Growing up, my grandma’s Sunday brunch was always the highlight of my week. The warm, buttery aroma of her famous Ham and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits would waft through the house, drawing me straight to the kitchen. I can still picture her apron-clad figure, carefully mixing the dough and gently placing each biscuit into the pan. It was like magic watching those fluffy biscuits rise and transform into golden-brown perfection.
Grandma’s Ham and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits were the ultimate comfort food – flaky on the outside, soft and gooey on the inside, with the perfect balance of savory ham and melty cheddar cheese. I’d eagerly wait for them to cool just enough to sink my teeth into that first heavenly bite. The flavors would explode in my mouth, transporting me back to carefree summer days spent running through her lush garden. Those biscuits weren’t just food – they were a piece of my childhood, a connection to my family’s rich history, and a taste of pure joy.
Now, as an adult, I’ve made it my mission to perfect Grandma’s recipe and share the magic of Ham and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits with the world. After countless batches and experimentation, I’ve unlocked the secret to creating these biscuits that are truly out of this world. Get ready to have your taste buds dance with delight!
Why This Ham and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Ham and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits
The key to these Ham and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits lies in the unique “swim” technique. By baking the biscuits in a buttery pan, the dough essentially “swims” in the rich, golden liquid, creating an unparalleled texture and flavor. As the biscuits bake, the butter seeps into every nook and cranny, resulting in an incredibly moist and tender interior, while the edges become perfectly crisp and golden brown.
But the real showstopper is the harmony between the savory ham and the melty cheddar cheese. Each bite delivers a symphony of flavors that will have your taste buds singing with joy. The salty, umami notes of the ham perfectly complement the sharp, creamy cheese, creating a flavor profile that is both comforting and crave-worthy.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
– All-purpose flour: The foundation for these flaky biscuits. Be sure to use a high-quality, unbleached flour for the best results.
– Baking powder: The leavening agent that gives the biscuits their signature rise and light, fluffy texture.
– Salt: A crucial ingredient that enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness.
– Unsalted butter: The secret to the rich, buttery taste and tender crumb. Make sure to use cold butter for the flakiest biscuits.
– Whole milk: Provides moisture and a luxurious mouthfeel to the biscuits.
– Diced ham: Choose a high-quality, flavorful ham to elevate the savory notes.
– Shredded cheddar cheese: The melty, gooey cheese is the perfect pairing for the ham.
Step-by-Step Ham and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits Instructions
Preparing Your Ham and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits
To create these heavenly Ham and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits, you’ll need just a few kitchen essentials and about 30 minutes of your time. The process is straightforward, but the results are nothing short of extraordinary. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this irresistible homemade treat!
1- Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) and grease a 9-inch square baking pan with 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. This will create the “swim” for your biscuits.
2- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined. Cut in the remaining cold, cubed butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3- Gently stir in the diced ham and shredded cheddar cheese, making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the flour mixture.
4- In a separate bowl, whisk together the cold whole milk. Slowly pour the milk into the flour mixture, stirring just until a shaggy dough forms. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough biscuits.
5- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently pat it into a rectangle, about 1/2-inch thick. Use a sharp biscuit cutter or the rim of a glass to cut out 9 round biscuits, being sure not to twist the cutter as you press down.
6- Arrange the biscuits in the prepared baking pan, making sure they’re snug and touching each other. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Pro Tips for Success
– Keep all your ingredients, including the milk and butter, cold for the flakiest biscuits.
– Don’t overwork the dough – this can lead to tough, dense biscuits.
– For an extra-flaky texture, fold the dough in half before cutting out the biscuits.
– Resist the urge to open the oven door while the biscuits are baking, as this can cause them to collapse.
– If the tops are browning too quickly, cover the pan loosely with foil to prevent burning.
Serving and Storing Your Ham and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits
Perfect Pairings for Ham and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits
These Ham and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits are the ultimate comfort food, making them perfect for a variety of occasions. Serve them up at your next Sunday brunch, alongside a crisp green salad and a refreshing mimosa. They also make a fantastic addition to a casual dinner, with a hearty soup or stew for dipping.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Luckily, these biscuits are easy to make ahead and store for later enjoyment. Once they’ve cooled completely, simply place them in an airtight container and store at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them in the oven for 5-7 minutes at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
For longer-term storage, you can also freeze the baked biscuits. Just place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 3 months in the freezer. To reheat, simply bake them straight from frozen at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes, or until heated through.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Ham and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits
Creative Ham and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits Variations
While the classic Ham and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits are tough to beat, there’s always room for a little creativity. Try swapping out the ham for crispy bacon or spicy chorizo for a delicious twist. You could also experiment with different cheese varieties, such as pepper jack or gouda, to change up the flavor profile.
For a seasonal spin, consider adding fresh herbs like chives or rosemary, or fold in diced roasted red peppers or sun-dried tomatoes. The possibilities are endless!
Making Ham and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits Diet-Friendly
If you’re looking to make these biscuits a little more diet-friendly, there are a few simple substitutions you can try. For a gluten-free version, simply swap the all-purpose flour for a high-quality gluten-free flour blend. Just be sure to adjust the baking time and temperature as needed.
To lower the carb count, you can replace some of the all-purpose flour with almond flour or coconut flour. And for a dairy-free option, use plant-based milk and vegan cheese in place of the dairy products.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use pre-cooked ham instead of raw ham?
A: Absolutely! Pre-cooked ham works just as well in this recipe. Just be sure to dice it into small, bite-sized pieces before adding it to the dough.
Q: How can I prevent my biscuits from becoming dry or tough?
A: The key to moist, tender biscuits is to handle the dough as little as possible and to avoid overworking it. Be gentle when mixing the ingredients and pat the dough out lightly. Also, be sure not to overbake the biscuits.
Q: Can I make the dough in advance?
A: Yes, you can make the dough up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, let the dough sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before shaping and baking.
Q: How can I adjust the recipe to make more or fewer biscuits?
A: This recipe makes 9 biscuits in a 9-inch square pan. To make more or fewer biscuits, simply scale the ingredient amounts up or down as needed. Just be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly.
Q: What should I do if my biscuits come out too dense or heavy?
A: If your biscuits turn out dense or heavy, it’s likely due to overworking the dough. Next time, be extra gentle when mixing and handling the dough. You can also try adding a bit more milk to create a slightly wetter dough.
Ham and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits
- Total Time: 30
- Yield: 12
Description
Buttery, flaky biscuits infused with savory ham and melted cheese – a quick and comforting classic that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tablespoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 6 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cubed
– 3/4 cup cold milk
– 1 cup diced ham
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
1. – Preheat oven to 450°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. – In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. – Cut in the cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. – Stir in the milk until a shaggy dough forms.
5. – Fold in the diced ham and shredded cheese.
6. – Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and pat into a 1-inch thick round.
7. – Use a biscuit cutter to cut out biscuits, pressing straight down without twisting.
8. – Place biscuits on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
9. – Bake for 12-15 minutes, until golden brown on top.
10. – Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
For extra flakiness, you can place the cut biscuits in the freezer for 10-15 minutes before baking. This helps the butter stay cold and creates those delicious layers. You can also swap out the ham for cooked crumbled bacon or sausage for variation.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: Main Dishes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
Get ready to wow your family and friends with these irresistible Ham and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits. With their flaky, golden-brown exterior and gooey, cheesy interior, they’re sure to become a new household favorite. The unique “swim” technique, combined with the perfect balance of savory ham and melty cheddar, creates a biscuit that is truly out of this world.
So what are you waiting for? Preheat your oven and get ready to experience the magic of Grandma’s classic recipe. I promise, one bite of these Ham and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits, and you’ll be hooked for life. Don’t forget to share your creations with me – I can’t wait to see the smiles they bring to your loved ones’ faces!
