Easy Butter Swim Biscuits
Note: This post may contain affiliate links. That means if you click on a link and make a purchase we may receive a small commission. Thank you!
These easy Butter Swim Biscuits are made in one dish with buttermilk and butter— no rolling required!
These Butter Swim Biscuits are a super simple way to make homemade biscuits without a lot of effort. No kneading. No rolling. Just a handful of pantry staples and an 8×8 baking dish. This recipe is perfect for beginner bakers, busy parents, or anyone who craves Southern-style biscuits without the fuss.
The first time I made Butter Swim Biscuits, I couldn’t believe how simple they were—dump, mix, and bake. No biscuit cutter? No problem. I made them on a Sunday morning, and they disappeared as soon as they came out of the oven. Now, this recipe is a staple in our home for breakfast, brunch, or a comforting dinner side.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make these buttery, melt-in-your-mouth biscuits:
- All purpose flour – You can substitute with self-rising (omit baking powder)
- Baking powder – This leavener makes the dough to rise.
- Granulated sugar – This helps make the dough a bit more tender and to help the surface brown.
- Buttermilk – You can substitute with 2 cups milk + 2 tbsp vinegar or lemon juice
- Salted butter + salt – The salt helps to bring out the flavor in the biscuits
Variations & Customizations
- Cheddar & Herb: Mix in ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar and 2 tbsp chopped chives.
- Sweet Cinnamon Swirl: Add 1 tsp cinnamon and 2 tbsp brown sugar to the dough.
- Garlic Butter Topping: Melt 2 tbsp butter with garlic powder and brush on top after baking.
How to Make Butter Swim Biscuits: Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Preheat Oven with Butter Inside. Place the stick of salted butter in an 8×8 inch casserole dish. Put it in the oven while you preheat to 450°F. The butter will melt and sizzle—that’s your golden base.
Step 2 – Mix the Dry Ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and sugar. Use a whisk to evenly distribute everything.
Step 3 – Add Buttermilk and Stir. Pour in the buttermilk and gently mix using a fork. You’ll have a wet, sticky dough—don’t overmix! Overworking the dough can make biscuits tough.
Step 4 – Transfer to Hot Buttered Dish. Carefully remove the hot dish from the oven. Scoop the dough into the melted butter and gently press it to fill the dish evenly.
Step 5 – Cut Biscuit Lines Before Baking. Use a knife to score the dough into 9 squares. This helps the biscuits pull apart easily after baking.
Step 6 – Bake Until Golden. Bake for 25–30 minutes, until the tops are golden brown and crisp. The butter will bubble up around the edges—perfection.
Step 7 – Cool Slightly & Serve Warm. Let cool for a few minutes. Serve warm with honey, jam, or just more butter!
Expert Tips & Tricks
- Want even fluffier biscuits? Let the batter sit for 5–10 minutes before baking.
- Don’t skip scoring the dough—it helps the biscuits bake evenly and gives you pull-apart edges.
- If you like crispier edges, use a metal pan instead of ceramic.
- Use cold buttermilk for the best rise.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes! You can mix the dough, cover it, and refrigerate overnight. Bake fresh in the morning.
Because they literally swim in butter while baking! That’s what gives them their moist, golden texture.
Yes, but we recommend adding 1 tbsp of lemon juice or vinegar per cup of milk to mimic the acidity.
Absolutely! Use a 9×13 baking dish and adjust the bake time slightly (add 5–10 mins if needed).
Like this recipe?
Make sure to follow us on Instagram and Pinterest for more recipes like this.
Butter Swim Biscuits
Ingredients
- 2.5 cups All purpose flour
- 4 teaspoons Baking powder
- 3 teaspoons Granulated sugar
- 2 cups Buttermilk
- .5 cup Salted butter
- .5 teaspoon Salt
Instructions
- Place butter in an 8×8 inch casserole dish and place it in the oven. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.
- In a large bowl add the flour, baking powder, and granulated sugar. Whisk together to mix thoroughly.
- Pour the buttermilk into the flour mixture and use a fork to stir everything together until all ingredients are combined. Do not overwork! This will be a very moist, rough dough.
- Once the oven is preheated, carefully remove the hot dish and add the dough. Use your fingers to spread it over the entire bottom of the dish.
- Use a knife to cut lines in the dough, segmenting it into 9 equal pieces.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes.
- Remove the hot dish from the oven and serve the biscuits hot.
Nutrition
