These Ham and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits are a delightful twist on a classic Southern favorite. Baked in a pool of melted butter, these biscuits are tender on the inside with a golden, crispy crust. Loaded with savory ham and melted cheddar cheese, they make for a hearty breakfast, brunch, or side dish that’s sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Rich and Buttery: The unique “butter swim” technique ensures each biscuit is infused with buttery goodness.
Hearty and Filling: Packed with diced ham and cheddar cheese, these biscuits are satisfying enough to stand alone or complement any meal.
Easy to Prepare: With straightforward ingredients and steps, this recipe is accessible for bakers of all levels.
Versatile: Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a side dish for lunch and dinner.
Great for Leftovers: A delicious way to use up leftover ham from previous meals.
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Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup diced ham
1 cup buttermilk
½ cup unsalted butter, melted (for baking)
½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
½ teaspoon dried parsley (optional)
Directions
Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Cut in Butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Add Cheese and Ham: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and diced ham until evenly distributed.
Incorporate Buttermilk: Pour in the buttermilk and mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
Transfer to Baking Dish: Spread the biscuit dough evenly into the prepared baking dish.
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Add Melted Butter: In a separate bowl, combine the melted butter with garlic powder and dried parsley (if using). Pour this mixture evenly over the top of the biscuit dough.
Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool and Serve: Allow the biscuits to cool slightly before slicing into squares. Serve warm.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 6–8
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
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Variations
Cheese Options: Experiment with different cheeses like Swiss, mozzarella, or pepper jack for varied flavors.
Herb Infusion: Add fresh herbs such as chives or thyme to the dough for an aromatic touch.
Spicy Kick: Incorporate diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy version.
Vegetarian Version: Omit the ham and add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for a meat-free alternative.
Mini Biscuits: Use a muffin tin to create individual servings, adjusting the baking time accordingly.
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Storage/Reheating
Storage: Once cooled, store the biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Freezing: Wrap individual biscuits tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating: To reheat, place biscuits in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 10–15 minutes or microwave individual biscuits for 20–30 seconds until warmed through.
FAQs
Can I use self-rising flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute self-rising flour for all-purpose flour. If you do, omit the baking powder and salt from the recipe, as self-rising flour already contains these ingredients.
The Country Cook
What type of ham works best for this recipe?
Any cooked ham will work, including leftover holiday ham, deli ham, or ham steak. Ensure it’s diced into small, uniform pieces for even distribution.
Can I prepare the dough in advance?
It’s best to bake the biscuits immediately after preparing the dough to achieve the desired texture. However, you can prepare the dry ingredients ahead of time and store them in an airtight container until ready to use.
Is it necessary to use buttermilk?
Buttermilk adds a tangy flavor and helps with the leavening process. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1 cup of milk and letting it sit for 5–10 minutes.
Can I add other ingredients to the dough?
Absolutely! Feel free to add ingredients like chopped green onions, cooked bacon, or different herbs to customize the flavor to your liking.
How do I know when the biscuits are fully baked?
The biscuits are done when the top is golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can experiment with various cheeses such as Swiss, mozzarella, or pepper jack to suit your taste preferences.
The Country Cook
What does “butter swim” mean?
“Butter swim” refers to the method of baking the biscuit dough in a pool of melted butter, resulting in a moist interior and a crispy, buttery crust.
Flavor Nectar
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
Are these biscuits suitable for freezing?
Yes, these biscuits freeze well. Allow them to cool completely, then wrap individually and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Conclusion
Ham and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits are a rich and savory addition to any meal. Their buttery crust and tender interior, combined with the flavors of ham and cheese, make them a crowd-pleaser. Whether served at breakfast, brunch, or as a side dish, these biscuits are sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

Ham and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 12 squares
Description
Warm, cheesy, and loaded with savory goodness, these Ham and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits are a quick and comforting bake. Soaked in garlic-herb butter and packed with ham and cheddar, they’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy side dish.
Ingredients
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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2 tbsp baking powder
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1/2 tsp salt
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1/2 cup cold butter, cubed
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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1 cup diced ham
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1 cup buttermilk
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1/2 cup butter (melted, for “swim”)
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1/2 tsp garlic powder (optional)
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1/2 tsp dried parsley (optional)
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
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In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in cold butter until crumbly.
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Stir in shredded cheese and diced ham. Add buttermilk and mix just until combined.
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Spread the dough evenly into the prepared pan.
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Combine melted butter with garlic powder and parsley if using, and pour evenly over the top.
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Bake for 25–30 minutes or until golden brown.
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Let cool slightly before slicing and serving warm.
Notes
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Use pre-cooked ham for best texture and flavor.
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Easily adaptable—try swapping cheddar for Swiss or pepper jack.
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Great for meal prep and reheats well.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
- Category: Breakfast / Brunch / Side
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
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