Short Description
Ham and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits are a savory twist on the classic Southern butter swim biscuit. These hearty biscuits are infused with diced ham and melted cheddar cheese, baked in a pool of butter that creates a crispy, golden crust with a tender, fluffy interior. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a comforting side dish, these biscuits are both indulgent and satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Rich and Buttery: Baking the biscuits in melted butter ensures a flavorful, golden crust.

Hearty and Filling: The addition of ham and cheese makes these biscuits a meal on their own.

Easy Preparation: No rolling or cutting required; simply mix, pour, and bake.

Versatile: Suitable for various occasions, from casual breakfasts to festive gatherings.

Great Use of Leftovers: An excellent way to utilize leftover ham.

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 the baking dish)

Directions
Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 450°F (232°C). Pour the melted butter into a 9×9-inch baking dish, ensuring the bottom is evenly coated.

Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

Cut in Butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Add Ham and Cheese: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and diced ham until evenly distributed.

Incorporate Buttermilk: Pour in the buttermilk and mix just until combined, forming a sticky dough.

Transfer to Baking Dish: Carefully spoon the dough over the melted butter in the baking dish, spreading it evenly without stirring the butter into the dough.

Score the Dough: Using a knife, score the dough into 9 equal squares to facilitate easy cutting after baking.

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 for a few minutes before cutting along the scored lines and serving.

Servings and Timing
Servings: 9 biscuits

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25–30 minutes

Total Time: 40–45 minutes

Variations
Cheese Options: Substitute cheddar with Swiss, mozzarella, or pepper jack for different flavor profiles.

Add Herbs: Incorporate chopped chives, parsley, or thyme into the dough for added freshness.

Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños for a spicy version.

Vegetarian Version: Omit the ham and add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for a meat-free alternative.

Storage/Reheating
Storage: Store leftover biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.

Freezing: Wrap individual biscuits in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating: To reheat, place biscuits in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 10–15 minutes or microwave on high for 30–60 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.

What type of ham works best for this recipe?
Any cooked ham will work well, including leftover holiday ham, ham steaks, or deli ham. Ensure the ham is diced into small, uniform pieces for even distribution.

Can I make these biscuits ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Alternatively, bake the biscuits and store them as directed, reheating before serving.

Is it necessary to use buttermilk?
Buttermilk adds a tangy flavor and helps tenderize the biscuits. 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 minutes before using.

Can I add other ingredients to the dough?
Absolutely. Feel free to add ingredients like cooked bacon, sautéed onions, or herbs to customize the flavor to your liking.

How do I know when the biscuits are done baking?
The biscuits are done when the tops are golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The edges should be crispy due to the butter.

Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can experiment with various cheeses such as Swiss, gouda, or Monterey Jack to achieve different flavor profiles.

What size baking dish should I use?
A 9×9-inch baking dish is ideal for this recipe, but an 8×8-inch dish can also be used. Keep in mind that baking times may vary slightly with different dish sizes.

Can I make mini biscuits with this recipe?
Yes, you can divide the dough into smaller portions and bake them in a muffin tin. Adjust the baking time accordingly, checking for doneness around 15–20 minutes.

Are these biscuits suitable for freezing?
Yes, these biscuits freeze well. Wrap them individually and store them in a freezer-safe container. Reheat as needed for a quick and delicious treat.

Conclusion
Ham and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits are a delightful, savory addition to any meal. Their rich, buttery flavor combined with the hearty texture of ham and melted cheese makes them a crowd-pleaser. Whether served for breakfast, brunch, or as a side dish, these biscuits are sure to impress with their ease of preparation and comforting taste.

Ham and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits

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Author: Olivia
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 9 biscuits
Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Side Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Southern American

Print Recipe

Description

These Ham and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits are rich, savory, and ultra-fluffy—loaded with smoky ham and sharp cheddar, then baked in a pool of butter for the ultimate Southern-style comfort. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a hearty side dish!

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup cold butter, cubed (plus 1/2 cup melted butter for baking)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup diced ham
1 cup buttermilk

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C). Pour the ½ cup melted butter into an 8×8-inch baking dish.
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
Cut in the cold, cubed butter with a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Stir in shredded cheddar and diced ham.
Add buttermilk and mix until just combined—do not overmix.
Spoon the dough into the baking dish over the melted butter and gently spread it to fill the pan.
Use a knife to score the dough into 9 squares (helps with even baking and portioning).
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
Let cool slightly before cutting and serving.