Easy Butter Swim Biscuits

Name: Easy Butter Swim Biscuits
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 12
Ingredients: 1/2 cup butter; 2 1/2 cups all purpose flour; 4 teaspoons baking powder; 1 tablespoon sugar; 1 1/2 teaspoons salt; 2 cups buttermilk

Buttery, Fluffy, and Baked to Golden Perfection—These Easy Butter Swim Biscuits Are the Ultimate Comfort Food!

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love These Butter Swim Biscuits

Craving fluffy, buttery biscuits with a golden, crisp base and a soft, tender center? This easy Butter Swim Biscuits recipe is a total game-changer. The dough literally “swims” in melted butter as it bakes, soaking up rich flavor and creating irresistible edges with every bite.

Baked in a cast iron skillet (or any oven-safe dish), these no-roll, no-fuss biscuits come out perfectly every time. Simply mix the ingredients, pour into the pan, and bake—no cutting or shaping needed!

🥣 What Are Butter Swim Biscuits?

Butter Swim Biscuits are named for their unique baking method: the biscuit dough is poured into a generous layer of melted butter before heading into the oven. As they bake, the butter surrounds the dough, creating a crispy, golden crust and a soft, buttery center that’s simply drool-worthy.

Much like our Cast Iron Skillet Biscuits, this recipe is incredibly simple—no special tools or techniques required. They’re ready in just about 30 minutes and make the perfect companion to breakfast, brunch, or cozy dinners with soup, stew, or chili.

❤️ Why You’ll Love This Butter Swim Biscuits Recipe

These Butter Swim Biscuits are the ultimate comfort food—rich, buttery, and unbelievably easy to make. Here’s why this recipe deserves a permanent spot in your baking rotation:

Quick & Easy to Make – Just a few pantry staples come together fast, and the biscuits bake in just 20–25 minutes. No rolling, no cutting—just mix, pour, and bake!
Buttery, Crisp Edges – Baking in a cast iron skillet gives these biscuits a delicious golden crust with the perfect touch of crunch.
Perfect for Breakfast or Brunch – This recipe yields 10–12 soft, fluffy biscuits that are fantastic on their own or stuffed with eggs, jam, or sausage for a breakfast sandwich.

🍳 Why I Recommend Baking in a Cast Iron Skillet

Sure, cast iron is great for steaks—but it’s also incredible for baking!

Even Heat Distribution – Cast iron ensures the biscuits bake evenly with beautifully crisp, golden bottoms.
Naturally Non-Stick – With a well-seasoned skillet, your biscuits release easily—no sticking, no mess.
Crispy + Buttery Results – It helps lock in moisture while delivering that irresistible, buttery crunch on the outside.

Bonus: Cast iron skillets look gorgeous on the table and clean up easily!

📝 Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a handful of simple ingredients to make these soft, golden Butter Swim Biscuits from scratch:

All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Sugar
Salt
Buttermilk
Unsalted butter

Pro Tip: No buttermilk? No problem! Just combine 2 cups of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar, stir, and let it sit for 5 minutes. You’ll have an easy buttermilk substitute in minutes.

🧈 How to Make Butter Swim Biscuits in a Cast Iron Skillet

Making these biscuits is as easy as mix, pour, and bake! Here’s a step-by-step guide to buttery perfection:

🔥 Step 1: Preheat the Oven & Melt the Butter

Place your cast iron skillet (10.25 inch) in the oven with 1 cup of butter.
Preheat to 450ºF and allow the butter to melt completely as the oven heats. This gives the biscuits their signature buttery base.

🥣 Step 2: Make the Biscuit Dough

In a mixing bowl, stir together:

All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Sugar
Salt
Buttermilk

Mix just until everything is combined into a wet, sticky dough—no overmixing needed!

🍞 Step 3: Add Dough to Skillet

Carefully remove the skillet with melted butter from the oven.

Pour the biscuit dough directly into the butter and gently spread it evenly using a wooden spoon or rubber spatula. Don’t stir it—just spread it.

🔪 Step 4: Cut & Bake

Use a sharp knife or pastry cutter to slice the dough into 10–12 square biscuits right in the pan.

Bake for 20–25 minutes or until the tops are golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Let them cool slightly (they’ll be hot!) before serving.

🧊 Storage & Leftovers

Store cooled biscuits in an airtight container or zip-top bag at room temperature for 2–3 days.
Reheat in a 300°F oven or air fryer for 5–6 minutes, or microwave for 15–20 seconds for a quick warm-up.

🍽️ What to Serve With Butter Swim Biscuits

These rich, golden biscuits are perfect with just about anything! Try them:

Fresh out of the oven with honey or jam
Paired with a cozy bowl of broccoli cheddar soup
Served with eggs and bacon for a Southern-style breakfast
Alongside Sunday dinner, chili, or hearty stews

🥄 Butter Swim Biscuits in Cast Iron = Pure Comfort

Once you’ve made this easy buttermilk biscuit recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Be sure to leave a review on the blog, or share your creations with me on Instagram or Facebook—don’t forget to tag me!

Want more cozy recipes like this? Subscribe our weekly newsletter and never miss a homemade classic!

🥄 You’ll Also Love These Easy & Delicious Recipes

Looking for more cozy, comforting, or plant-based recipes to round out your meals? Here are a few of our top favorites that pair perfectly with breakfast, brunch, or anytime you want something tasty and satisfying:

👉 How to Make the Perfect Tofu Scramble – A high-protein vegan breakfast packed with flavor, this tofu scramble is a reader favorite and ideal alongside these buttery biscuits.
🥞 Best Vegan Pancakes – Fluffy, easy to make, and deliciously dairy-free—these pancakes are a must-try for your next weekend breakfast spread.
🥣 Peanut Butter Overnight Oats – Meal prep just got more exciting with these creamy, protein-packed oats you can grab and go!
🍜 Easy Vegan Chicken Noodle Soup – Comfort food at its finest! This hearty soup is perfect to enjoy with a fresh, warm Butter Swim Biscuit on the side.
🍮 Easy Vegan Tapioca Pudding – Creamy, nostalgic, and dairy-free—this tapioca pudding is a soothing dessert or snack you’ll make on repeat.

Print Recipe

Delicious

Author: Mary Licon Cooking Method: Baking Cuisine: American Courses: Breakfast Recipe Keys: Vegetarian Meals

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 5 mins Cook Time 25 mins Total Time 30 mins

Servings: 12 Calories: 192

Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Description

If you're craving soft, tender biscuits with irresistibly crisp edges and rich, buttery flavor in every bite—this Butter Swim Biscuits recipe is about to be your new go-to. Made with pantry staples and baked right in a cast iron skillet, these easy buttermilk biscuits literally "swim" in butter as they bake, creating a golden, melt-in-your-mouth crust with a pillowy center.

No rolling or cutting required—just mix, pour, slice, and bake. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a delicious side for soups, stews, and cozy dinners. Whether you're a biscuit lover or just want an effortless recipe with big flavor, these skillet-style butter biscuits deliver every time.

Ingredients

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Melt the Butter
Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Add ½ cup (1 stick) of butter to a 10.25-inch cast iron skillet and place it in the oven. Let the butter melt completely—this should take about 1–2 minutes. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t brown too much.
Step 2: Mix the Biscuit Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine:
2½ cups all-purpose flour
4 teaspoons baking powder
1 tablespoon sugar
1½ teaspoons salt
2 cups buttermilk
Stir everything together using a wooden spoon until a wet, shaggy dough forms. No need to overmix—just make sure all the dry ingredients are incorporated.
Step 3: Spread and Score the Dough
Carefully remove the skillet with the melted butter from the oven. Spoon the biscuit dough directly into the skillet and gently spread it out evenly using a spatula or the back of a spoon.
Use a sharp knife or pastry cutter to score the dough into 10–12 squares—this will help them pull apart easily after baking.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden
Bake the biscuits for 20–25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the edges are beautifully crisp and buttery. Let them cool slightly before serving—be careful, they’ll be hot!

Nutrition Facts

Servings 12

Amount Per Serving
Calories 192kcal

% Daily Value *
Total Fat 9g14%
Saturated Fat 6g30%
Trans Fat 0.3g
Cholesterol 25mg9%
Sodium 535mg23%
Potassium 84mg3%
Total Carbohydrate 23g8%
Dietary Fiber 1g4%
Sugars 3g
Protein 4g8%

Vitamin A 302 IU
Calcium 131 mg
Iron 1 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

📝 Recipe Notes

Butter Choice: This recipe uses salted butter. If you're using unsalted butter, add an extra ½ teaspoon of salt to the dough for best flavor.
Storage Tips: Store leftover biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or toaster oven to refresh their crisp texture.
Nutrition Info: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary depending on exact ingredients and portion sizes.

Keywords: Butter Swim Biscuits in a Cast Iron Skillet, Butter Swim Biscuits, Easy Butter Swim Biscuits , Buttermilk Biscuits in Cast Iron Skillet, Homemade Biscuit Recipe, Buttery Biscuits

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Frequently Asked Questions

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What is the basic biscuit formula?

The basic biscuit formula typically includes flour, a leavening agent (like baking powder), fat (such as butter), a liquid (like milk or buttermilk), and salt. For this Butter Swim Biscuit recipe, the rich buttery base and buttermilk create a fluffy, tender texture with crisp golden edges.

Is it better to use milk or buttermilk in biscuits?

Buttermilk is the preferred choice for biscuits because its acidity activates the baking powder, resulting in a lighter, fluffier texture. It also adds a subtle tang and richness that enhances the flavor of homemade biscuits.

Where did butter swim biscuits come from?

Butter Swim Biscuits are a Southern-inspired comfort food that gained popularity for their no-fuss method—where biscuit dough “swims” in melted butter as it bakes. This method creates biscuits with crispy, golden bottoms and irresistibly soft, buttery centers.

What makes biscuits more fluffy?

Fluffy biscuits rely on the right combination of fresh baking powder, cold ingredients (especially butter or buttermilk), and minimal handling of the dough. Overmixing can lead to dense biscuits, so be gentle and mix just until combined.

What is the secret to a good biscuit?

The secret to perfect biscuits lies in using cold butter or buttermilk, not overworking the dough, and baking in a hot oven (like 450°F). In the case of Butter Swim Biscuits, the melted butter in the skillet also helps create those irresistible crisp edges and soft centers.

What can I use instead of baking powder in biscuits?

If you're out of baking powder, you can substitute 1 teaspoon of baking powder with ¼ teaspoon of baking soda plus ½ teaspoon of cream of tartar. You can also use plain yogurt or buttermilk combined with baking soda, but adjust the liquid in your recipe accordingly.

How do I make homemade buttermilk for biscuits?

To make a quick buttermilk substitute, combine 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice with 1 cup of regular milk. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until it curdles slightly. This gives the tang and acidity needed for fluffy, tender biscuits.

How do I get biscuits crispy on the outside?

For crisp biscuit edges, bake in a hot cast iron skillet with plenty of melted butter (like in Butter Swim Biscuits). A hot oven (450ºF) and baking until golden brown also helps achieve that satisfying crunch on the outside while keeping the inside soft.

What are the steps in the biscuit method?

The biscuit method includes:

Mixing dry ingredients,
Cutting in the fat (butter),
Adding the liquid (buttermilk),
Stirring until just combined,
Shaping or spreading the dough,
Cutting or scoring if needed,
Baking in a hot oven.
Butter Swim Biscuits simplify this process by skipping rolling and using a melt-and-bake approach.

Can I use unsalted butter instead of salted butter?

Yes, unsalted butter works just as well. Simply add an extra ½ teaspoon of salt to the dough to balance the flavor. Using salted or unsalted butter comes down to personal preference and control over saltiness.

Why are they called Butter Swim Biscuits?

Butter Swim Biscuits get their name because the dough is "swimming" in melted butter as it bakes. This technique creates a rich, golden crust and super moist interior that’s full of buttery flavor.

Can I make Butter Swim Biscuits without buttermilk?

Yes! If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by mixing 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice with 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes before using.

What type of skillet is best for Butter Swim Biscuits?

A 10.25-inch cast iron skillet is ideal for even baking and crisp edges. It holds heat well and creates the perfect golden crust.

Can I use self-rising flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, but skip the added baking powder and salt in the recipe, as self-rising flour already contains those leavening agents. Adjust measurements to avoid overly salty biscuits.

Why are my biscuits dense instead of fluffy?

Overmixing the dough or using old baking powder can lead to dense biscuits. Be sure to mix just until combined and use fresh ingredients for best results.

Do Butter Swim Biscuits need to be refrigerated?

No, they can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze and reheat before serving.

Can I make Butter Swim Biscuits dairy-free?

Yes, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use a dairy-free buttermilk substitute (like soy milk + vinegar). Keep in mind this may slightly change the flavor and texture.

What’s the difference between Butter Swim Biscuits and regular biscuits?

Butter Swim Biscuits are baked in melted butter, resulting in a crispier bottom and ultra-moist texture. Traditional biscuits are typically rolled, cut, and baked on a sheet without the butter “bath.”

Can I add cheese or herbs to Butter Swim Biscuits?

Absolutely! Shredded cheddar, garlic powder, or chopped herbs like rosemary or chives can be mixed into the dough for added flavor. Just don’t overdo it—about ½ cup of add-ins works well.

What do Butter Swim Biscuits pair well with?

These biscuits are perfect with soups, stews, or chili, and also delicious served with honey, jam, gravy, or scrambled eggs for breakfast.

Samantha Doe

Food and Lifestyle Blogger

Hi, I'm Samantha, a full-time food blogger, mother of 2 beautiful daughters and a lovely wife. I live in New Jersey with my family. Loves traveling, sharing new recipes, and spending time with my family.

Easy Butter Swim Biscuits