Oh my goodness, have I got a treat for you today! Let me tell you about something that has totally changed my brunch game: **Ham & Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits**. These little golden nuggets of goodness are everything you could ever want in a biscuit and more!
These biscuits emerge from the oven hot, fluffy, and oozing with cheesy, savory goodness. I first encountered these beauties at a friend’s brunch. I took one bite and was instantly hooked—there’s just something magical about the combination of sharp cheddar, juicy ham, and the fragrant touch of chives. Plus, they are so simple to whip up! Whether you’re hosting friends or just need a comforting snack for yourself, these biscuits are pure joy. Let’s get baking!
What’s in Ham & Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits?
All-purpose flour: The backbone of any great biscuit! This gives them the necessary structure and fluffiness. No fancy flour needed; just good ol’ all-purpose will do!
Baking powder: The secret weapon for helping the biscuits rise beautifully. It’s what makes them light and airy!
Salt: Enhances all the flavors—don’t skip it! It’s the unsung hero of the seasoning world.
Black pepper: A little pinch adds a mild kick. It complements the ham perfectly!
Sharp cheddar cheese: Can you say yum? This stuff adds a rich, sharp flavor that makes each bite irresistible. I like to buy block cheese and shred it myself to get the freshest taste.
Diced cooked ham: The star ingredient! It’s salty and savory, giving these biscuits their heartiness. Plus, leftover ham from a holiday dinner works great!
Chopped fresh chives: They add a fresh, onion-like flavor that brightens things up. I always toss in a little extra for garnish because, why not?
Whole milk: This keeps everything moist and delicious. You could use buttermilk for a tangier twist if you’re feeling adventurous!
Unsalted butter: Melted butter creates a rich flavor and helps with that lovely “swimming” effect that gives these biscuits their name. I say “more butter, more better!”
Is Ham & Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits Good for You?
These biscuits are definitely on the indulgent side, but I believe in enjoying hearty food in moderation! The rich flavors and textures come from wholesome ingredients.
Cheddar cheese and ham provide protein which can help keep you feeling full and satisfied—perfect for brunch! But watch your portion sizes, since they’re quite rich. If you want a little lighter version, you can swap our savory ham for a lean turkey option and use reduced-fat cheese. Remember, everything in balance!
Ingredients
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tablespoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
– 1 cup diced cooked ham
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives (plus extra for garnish)
– 1 cup whole milk
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
This recipe serves about 12 delicious squares of biscuit goodness!
How to Make Ham & Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits?
1. Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. The higher heat helps those biscuits rise and brown nicely.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and black pepper. Get those lumps out; we want a nice smooth foundation!
3. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, diced ham, and chopped chives until everything is mixed together beautifully.
4. In another bowl, mix the milk and melted butter together until combined. I can’t help but sneak a taste here—it’s so tasty!
5. Pour the milk mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. The batter should be slightly lumpy—over-mixing is a big no-no here!
6. Transfer the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Don’t worry about perfection, these are cozy biscuits!
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. That aroma wafting through your kitchen will have everyone paying attention!
8. Once baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Patience pays off, I promise!
9. Garnish with additional chopped chives before serving. Cut into squares and enjoy warm!
Serving Tips & Biscuit Variations
These biscuits are best enjoyed straight out of the oven, but they also pack well for lunchboxes or snacks later. You can serve them with a side of homemade honey butter or even a savory jam for an elevated brunch experience.
Feeling creative? Try mixing in other cheeses like pepper jack or gouda for a different flair! Want a veggie option? Ditch the ham and add sautéed spinach or mushrooms instead. The sky’s the limit with this base recipe!
I hope you give these Ham & Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits a try! Trust me, once you taste them, they’ll become a staple in your kitchen just like they did in mine. Share your baking adventures with me—I would love to hear how you customized your biscuits! Happy baking!
