Irresistible Butter Swim Biscuits : Comfort Breakfast

Looking for a warm, satisfying, and easy breakfast that the whole family will love? These Butter Swim Biscuits with Sausage and Cheese are everything you crave on a cozy morning. Fluffy on the inside, golden and crispy on the outside, and loaded with savory sausage and gooey cheese, this is the kind of recipe that turns an ordinary breakfast into something extraordinary.

Perfect for weekend brunches, holiday mornings, or weekday meal prep, this breakfast classic is easy to make and always a hit. If you’ve never tried “swimming” your biscuits in butter before baking, get ready for a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth experience that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

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Why These Easy Breakfast Butter Swim Biscuits Work So Well

What makes these biscuits so special? It’s all about the balance of rich ingredients and simple technique. The butter ensures the biscuits bake up with an ultra-crispy crust and moist, tender interior. The sausage adds savory depth, while the cheese brings creaminess and just the right amount of indulgence.

Unlike traditional layered biscuits that require careful folding and rolling, these easy breakfast butter swim biscuits are made with a stir-together dough that you simply press into a pan of melted butter. There’s no kneading, no biscuit cutter—just straight-up comfort food in one baking dish.

They’re the ideal choice for busy mornings when you want something hearty and homemade without spending hours in the kitchen.

What Are Butter Swim Biscuits?

Butter swim biscuits are a Southern-inspired twist on traditional drop biscuits. The concept is simple yet genius: the biscuit dough is placed directly into a pool of melted butter in a baking dish, allowing it to absorb the richness as it bakes.

The result? A biscuit that’s buttery on the bottom, crisp on the edges, and pillowy-soft in the middle. The outer crust forms a golden, flavorful shell while the inside stays moist and airy.

Adding sausage and cheese turns these humble biscuits into a full meal—savory, satisfying, and completely crave-worthy.

Ingredients for Butter Swim Biscuits with Sausage and Cheese

Below is the full list of ingredients you’ll need for this flavorful breakfast recipe. It yields about 9 generous biscuits.

For the Biscuit Dough:

• 2½ cups (315g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1¾ cups (415ml) buttermilk
• ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted (for the pan)

For the Filling:

• ½ lb (225g) ground breakfast sausage (mild or spicy)
• 1½ cups (150g) shredded cheddar cheese (or a cheese blend)
• Optional: ½ teaspoon black pepper or paprika for extra flavor

Note: For a gluten-free option, use a 1:1 all-purpose gluten-free baking mix. For a lower-fat version, choose lean turkey sausage and reduced-fat cheese.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

Here’s what you’ll need to bring these biscuits to life:

• 8×8 or 9×9-inch baking dish (glass or metal)
• Large skillet (for browning sausage)
• Mixing bowls
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cheese grater (if shredding cheese fresh)
• Oven mitts
• Whisk

No special tools required—just everyday kitchen basics!

Step-by-Step Preparation for the Perfect Breakfast Biscuits

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Place the butter in your baking dish and put it in the oven to melt while the oven preheats. Keep an eye on it—you want melted, not browned.

Step 2: Cook the Sausage

While the butter is melting, cook the sausage in a skillet over medium heat. Break it into crumbles and cook until fully browned and no longer pink. Drain excess grease and set aside to cool slightly.

Step 3: Make the Dough

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt. Pour in the buttermilk and stir until just combined—don’t overmix.

Gently fold in the cooked sausage and shredded cheese. The dough will be thick and slightly sticky.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Remove the baking dish with the melted butter from the oven. Carefully spoon or spread the dough evenly into the hot butter. Use a spatula to press it to the edges, then use a knife to lightly score the top into 9 squares. This makes it easier to cut after baking.

Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 5: Serve Warm

Let the biscuits cool for 5–10 minutes before slicing and serving. They’re best enjoyed warm, but still delicious at room temperature.

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Tips for Making the Best Butter Swim Biscuits Every Time

Want to take your biscuits to the next level? Follow these pro tips:

• Use cold sausage and cheese: Folding in cooled sausage and chilled cheese helps keep the dough from getting too greasy.
• Don’t overmix the dough: Stir just until combined to keep biscuits light and tender.
• Score the dough before baking: It helps the biscuits bake evenly and gives you perfect portions.
• Melt butter fresh: Always melt the butter in the pan just before adding the dough—it ensures the best texture.
• Shred your own cheese: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can affect meltability.

Easy Variations to Try with This Biscuit Base

This base recipe is highly customizable. Try these creative twists:

• Spicy Kick: Add chopped jalapeños, crushed red pepper, or spicy sausage.
• Veggie Version: Use sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers instead of meat.
• Bacon Swap: Replace sausage with crispy chopped bacon or turkey bacon.
• Cheese Lover’s Dream: Mix cheddar, pepper jack, or mozzarella for bold flavor.
• Sweet & Savory: Add a drizzle of honey or maple syrup over the top before serving.

These simple swaps keep the recipe exciting and adaptable to different dietary needs or preferences.

Serving Suggestions for Breakfast or Brunch

These butter swim biscuits with sausage and cheese are a meal all by themselves, but they’re also a fantastic part of a bigger breakfast spread.

Here are a few ways to serve them:

• With a side of scrambled eggs or fried eggs
• As part of a brunch board with fruit, jam, and yogurt
• Split and filled with a fried egg for a breakfast sandwich
• With a simple green salad for a balanced meal
• Alongside roasted potatoes or hash browns

They also pack well for school mornings or busy commutes—just wrap in foil and go!

How to Store and Reheat Leftover Biscuits

These biscuits store beautifully and can be made ahead.

Storing:

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 day.
• Refrigerator: Keep in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze individually wrapped squares for up to 1 month.

Reheating:

• Microwave: 20–30 seconds for a quick warm-up.
• Oven: Reheat in a 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes for a crispier finish.
• Toaster oven: A great option for single servings.

Avoid over-reheating to prevent the cheese from becoming greasy or rubbery.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even a simple recipe can go wrong if you’re not careful. Here’s what to watch out for:

• Overbaking: Leads to dry, crumbly biscuits—check at 20 minutes.
• Undercooking the center: Use a toothpick to make sure the middle is set.
• Greasy texture: Make sure to drain sausage well and use the right butter quantity.
• Cheese leakage: Fold cheese evenly into dough so it doesn’t ooze out too much.
• Using old baking powder: Fresh leavening ensures rise and fluffiness.

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Butter Swim Biscuits FAQ

Can I use self-rising flour?
Yes! If using self-rising flour, skip the baking powder and salt.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely. Bake, cool, and store. Reheat before serving.

Can I use plant-based sausage and cheese?
Yes! Vegan meat and dairy alternatives work great in this recipe.

What if I don’t have buttermilk?
Mix 1¾ cups of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar. Let sit for 5 minutes.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be. Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and verify other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Pairing Ideas: What Goes Well with Savory Breakfast Biscuits?

These cheesy, sausage-packed biscuits are rich and flavorful, so balance them with fresh and lighter pairings:

• Fresh fruit like melon, berries, or citrus
• Simple salads with vinaigrette
• Yogurt with granola
• Herbal teas or coffee (without sugar for balance)
• Smoothies with greens and banana

Perfect for creating a satisfying and complete breakfast or brunch menu.

Call to Action: Make, Share, and Save This Comforting Biscuit Recipe

Once you try these Butter Swim Biscuits with Sausage and Cheese, you’ll never go back to plain biscuits again. They’re warm, hearty, easy to make, and loaded with flavor—perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a weeknight dinner.

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We’d love to hear how you made it your own—leave a comment below and tag us with your biscuit creations!

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