

Essential Tools & Why You Need Them:

9×13-inch Baking Dish (Glass or Metal)
This is essential for the butter swim method. The size ensures the biscuits have enough room to spread while still swimming in plenty of melted butter.

Large Mixing Bowl
Perfect for combining all the dry ingredients and mixing in the wet ingredients without making a mess.

Whisk or Fork
Great for evenly distributing the baking powder, salt, and other dry ingredients before adding liquids.

Measuring Cups & Spoons
Precision is important—especially for the flour, butter, and buttermilk ratios that make these biscuits perfectly fluffy.

Sharp Knife & Cutting Board
For dicing the ham into small, even pieces and cutting the baked biscuits into perfect squares.

Oven Mitts
Safety first when handling the hot baking dish filled with bubbling butter straight from the oven.

Having these items prepped and within reach makes the cooking process seamless and enjoyable.

Preparation Tips

• Use cold buttermilk for the fluffiest biscuits—the cold liquid reacts with the baking powder for maximum rise.
• Don’t overmix the dough—stir just until combined to keep the biscuits tender, not tough.
• Melt the butter completely before pouring it into the baking dish so it distributes evenly under and around the biscuits.
• Dice the ham small so it distributes evenly throughout the dough and doesn’t weigh down the biscuits.
• Spread the dough evenly in the pan—it doesn’t need to be perfect, but aim for relatively even thickness.
• Let them rest for 5 minutes after baking before cutting—this helps them set up and makes cleaner slices.

These small touches make a big difference in achieving perfectly buttery, fluffy biscuits every time.

Ingredients for This Ham and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits Recipe

Here’s everything you’ll need to bring these savory, buttery biscuits to life. Most ingredients are kitchen staples, making this Ham and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits Recipe both budget-friendly and convenient.

For the Biscuits:

• 2½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups cold buttermilk
• 1 cup cooked ham, diced into small pieces
• 1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• ¼ cup chopped fresh chives or green onions (optional)

For the Butter Swim:

• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted

Optional Toppings:

• Extra melted butter for brushing
• Flaky sea salt
• Fresh chopped parsley
• Honey or maple syrup
• Cracked black pepper
• Additional shredded cheese

Everything in this list works together beautifully—the savory ham and sharp cheese complement the buttery, fluffy biscuit base perfectly. The optional toppings add extra flavor and visual appeal.

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Pour the ½ cup of melted butter into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish, tilting the dish to coat the bottom evenly. The butter should create a generous pool across the entire bottom—this is the “butter swim” that makes this Ham and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits Recipe so special.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper until well combined. Make sure there are no lumps and everything is evenly distributed throughout.

Step 3: Add the Ham and Cheese

Toss the diced ham and shredded cheddar cheese into the dry ingredients, stirring to coat them with flour. This helps prevent them from sinking to the bottom and ensures even distribution throughout the biscuits. If using chives or green onions, add them now as well.

Step 4: Add the Buttermilk

Pour the cold buttermilk into the flour mixture all at once. Using a wooden spoon or spatula, stir gently just until the ingredients are combined and no dry flour remains visible. The dough will be very wet and sticky—this is exactly what you want for tender, fluffy biscuits. Don’t overmix or the biscuits will become tough.

Step 5: Pour and Spread the Dough

Carefully pour the wet biscuit dough over the melted butter in the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it out relatively evenly across the pan—it doesn’t need to be perfectly smooth. The dough should be swimming in the butter around the edges.

Using a knife or bench scraper, score the top of the dough into 12 equal squares (this makes cutting easier after baking, though it’s optional).

Step 6: Bake the Biscuits

Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The edges should be deeply golden and crispy from the butter.

Remove from the oven and let the biscuits rest in the pan for 5 minutes before cutting and serving. The butter will continue to work its magic, creating those irresistibly crispy bottoms.

Cut into squares, serve warm, and enjoy this amazing Ham and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits Recipe with your favorite toppings or sides.

Notes

Ham Options: Use leftover holiday ham, deli ham, or even Canadian bacon. For a smoky twist, try diced smoked ham or prosciutto.

Cheese Variations: Sharp cheddar is classic, but Gruyère, Swiss, pepper jack, or a Mexican cheese blend all work beautifully in this recipe.

Make it Vegetarian: Skip the ham and add sautéed mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or extra cheese for a meat-free version.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overmixing the dough: Stirring too much develops gluten and makes the biscuits tough instead of tender and fluffy.
• Using warm buttermilk: Cold buttermilk is key for the best rise and texture—always use it straight from the refrigerator.
• Not using enough butter: The butter swim is what makes this recipe special—don’t skimp on the half cup of melted butter.
• Cutting the ham too large: Big chunks of ham can make the biscuits dense and uneven—dice it into small, pea-sized pieces.
• Overbaking: Watch the color closely—once the top is golden brown, they’re done. Overbaking creates dry biscuits.
• Skipping the resting time: Cutting immediately causes the biscuits to fall apart—let them set up for 5 minutes first.
• Using a pan that’s too small: A 9×13-inch pan is ideal—smaller pans make the biscuits too thick and they won’t cook evenly.
• Forgetting to preheat the oven: Starting with a hot oven ensures proper rise and that beautiful golden crust.

What to Serve With Ham and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits Recipe?

This Ham and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits Recipe is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with both breakfast and dinner options. Whether you want something light or hearty, there’s a perfect pairing for every meal.

8 Delicious Recommendations:

Scrambled Eggs with Herbs
Fluffy, creamy scrambled eggs complement the savory biscuits perfectly for a complete breakfast spread.

Fresh Fruit Salad
A colorful mix of berries, melon, and citrus adds refreshing sweetness that balances the rich, buttery biscuits.

Sausage Gravy
Pour creamy, peppery sausage gravy over these biscuits for the ultimate Southern-style breakfast indulgence.

Tomato Soup
Warm, comforting tomato soup paired with these cheesy biscuits makes a cozy lunch combination.

Garden Salad with Vinaigrette
Crisp greens with a tangy vinaigrette provide a light, fresh contrast to the rich biscuits.

Honey Butter
Whip together softened butter and honey for a sweet spread that takes these biscuits to the next level.

Crispy Bacon Strips
Classic breakfast bacon adds extra savory crunch alongside these already delicious biscuits.

Hot Coffee or Fresh Orange Juice
Complete your breakfast or brunch with a steaming cup of coffee or a tall glass of freshly squeezed orange juice.

These pairings help round out the meal and create a complete, satisfying dining experience everyone will love.

Storage Instructions

This Ham and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits Recipe stores wonderfully and reheats beautifully for quick meals throughout the week.

How to Store:

Refrigerator: Let the biscuits cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap. They will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freezer: For longer storage, wrap individual biscuits in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating:

Oven: Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes until warmed through and the edges crisp up again.

Microwave: Heat individual biscuits on medium power for 30-45 seconds. For extra butter flavor, brush with melted butter after reheating.

Toaster Oven: Place biscuits in the toaster oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes for crispy edges.

Always ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when reheating.

Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving – Based on 12 Servings)

Please note this is an approximate breakdown and may vary based on exact ingredients used.

Nutrient	Amount Per Serving
Calories	285
Protein	11g
Carbohydrates	24g
Dietary Fiber	1g
Sugar	3g
Total Fat	16g
Saturated Fat	9g
Unsaturated Fat	6g
Trans Fat	0g
Cholesterol	45mg
Sodium	580mg

This Ham and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits Recipe delivers a satisfying balance of protein and carbs—perfect for a filling breakfast or hearty side dish.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this Ham and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits Recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely. Mix the dough the night before, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Pour into the buttered pan and bake fresh in the morning for warm, fluffy biscuits.

2. Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
Yes, but buttermilk gives the best flavor and texture. To substitute, add 2 tablespoons of lemon juice or white vinegar to 2 cups of regular milk and let sit for 5 minutes.

3. Why is it called a “butter swim” recipe?
Because the biscuit dough literally swims in a pool of melted butter as it bakes, creating incredibly crispy bottoms and buttery flavor throughout.

4. Can I make these without ham?
Definitely. You can make plain cheese biscuits, or add cooked bacon, sausage, or vegetables instead of ham.

5. What if I don’t have a 9×13-inch pan?
An 8×8-inch pan works but makes thicker biscuits—increase baking time by 5-10 minutes. A 9×9-inch pan also works well.

6. Can I double this Ham and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits Recipe?
Yes! Use two 9×13-inch pans or one large roasting pan. Keep the baking time the same and check for doneness.

7. Can I add other seasonings?
Absolutely. Italian seasoning, dried herbs, smoked paprika, or cayenne pepper all add delicious flavor variations.

8. How do I keep the biscuits from getting soggy?
Store them uncovered or loosely covered in the refrigerator if there’s excess butter. Reheat in the oven to restore crispiness.

Conclusion

This Ham and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits Recipe is the ultimate combination of buttery comfort and savory satisfaction—all baked together in one simple dish. With its crispy golden edges, fluffy centers, and pockets of ham and cheese throughout, it’s everything you want in a biscuit, elevated to new delicious heights.

Perfect for weekend brunches, holiday breakfasts, or any time you want to impress with minimal effort, this Ham and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits Recipe is as foolproof as it is delicious. Plus, with endless variation options, you can make it your own every time. So grab your baking dish and discover why everyone falls in love with this incredible recipe.