Ham and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits

These Ham and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits are the ultimate savory comfort food, combining tender biscuits with melted butter, ham, and cheddar cheese. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a snack!

Ingredients:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon aluminum-free baking powder
• 1 ¾ cups buttermilk (can increase to 2 cups if batter seems dry)
• 2 cups small diced ham
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup (1 stick) salted butter

Directions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Spray a 9×9-inch glass or ceramic baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and aluminum-free baking powder.

3. Add the Buttermilk:

Gradually pour in the buttermilk and stir until a thick, sticky batter forms. If the batter seems too dry, add a little more buttermilk.

4. Add Ham and Cheese:

Gently fold in the diced ham and shredded cheddar cheese until well combined.

5. Melt the Butter:

In a microwave-safe bowl (or directly in the baking dish if it’s microwave-safe), melt the salted butter in the microwave. Pour the melted butter into the prepared baking dish.

6. Add the Biscuit Dough:

Spoon the biscuit dough into the dish, spreading it evenly over the melted butter. Some of the butter will spread over the top of the dough.

7. Score the Dough:

Using a knife, cut the dough into 9 squares. This will help with cutting the biscuits once they are baked.

8. Bake:

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, rotating the dish once halfway through baking. If the biscuits are browning too quickly, cover them with foil for the remaining time.

9. Check for Doneness:

The biscuits should be golden brown on top and spring back to the touch. Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, they are done.

10. Slice and Serve:

Let the biscuits cool slightly before slicing them along the scored lines and serving.

Serving:

• Servings: 9 biscuits
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
• Total Time: 35-40 minutes

Variations:

• Add Herbs: Mix fresh or dried herbs like parsley or chives into the batter for added flavor.
• Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a bit of heat.
• Swap the Ham: Use cooked bacon, sausage, or turkey instead of ham for a different flavor profile.

Storage:

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat biscuits in the oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes, or microwave for 20-30 seconds.

FAQs:

Q: Can I make these biscuits without buttermilk?
A: Yes! You can substitute buttermilk with regular milk and add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to create a similar effect.

Q: Can I freeze these biscuits?
A: Yes! Freeze the biscuits in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat in the oven or microwave.

Conclusion:

These Ham and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits are a perfect combination of savory and buttery goodness. With their cheesy, ham-filled centers and golden-brown exterior, they make a delightful addition to any meal. Enjoy them fresh from the oven!