If you love the comforting warmth of fresh-from-the-oven biscuits bathed in rich, golden butter, then you are absolutely going to adore this Butter Swim Biscuits – Butter Dips Recipe. It’s a simple yet magical way to bake tender, fluffy biscuits that literally swim in melted butter as they bake, resulting in irresistibly buttery, crispy edges and a pillowy center. This recipe feels like a warm hug on a plate and is perfect for sharing with family and friends or treating yourself on a cozy morning.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Believe it or not, this Butter Swim Biscuits – Butter Dips Recipe calls for just a handful of everyday ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in delivering that perfect balance of flaky texture, subtle sweetness, and buttery richness that defines these biscuits.
- Unsalted butter (¼ cup): Melting this in the baking dish forms the buttery “swim” bath that infuses every biscuit with flavor and crispiness.
- All-purpose flour (1¼ cups): The foundation of the biscuit dough, giving structure and that tender crumb.
- Sugar (2 tsp): Just enough to add a hint of sweetness that balances the savory notes.
- Baking powder (2 tsp): Your reliable leavening agent that makes these biscuits rise tall and fluffy.
- Kosher salt (1 tsp): Enhances all the flavors, making every bite pop in the best way.
- Buttermilk (â…” to 1 cup): Adds moisture and a subtle tang, helping the biscuits achieve that soft interior.
How to Make Butter Swim Biscuits – Butter Dips Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Butter Bath
Start by heating your oven to a steamy 450°F to set the stage for a quick and even bake. Cut the butter into pieces and place them in an 8-inch square microwave-safe baking dish. Melt the butter in the microwave until fully liquid but not browned—this is your butter bath, the secret to biscuits that literally swim in flavor as they bake.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients and Form the Dough
While your butter melts, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and kosher salt in a large bowl. This ensures everything is evenly combined and ready to leaven your biscuits beautifully. Next, stir in 2/3 cup of buttermilk and gradually add more until the dough is loose but still manageable—soft enough to press but not wet and sticky.
Step 3: Press the Dough into the Butter
Carefully remove the dish from the microwave. Lightly flour your fingers or sprinkle flour on top of the dough, then press the dough evenly into the bottom of the melted butter bath—this step seals in all the buttery goodness that will crisp the bottoms and edges delightfully as it bakes.
Step 4: Cut and Bake Your Biscuits
Using a knife, slice the dough into 12 equal squares right in the dish; this makes serving easy and keeps the biscuits cozy as they rise next to one another. Pop the dish in the oven and bake for 17 to 20 minutes until the tops turn a gorgeous golden brown. As they cook, the melted butter soaks into the biscuits, creating that signature buttery pool they swim in.
How to Serve Butter Swim Biscuits – Butter Dips Recipe
Garnishes
There’s nothing quite like a fresh biscuit with a shiny pat of butter melting on top, but feel free to jazz them up with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt or a drizzle of honey for an extra touch of indulgence. Fresh herbs like chives or parsley can also add a beautiful pop of color and subtle flavor contrast.
Side Dishes
These buttery biscuits pair wonderfully with hearty breakfast staples such as scrambled eggs and crispy bacon or stand out alongside a rich bowl of homemade chili or creamy chicken stew, where their buttery crust can soak up all those luscious sauces.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun presentation, serve the Butter Swim Biscuits – Butter Dips Recipe alongside small ramekins of honey, jam, or even a compound butter mixed with garlic and herbs. You can also slice them open and turn them into mini sandwiches filled with ham and cheese or smoked salmon and cream cheese for an elegant appetizer twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, simply let the biscuits cool to room temperature, then store them tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps them soft and fresh.
Freezing
For longer storage, wrap the biscuits individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They freeze beautifully for up to three months, allowing you to enjoy buttery goodness anytime you want without starting from scratch.
Reheating
To revive your frozen or stored biscuits, pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes. This helps restore their crisp edges while warming the buttery centers, making them taste freshly baked all over again.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
You can, but be sure to reduce the amount of additional salt in the recipe to avoid an overly salty biscuit. Unsalted butter gives you more control over seasoning.
What’s the trick to getting biscuits light and fluffy?
Using fresh baking powder and not overmixing the dough are key. Mixing just until combined keeps the gluten from developing too much, resulting in tender, fluffy biscuits.
Can I substitute non-dairy milk for buttermilk?
Yes! Mix 1 cup of plant-based milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for 5 minutes. This mimics the acidity and texture of buttermilk needed for the recipe.
Why do we melt the butter instead of cutting it in cold?
Melting the butter creates that irresistible “butter swim” bath that the biscuits bake in, infusing them with flavor and crisping the edges. It’s different from traditional biscuits but absolutely delicious.
Can I make this recipe in a larger pan?
Absolutely! Using a slightly larger baking dish may change the thickness of the biscuits, so watch the baking time carefully and adjust as needed for the best texture.
Final Thoughts
This Butter Swim Biscuits – Butter Dips Recipe is a total game-changer for anyone who loves biscuits. It’s quick, simple, and yields such a rich, buttery result that you’ll find yourself making them again and again. Whether for a cozy breakfast or a comforting side, these biscuits bring joy with every bite—so don’t wait to dive into this buttery, tender, crispy delight!
Print
Butter Swim Biscuits – Butter Dips Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 17 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 12 biscuits
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Butter Swim Biscuits are tender, flaky biscuits baked directly in melted butter, creating a rich, buttery base that is perfect for dipping. These biscuits come together quickly with simple ingredients and bake to a golden perfection, ideal for breakfast or a comforting side dish.
Ingredients
Butter
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
Dry Ingredients
- 1¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp kosher salt
Wet Ingredients
- â…” to 1 cup buttermilk (about 2–3 tbsp more than â…” cup)
Instructions
- Preheat and melt butter: Heat the oven to 450°F. Cut the butter into pieces and place them in an 8-inch square microwave-safe baking dish. Microwave the dish to melt the butter completely, preparing the base for the biscuits.
- Prepare biscuit dough: While the butter melts, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and kosher salt in a large mixing bowl. Stir in â…” cup of buttermilk, adding incrementally until a loose dough forms, usually about 2-3 tablespoons more buttermilk than the initial â…” cup.
- Shape biscuits in butter: Remove the baking dish with melted butter from the microwave or oven. Press the biscuit dough evenly into the pan over the melted butter. It helps to lightly dust the dough or your fingers with flour to prevent sticking.
- Cut into squares: Using a knife, cut the dough into 12 square biscuits directly in the pan, ensuring easy separation after baking.
- Bake biscuits: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 17 to 20 minutes or until the biscuits turn golden brown and are cooked through.
Notes
- Using melted butter in the pan ensures the biscuits absorb rich buttery flavor as they bake.
- Lightly flouring your hands or the dough helps when pressing and cutting the sticky biscuit dough.
- Serve warm for dipping in additional melted butter, honey, or your favorite preserves.
- Adjust the amount of buttermilk slightly to achieve a dough that is soft but not too wet.
