How to make butter swim biscuits: what is the recipe?

Introduction: What are butter swim biscuits?

Butter swim biscuits are a delicious Southern-style treat that are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a snack. These biscuits get their name from the fact that they are swimming in a delicious butter sauce that makes them moist and flavorful. The biscuits themselves are light and fluffy, with a slightly crispy exterior.

This recipe is easy to make and can be customized to your liking. You can make the sauce sweeter or spicier, depending on your taste preferences. So, if you’re ready to try your hand at making these mouth-watering biscuits, let’s get started.

Ingredients needed for butter swim biscuits

To make butter swim biscuits, you will need the following ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/3 cup cold butter, cut into small cubes
  • 1 cup buttermilk

For the sauce:

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Optional:

  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (for a spicy kick)

Step 1: Preparing the dough

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda. Add the cold butter cubes and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse sand. Gradually add in the buttermilk and mix until the dough comes together.

Step 2: Adding the butter to the dough

On a floured surface, knead the dough for a few minutes until it becomes smooth. Roll the dough out to about 1/2 inch thick and cut out 12-15 biscuits using a biscuit cutter. Melt the butter in a large baking dish and place the biscuits in the dish, making sure they are coated in the butter.

Step 3: Shaping the biscuits

Stack the biscuits on top of each other to create layers. This will help the biscuits rise and become fluffier. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Step 4: Preparing the sauce

Preheat the oven to 425°F. In a small saucepan, combine the butter, heavy cream, honey, salt, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture comes to a simmer. Simmer for 5 minutes, then remove from heat.

Step 5: Baking the biscuits

Remove the biscuits from the refrigerator and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown. Allow them to cool for a few minutes before adding the sauce.

Step 6: Adding the sauce to the biscuits

Pour the sauce over the biscuits, making sure to cover each one completely. Serve warm and enjoy!

Tips for perfect butter swim biscuits

  • Make sure your butter and buttermilk are cold for the best results.
  • Don’t overwork the dough, as this can make the biscuits tough.
  • Use a sharp biscuit cutter to cut out the biscuits.
  • Stack the biscuits in the baking dish to create layers for a fluffier texture.
  • Serve the biscuits warm for the best flavor.

Serving suggestions for butter swim biscuits

Butter swim biscuits are delicious on their own or with a cup of coffee or tea. They also pair well with bacon, sausage, or eggs for a savory breakfast. For a sweeter option, try topping the biscuits with whipped cream and fresh berries.

Conclusion: Enjoying your homemade butter swim biscuits

Making butter swim biscuits is easy and fun. The combination of light and fluffy biscuits with a rich and flavorful sauce is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps above, and enjoy your homemade butter swim biscuits.

Recipe recap and printable version

Butter Swim Biscuits

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/3 cup cold butter, cut into small cubes
  • 1 cup buttermilk

For the sauce:

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Optional:

  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (for a spicy kick)

Instructions:

  1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda. Add the cold butter cubes and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse sand. Gradually add in the buttermilk and mix until the dough comes together.

  2. On a floured surface, knead the dough for a few minutes until it becomes smooth. Roll the dough out to about 1/2 inch thick and cut out 12-15 biscuits using a biscuit cutter. Melt the butter in a large baking dish and place the biscuits in the dish, making sure they are coated in the butter.

  3. Stack the biscuits on top of each other to create layers. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

  4. Preheat the oven to 425°F. In a small saucepan, combine the butter, heavy cream, honey, salt, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture comes to a simmer. Simmer for 5 minutes, then remove from heat.

  5. Remove the biscuits from the refrigerator and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown. Allow them to cool for a few minutes before adding the sauce.

  6. Pour the sauce over the biscuits, making sure to cover each one completely. Serve warm and enjoy!

Printable Version:

Click here to download and print this recipe.

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Elise DeVoe

Elise is a seasoned food writer with seven years of experience. Her culinary journey began as Managing Editor at the College of Charleston for Spoon University, the ultimate resource for college foodies. After graduating, she launched her blog, Cookin’ with Booze, which has now transformed into captivating short-form videos on TikTok and Instagram, offering insider tips for savoring Charleston’s local cuisine.

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