- Butter Swim Biscuits – The Easiest Southern Biscuit Recipe You’ll Ever Make
Butter Swim Biscuits are everything a good biscuit should be — buttery, fluffy, golden, and impossible to resist. What makes them unique? These biscuits literally “swim” in melted butter as they bake, soaking up every delicious drop while forming crispy, golden edges and a tender interior. With just a few pantry staples, no kneading, and no biscuit cutter needed, this is the ultimate easy biscuit recipe anyone can master.
Whether you’re serving them for breakfast, brunch, or alongside a hearty Southern supper, these biscuits will steal the show — and become your go-to favorite!
🛒 Ingredients & What They Do
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted – Creates the iconic buttery bath and gives the biscuits their crispy, golden crust.
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour – The foundation of the biscuit dough. All-purpose flour provides structure without being too heavy.
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar – Just enough sweetness to enhance flavor without making them sweet biscuits.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder – The leavening powerhouse. Gives the biscuits lift and that fluffy interior.
- 1 teaspoon salt – Balances the richness of the butter and enhances overall flavor.
- 1 3/4 cups buttermilk – Adds tang, moisture, and helps activate the baking powder for fluffy results.
How to Make Butter Swim Biscuits – Step-by-Step
Step 1 – Preheat the oven
Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). A hot oven is key to getting that crispy edge and golden top.
Step 2 – Create the butter bath
Pour the melted butter into an 8×8 or 9×9-inch baking dish. Tilt the dish until the entire bottom is evenly coated. This is what the biscuits will swim in as they bake!
Step 3 – Make the biscuit dough
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add in the buttermilk and stir just until the dough is combined. It should look a little shaggy — don’t overmix!
Step 4 – Spread dough in buttered dish
Drop the dough into the prepared baking dish and gently press it out to the edges. Don’t worry if the butter rises up around the sides — that’s exactly what you want.
Step 5 – Score the biscuits
Use a butter knife to gently score the dough into 9 squares (3×3). This helps them bake evenly and gives you easy serving portions.
Step 6 – Bake to golden perfection
Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are delightfully crisp.
Step 7 – Cool slightly & serve
Let the biscuits cool for a few minutes before cutting along your score lines. Serve them warm and watch them disappear!
Pro Tips for Perfect Biscuits
- Don’t overmix the dough — a rough texture ensures light, flaky biscuits.
- Use real buttermilk if possible, but if you’re out, mix 1¾ cups milk + 1 tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice and let sit 5 minutes.
- Score before baking to help the biscuits rise evenly and separate cleanly.
- Reheat leftovers in the oven or air fryer for best texture — avoid microwaving, which softens the crisp edges.
Serving Suggestions
These Southern-style biscuits pair beautifully with:
- Homemade sausage gravy for a classic breakfast
- Jam, jelly, or honey butter for a sweet touch
- Fried chicken or BBQ ribs for a soul-satisfying dinner
- Soup or stew – Perfect for dunking!
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze for 1 month. Reheat in the oven at 350°F or air fryer for that fresh-baked crispness.
Why Everyone Loves This Recipe
Butter Swim Biscuits are taking over Pinterest, YouTube, and home kitchens for a reason:
- Easy & foolproof – No rolling pins or biscuit cutters required.
- Visually stunning – That golden, buttery top looks amazing on any table.
- Insanely delicious – Flaky on the inside, crispy on the outside. Pure comfort food.
- Customizable – Add herbs, cheese, or spices for your own twist.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been searching for the ultimate easy biscuit recipe with big flavor and no fuss, these Butter Swim Biscuits are it. Simple ingredients, melt-in-your-mouth texture, and that rich buttery base make them an instant classic. Bake them once, and you’ll keep coming back for more.
Pin this recipe, share it, or bookmark it — because once you try these, there’s no going back to bland biscuits!
