I recently made these Ham and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits Recipe , and honestly, they turned out even better than I expected. The moment they came out of the oven, the buttery aroma filled my kitchen.
I love how soft and fluffy they are on the inside while staying perfectly golden on top. The combination of savory ham and melty cheese makes every bite irresistible. If you’re craving something cozy, simple, and satisfying, this recipe is definitely worth trying.

Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to make these rich and flavorful biscuits:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour – provides the perfect structure for soft biscuits
- 1 tablespoon baking powder – helps the biscuits rise beautifully
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar – adds a slight balance to the savory flavors
- 1 teaspoon salt – enhances overall taste
- 2 cups buttermilk – gives a tender texture and slight tang (use real buttermilk for best results)
- ½ cup unsalted butter (melted) – creates that signature “butter swim” texture
- 1 cup cooked ham (diced) – adds a savory, hearty bite (use fresh, not overly processed ham)
- 1 cup cheddar cheese (freshly grated) – melts better and gives richer flavor than pre-shredded
Note: This recipe makes approximately 9 servings depending on how you cut the biscuits.
Variations
You can easily customize this recipe to suit your taste or dietary needs:
- Swap cheddar with mozzarella or pepper jack for a different flavor twist
- Use turkey ham or chicken for a lighter option
- Add chopped green onions or herbs for extra freshness
- Try a dairy-free version using plant-based butter and milk alternatives
- Add a pinch of garlic powder or paprika for enhanced flavor.

Cooking Time
Here’s how long it takes from start to finish:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25–30 minutes
- Total Time: 35–40 minutes
Equipment You Need
- Mixing bowl – for combining all ingredients smoothly
- Baking dish – helps biscuits bake evenly in butter
- Measuring cups & spoons – ensures accurate ingredient portions
- Spatula or spoon – for mixing the batter
- Oven – for baking to golden perfection
How to Make Ham and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits Recipe?
Prepare the Oven and Dish
Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Pour the melted butter into a baking dish, making sure it coats the bottom evenly. This step is key to achieving that rich, buttery base.
Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt. Stir everything together until evenly mixed. This ensures the biscuits rise properly and taste balanced.
Add the Wet Ingredients
Pour in the buttermilk and gently mix until a thick batter forms. Avoid overmixing, as it can make the biscuits dense instead of soft and fluffy.

Fold in Ham and Cheese
Add the diced ham and freshly grated cheese to the batter. Stir just enough to distribute them evenly throughout the mixture without overworking the dough.
Spread the Batter
Carefully spread the batter over the melted butter in the baking dish. Use a spatula to gently even it out without mixing it into the butter layer.
Cut Before Baking
Using a knife, lightly score the dough into square portions. This makes it easier to separate the biscuits after baking and helps them cook evenly.
Bake to Perfection
Place the dish in the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes. The top should turn golden brown, and the edges will be crispy from the butter.
Cool and Serve
Allow the biscuits to cool slightly before serving. This helps them set and makes cutting easier while keeping them soft inside.
Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better
From my experience, these tips really make a difference:
- I always use freshly grated cheese because it melts smoother and tastes better
- Don’t overmix the batter; I’ve noticed it makes biscuits tough
- I like adding a pinch of garlic powder for extra flavor depth
- Let the biscuits rest for a few minutes after baking for the best texture
- I sometimes brush a little extra butter on top for a richer finish
How to Serve Ham and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits Recipe?
These biscuits are incredibly versatile and can be served in many ways. I love pairing them with scrambled eggs for a hearty breakfast or alongside a warm bowl of soup for dinner. You can also serve them as a snack with a side of honey butter or a light salad. For presentation, sprinkle a bit of fresh parsley on top to give them a pop of color and freshness.

Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the approximate nutrition per serving:
- Calories: ~320
- Protein: ~10g
- Carbohydrates: ~28g
- Fat: ~18g
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing
Store leftover biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer freshness, keep them in the refrigerator where they last up to 5 days.
Freezing
You can freeze these biscuits once cooled. Wrap them individually and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. This helps preserve their texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 8–10 minutes or microwave for quick warming. I prefer the oven method because it keeps the edges slightly crisp.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
This recipe is a must-try for so many reasons:
- Super easy to make
I love that there’s no complicated kneading or shaping involved. Just mix, pour, and bake—it’s that simple. - Rich, buttery flavor
The butter swim method creates incredibly moist biscuits with crispy edges that taste amazing. - Perfect for any meal
These biscuits work for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, making them a versatile addition to your menu. - Customizable ingredients
You can easily tweak the recipe with different meats, cheeses, or spices based on your preference. - Crowd-pleasing comfort food
Every time I serve these, they disappear quickly. They’re warm, cheesy, and truly satisfying.

Ham and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Pour the melted butter into a baking dish, making sure it coats the bottom evenly. This step is key to achieving that rich, buttery base.
- In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt. Stir everything together until evenly mixed. This ensures the biscuits rise properly and taste balanced.
- Pour in the buttermilk and gently mix until a thick batter forms. Avoid overmixing, as it can make the biscuits dense instead of soft and fluffy.
- Add the diced ham and freshly grated cheese to the batter. Stir just enough to distribute them evenly throughout the mixture without overworking the dough.
- Carefully spread the batter over the melted butter in the baking dish. Use a spatula to gently even it out without mixing it into the butter layer.
- Using a knife, lightly score the dough into square portions. This makes it easier to separate the biscuits after baking and helps them cook evenly.
- Place the dish in the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes. The top should turn golden brown, and the edges will be crispy from the butter.
- Allow the biscuits to cool slightly before serving. This helps them set and makes cutting easier while keeping them soft inside.
Notes
- I always use freshly grated cheese because it melts smoother and tastes better
- Don’t overmix the batter; I’ve noticed it makes biscuits tough
- I like adding a pinch of garlic powder for extra flavor depth
- Let the biscuits rest for a few minutes after baking for the best texture
- I sometimes brush a little extra butter on top for a richer finish.