Butter Swim Biscuits: The Easiest, Fluffiest Buttermilk Biscuits That Bake in Butter
Ever dreamt of biscuits that bake themselves in a pool of golden, melted butter, emerging impossibly fluffy and tender? These Butter Swim Biscuits are exactly that dream come true! With just a handful of pantry staples, you can whip up an easy biscuit recipe that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or any time you want a warm, buttery treat.
Made with classic buttermilk biscuits ingredients and baked right in melted butter, these biscuits soak up all that richness, resulting in an irresistibly soft texture with a crisp golden crust. If you love simple homemade breakfast ideas that impress with minimal effort, this recipe will be your new favorite.
Why You’ll Love These Butter Swim Biscuits
- Minimal ingredients, maximum flavor: Only five ingredients for rich, buttery biscuits.
- Fluffy, tender crumb: Buttermilk and baking powder make these biscuits rise beautifully.
- Perfectly buttery: The melted butter bath infuses every bite with decadent flavor.
- Great for beginners: No dough rolling or cutting needed—just stir, spread, and bake!
- Versatile: Enjoy plain or topped with honey, jam, sausage gravy, or fresh fruit.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk or fork for dry ingredients
- Spoon or spatula for mixing dough
- 9x13-inch baking dish or casserole pan
- Sharp knife or bench scraper (for scoring)
- Oven mitts
- Cooling rack (optional)
Ingredients for Buttery, Fluffy Biscuits
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 4 teaspoons baking powder
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- 2 cups cold buttermilk
- 1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter, melted
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Butter Swim Biscuits
1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Butter Bath
Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Melt the stick of butter and pour it evenly into the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish. Make sure the entire base is coated with melted butter—this is what makes the biscuits “swim” in buttery goodness as they bake.
2. Whisk Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until thoroughly combined.
3. Add Buttermilk and Stir Gently
Pour the cold buttermilk into the dry ingredients. Stir gently with a spoon or spatula until just combined. The dough will be wet and shaggy — avoid overmixing to keep the biscuits light and tender.
4. Transfer Dough to Buttered Pan
Spoon the wet dough directly into the baking dish on top of the melted butter. Use a wet spatula or clean, wet hands to spread the dough evenly across the pan.
5. Score the Dough
Using a sharp knife or bench scraper, gently score the dough into 12 to 15 equal-sized biscuits. Don’t cut all the way through; just score the top layer to help the biscuits separate cleanly after baking.
6. Bake Until Golden and Bubbling
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the biscuit tops are golden brown and the biscuits are cooked through. The butter will bubble around the edges, creating that rich “butter swim” effect.
7. Serve Warm
Remove from the oven and serve warm. The biscuits will separate easily along the scored lines. Enjoy plain or with honey, jam, butter, or your favorite gravy.
Pro Tips for Perfect Buttermilk Biscuits
- Use cold buttermilk for better rise and tender crumb.
- Don’t overmix — a few lumps in the dough keep biscuits fluffy.
- Generously coat the pan with melted butter for ultimate flavor and moist texture.
- Score gently to get clean biscuit portions without tearing.
- Serve immediately for best texture — warm biscuits are always better!
Storage and Reheating Instructions
- Store leftover biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 4 days and warm gently in the oven before serving.
- To freeze, wrap biscuits tightly in foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and reheat in the oven.
Serving Suggestions
- Classic Southern breakfast with sausage gravy.
- Drizzle with honey or maple syrup for a sweet touch.
- Pair with scrambled eggs and crispy bacon for a hearty meal.
- Serve alongside fresh fruit or a fruit compote for balance.
Why This Recipe Stands Out
This easy homemade biscuit recipe captures everything you want in a flaky, buttery biscuit but skips the fuss of rolling and cutting dough. The unique butter “swimming” technique makes these biscuits incredibly moist and flavorful without extra effort. Perfect for busy mornings, weekend brunches, or any occasion where you want comfort food with a homemade touch.
butter-swim-biscuits
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 450°F (232°C). Melt butter and pour evenly into a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl.
- Add buttermilk and stir gently until just combined; dough will be wet and shaggy.
- Spoon dough into the baking dish over melted butter.
- Spread evenly using a wet spatula or wet hands.
- Score dough into 12-15 sections (optional).
- Bake 20-25 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve warm, pull apart, and enjoy!