Welcome to the ultimate guide for making the easiest and most satisfying breakfast you’ll ever experience: **Breakfast Butter Swim Biscuits**. Imagine fluffy, tender biscuits, generously packed with savory sausage and gooey melted cheese, all without the fuss of rolling or cutting dough. This innovative “dump and bake” method ensures a perfect batch every time, swimming in a pool of butter that creates an irresistible golden crust and a soft, melt-in-your-mouth interior. Whether you’re planning a lavish holiday brunch or simply craving a hearty start to your Sunday morning, these biscuits are guaranteed to become a household favorite. Forget complicated pastry techniques; these biscuits bring joy and deliciousness with minimal effort, making them a true game-changer in your breakfast repertoire.
Discover the Easiest Breakfast Biscuits: Butter Swim with Sausage and Cheese
The “Butter Swim” biscuit concept has revolutionized homemade baking, offering a foolproof method for achieving perfectly tender and buttery biscuits without any traditional dough handling. This particular breakfast rendition takes that simplicity to a whole new level by incorporating beloved morning flavors: rich breakfast sausage and sharp cheddar cheese. The magic truly lies in the method: melted butter forms the base in the baking dish, and the biscuit dough is poured directly on top. As the biscuits bake, they literally “swim” in the butter, absorbing its rich flavor and developing an incredibly crisp bottom and golden-brown top, while remaining soft and moist inside.
This recipe isn’t just easy; it’s a celebration of comfort food. It combines the heartiness of a full breakfast – savory sausage, tangy cheese – into one convenient, incredibly flavorful package. The simplicity makes it accessible for even novice bakers, while the delicious results will impress seasoned cooks. No special equipment like biscuit cutters or rolling pins are needed, saving you time and cleanup. Just mix, pour, and bake your way to breakfast perfection. You’ll find yourself returning to this recipe again and again, not just for its ease, but for the sheer deliciousness it delivers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Butter Swim Biscuits
Absolutely! One of the fantastic aspects of this recipe is its adaptability. Feel free to experiment with your favorite sausage varieties. Mild breakfast sausage offers a classic, comforting flavor, while sage sausage adds an aromatic, herbaceous note. For those who enjoy a little heat, a spicy breakfast sausage can introduce an exciting kick. You could also try maple-flavored sausage for a touch of sweetness.
Certainly! The cheese is another element you can easily customize to your preference. While shredded cheddar offers a classic, sharp flavor that complements the sausage beautifully, other cheeses can create unique taste profiles. Consider using mozzarella for a milder, stretchier texture, gouda for a nutty and slightly sweet flavor, or Monterey Jack for a buttery, semi-firm melt. If you love a spicy element, pepper jack cheese is an excellent choice to add a fiery zing.
Yes, you can use self-rising flour, but with a crucial adjustment. Self-rising flour already contains leavening agents (baking powder and salt), so you should omit the baking powder called for in this recipe. Using self-rising flour might result in a slightly different texture, but it can work as a convenient substitute if you’re short on ingredients.
No, absolutely not! For these “Butter Swim” biscuits, using real butter is non-negotiable and essential for achieving the desired texture and flavor. Margarine, being primarily oil-based, will not provide the same rich taste or allow the biscuits to achieve that characteristic fluffy, tender crumb. Using margarine will likely result in greasy, dense biscuits rather than the light, airy, and buttery treats you’re aiming for. Trust the process – real butter makes all the difference here.
While breakfast sausage is a traditional and delicious choice, you absolutely don’t have to use it. For a different savory twist, consider substituting cooked and crumbled bacon pieces or diced ham. You could also make these vegetarian by omitting the meat entirely or adding sautéed vegetables like spinach or bell peppers. The base biscuit recipe is versatile enough to accommodate various fillings.
These biscuits are incredibly versatile! For an unforgettable sweet and savory experience, drizzle them generously with warm maple syrup right before serving – the combination is truly divine. You can also transform them into a complete breakfast sandwich by splitting them open and adding a fried egg, a slice of avocado, or even a dollop of your favorite hot sauce. Consider a sprinkle of chives or green onions for a fresh garnish.
Leftover Breakfast Butter Swim Biscuits are best stored in an airtight container at room temperature and enjoyed within two days for optimal freshness. For extended storage, they can be kept in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you wish to keep them longer, these biscuits freeze beautifully for up to three months. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven or microwave until heated through, restoring much of their original warmth and tenderness.
Essential Ingredients for Your Breakfast Butter Swim Biscuits
Crafting these delectable biscuits requires a handful of common pantry staples. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect balance of flavor and texture. Pay attention to the quality and measurement for the best results:
- Breakfast Sausage: One pound of your preferred flavor. Whether you opt for mild, spicy, or sage-infused, the sausage provides a savory depth that makes these biscuits truly a meal in themselves. Ensure it’s fully cooked and crumbled before adding to the dough.
- All-Purpose Flour: Two and a half cups of good quality all-purpose flour form the structure of our biscuits. There’s no need to sift, but proper measurement is key. Spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with the back of a knife to avoid packing too much flour, which can lead to dense biscuits.
- Granulated Sugar: One tablespoon of granulated sugar. While it might seem unconventional for a savory biscuit, this small amount perfectly balances the saltiness of the sausage and cheese, enhancing the overall flavor without making the biscuits overtly sweet. You won’t taste it as a distinct ingredient, but its subtle presence is vital.
- Baking Powder: One tablespoon of baking powder is our primary leavening agent, responsible for the biscuits’ light and fluffy texture. Always opt for aluminum-free baking powder if possible, as some people can detect a metallic aftertaste from varieties containing aluminum. Double-check your labels for the best experience.
- Buttermilk: One and three-quarter to two cups of real buttermilk. This ingredient is paramount for tender, flavorful biscuits. The acidity in buttermilk reacts with the baking powder to create a softer crumb and a distinctive tang that cannot be replicated with milk and lemon juice substitutes. A quick trip to the store for real buttermilk is well worth it.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: One and a half cups of shredded cheddar cheese. Freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly and has a better flavor than pre-shredded varieties, which often contain anti-caking agents. However, pre-shredded works in a pinch if convenience is your priority. Its sharp flavor beautifully complements the sausage.
- Salted Butter: Half a cup (one stick) of melted salted butter. This is the star of the “butter swim” method. The butter is poured into the baking dish before the dough, creating a rich, crispy exterior. Using salted butter adds another layer of flavor, eliminating the need for additional salt in the dough. If you are sensitive to sodium, unsalted butter can be used, but you might want to add a pinch of salt to the dry ingredients.
Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Your Perfect Breakfast Butter Swim Biscuits
Get ready to transform simple ingredients into an extraordinary breakfast treat. This recipe is designed for ease, but following these detailed steps will ensure your biscuits are nothing short of perfect.
- **Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish:** Begin by preheating your oven to a robust 450°F (230°C). This high temperature is crucial for achieving that desirable golden crust and quick rise. While the oven heats, generously spray a 9×9-inch oven-safe glass or ceramic baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. A spray that contains flour works exceptionally well for an easy release.
- **Cook the Sausage:** In a large skillet, heat over medium-high heat. Add the pound of breakfast sausage, breaking it up into small crumbles with a spoon or spatula. Cook the sausage, stirring occasionally, for 8-10 minutes, or until it’s completely browned and no pink remains. Once cooked, transfer the sausage to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess grease. Set aside to cool slightly.
- **Combine Dry Ingredients:** In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the 2½ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar, and 1 tablespoon of baking powder. Ensure these dry ingredients are thoroughly combined to distribute the leavening evenly, which will help your biscuits rise beautifully.
- **Add Buttermilk to Form Batter:** Pour in 1¾ cups of buttermilk into the dry ingredient mixture. Stir gently with a spoon or spatula until a thick, sticky batter forms. Avoid overmixing, as this can lead to tough biscuits. The batter should be quite thick, but if it appears too dry or crumbly, add an additional tablespoon or two of buttermilk until you reach a sticky, cohesive consistency.
- **Fold in Cheese and Sausage:** Gently fold in the 1½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese along with the cooled, cooked sausage crumbles. Stir just enough to evenly distribute the cheese and sausage throughout the batter, being careful not to overmix.
- **Prepare the Butter Base:** In a microwave-safe bowl, melt ½ cup (one stick) of salted butter in the microwave. Alternatively, for ultimate convenience, you can place the stick of butter directly into your prepared 9×9-inch baking dish and melt it in the preheating oven or microwave. Once melted, carefully pour this golden liquid into the bottom of your baking dish, ensuring it covers the entire surface.
- **Add Dough to Butter:** Carefully spoon the biscuit dough mixture directly on top of the melted butter in the baking dish. Don’t worry if some of the butter seeps up and around the dough; this is part of the “swim” magic! For easier spreading, lightly spray your hands with nonstick cooking spray and gently press the dough evenly into the pan.
- **Score the Dough:** Using a butter knife or a clean, sharp knife, gently score the dough into 9 equal squares. This step is a guideline for cutting after baking and helps the butter penetrate evenly, creating individual biscuit sections. Be careful not to cut all the way through to the bottom of the dish.
- **Bake to Golden Perfection:** Place the baking dish on the middle rack of your preheated oven. Bake for approximately 25-30 minutes. Around halfway through the baking time (about 15 minutes), rotate the dish 180 degrees to ensure even browning. Keep a close eye on your biscuits; if they start browning too quickly, loosely tent the top with aluminum foil for the remainder of the baking time.
- **Check for Doneness and Serve:** Oven temperatures can vary, so the key indicators of doneness are a beautiful golden-brown top and a biscuit that springs back when lightly touched in the center. To be absolutely sure, insert a toothpick into the center of a biscuit; if it comes out clean with no raw batter, they are ready! Carefully remove the dish from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes, then slice along your scored lines and serve these incredible Breakfast Butter Swim Biscuits warm. Enjoy!
Craving More Butter Swim Biscuit Recipes?
If you’ve fallen in love with the ease and deliciousness of the butter swim method, you’re in luck! There’s a whole world of variations to explore, from sweet to savory. This technique is incredibly versatile, allowing you to create an array of delightful biscuits for any occasion. Once you master the basic principle, the possibilities are endless. Don’t stop at breakfast; these recipes prove that butter swim biscuits can be a canvas for endless culinary creativity. Here are some other popular butter swim biscuit recipes you might enjoy trying:
- Sausage Gravy Butter Swim Biscuits
- Classic Butter Swim Biscuits (a.k.a. Butter Dip Biscuits)
- Strawberry Butter Swim Biscuits
- Peach Butter Swim Biscuits
- Cinnamon Sugar Butter Swim Biscuits
- Apple Pie Butter Swim Biscuits
- Bacon Cheddar Ranch Butter Swim Biscuits
- Blueberry Butter Swim Biscuits
- Butter Swim Yeast Rolls
- Sweet Potato Butter Swim Biscuits
- Cheddar Garlic Butter Swim Biscuits
- Beer Bread Butter Swim Biscuits
- Garlic Butter Swim Biscuits
- Jalapeno Popper Butter Swim Biscuits
- Cinnamon Roll Butter Swim Biscuits
- 7Up Butter Swim Biscuits
- Air Fryer Butter Swim Biscuits
- Ham and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits
- The Best Butter Swim Biscuit Recipes
Breakfast Butter Swim Biscuits
These Breakfast Butter Swim Biscuits are the easiest and most filling biscuits to make. Filled with sausage and cheese, these biscuits don’t require any rolling or biscuit cutters. Just dump and bake!
10 minutes
40 minutes
50 minutes
9 servings
Brandie Skibinski
Ingredients
- 1 pound breakfast sausage
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 Tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 Tablespoon baking powder
- 1 3/4 – 2 cups buttermilk
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup salted butter (melted)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 450°F degrees. Spray an (oven safe) glass or ceramic 9×9-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add 1 pound breakfast sausage and break it up into crumbles. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally until there is no pink left, 8-10 minutes. Drain cooked sausage on a paper towel-lined plate and set aside.
- In a medium bowl, mix together 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 Tablespoon granulated sugar and 1 Tablespoon baking powder.
- Pour in 1 3/4 cups buttermilk. Stir until a sticky batter forms. If the batter still seems too dry add a tad bit more buttermilk until the batter is thick and sticky.
- Finally, gently stir in 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese along with the cooked sausage. Gently stir until combined well.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt 1/2 cup salted butter in the microwave. Pour melted butter into prepared baking dish. Note: if you prefer, you can just put the stick of butter in the baking dish and melt it directly in it.
- Pour biscuit dough into baking dish (right on top of the melted butter.) Some of the butter will run over the top of the dough. Tip: I will spray my hand with some nonstick spray to help spread the dough out evenly in the pan.
- Cut the dough into 9 squares (as best you can). This will help with cutting later when the biscuits are baked.
- Bake (on the middle oven rack) for about 25-30 minutes, rotating dish once during baking. Note: If you notice the biscuits browning too quickly, cover them with foil for the rest of the baking time.
- Oven times DO VARY since different ovens have different hot spots, but basically biscuits should be golden brown on top and spring back to the touch. Insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean with no batter, they are done! Slice and serve!
Video
Notes
- Please refer to my FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) and ingredient list above for other substitutions or for the answers to the most common questions.
- Try pouring some maple syrup when serving these – SO good!! That sweet and salty combo is amazing!
- Bacon or diced ham can be used instead of sausage for a different savory flavor.
- Store these at room temp and enjoy within two days. Or store in a container in the fridge for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months.
Breads, Breakfast, Brunch
American
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 26 g |
Protein: 16 g |
Fat: 32 g |
Sodium: 576 mg |
Fiber: 1 g |
Sugar: 4 g
Nutritional Disclaimer
“The Country Cook” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.
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