Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt.
Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients
- Add Buttermilk: Slowly pour in the buttermilk and stir until the dough comes together. The dough will be slightly sticky, which is perfect for this recipe.
- Mix in Ham and Cheese: Fold in the diced ham and shredded cheese until evenly distributed.
Step 4: Melt the Butter
- Melt Butter: While the dough is coming together, melt the stick of butter in a 9×9-inch baking dish by placing it in the preheating oven for a few minutes until fully melted. Remove the dish carefully once melted.
Step 5: “Swim” the Dough in Butter
- Pour the Dough into the Dish: Drop the dough into the melted butter in the baking dish, using a spatula to spread it out evenly. The butter will rise up around the dough, which is what makes these biscuits so moist and flavorful.
- Cut Before Baking: Use a knife or spatula to score the dough into 9 even squares. This makes it easier to separate the biscuits after baking.
Step 6: Bake the Biscuits
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown on top and the edges are crispy.
- Cool Slightly: Let the biscuits cool for 5 minutes before serving, allowing the butter to soak in and the biscuits to set.
Step 7: Serve
- Garnish: For added flavor and a pop of color, sprinkle chopped fresh chives or parsley over the biscuits before serving.
- Enjoy: Serve warm with extra butter, honey, or your favorite breakfast sides!
Tips for Success
- Customize the Filling: Feel free to experiment with other fillings like cooked bacon, sausage, or even diced veggies.
- Buttermilk Substitute: If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to regular milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
- Storage: These biscuits are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain their crisp texture.
Conclusion
These Ham and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits are a savory, buttery delight that you’ll want to make again and again. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, they’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, or any time you need a comforting biscuit fix. Enjoy, and don’t forget to share your results in the comments below! Happy baking!