Ham and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits

If you’re looking for an easy, comforting breakfast recipe that tastes like it came straight from Grandma’s kitchen, these Ham and Cheese Swim Biscuits are about to become your new favorite. Soft, buttery biscuits baked in melted butter and loaded with shredded cheese and savory ham make this recipe feel extra special without all the extra work. They’re cozy, hearty, and perfect for slow weekend mornings around the table.

What makes swim biscuits so good is how simple they are to make. There’s no biscuit cutting, rolling, or complicated steps involved—just mix, pour, and bake! The buttery edges turn perfectly golden while the inside stays soft and fluffy. Whether you serve them for breakfast, brunch, or alongside dinner, these ham and cheese biscuits are the kind of recipe your family will ask for again and again.

👩🍳 How to Make Ham & Cheese Swim Biscuits

  1. Preheat oven to 450°F and pour melted butter into an 8x8 baking dish.
  2. In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt.
  3. Stir in buttermilk until just combined (don’t overmix).
  4. Fold in ham and shredded cheese.
  5. Spread dough evenly over the melted butter in the dish.
  6. Use a knife to lightly score into squares (this helps with serving later).
  7. Bake for 20–25 minutes, until golden brown on top.
  8. Let cool slightly, then serve warm.

🥓 Easy Variations

  • Bacon & Cheddar – swap ham for crispy bacon
  • Sausage Breakfast Biscuits – use cooked breakfast sausage
  • Spicy Kick – add diced jalapeños or hot sauce
  • Herb Lover’s – mix in fresh chives or parsley

 

🧊 Storage & Reheating

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days
  • Reheat in the oven at 300°F or in the microwave for quick servings
  • Freeze baked biscuits for up to 2 months and reheat as needed

 

🧺 Serving Ideas

These pair perfectly with:

  • Scrambled eggs or a breakfast casserole
  • A simple side salad for lunch
  • Soup or chili for a cozy dinner
  • Holiday brunch spreads

 

💛 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • No kneading or shaping required – perfect for beginners
  • Crispy, buttery edges + soft, fluffy inside
  • Loaded with ham and melty cheese for a savory twist
  • Bakes all in one dish (less cleanup 🙌)
  • Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dinner sides
  • Crowd-pleasing and freezer-friendly

Ham and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits

Courtney Moody

Servings

9

Prep Time

15 minutes

Cook Time

25 minutes

Calories

516

Cuisine

American

Category

Breakfast

Ham and cheese swim biscuits are your new favorite way to start your weekend. Not only do they taste as just good as your traditional homemade biscuits, they take half of the effort! Folded in with shredded cheese and sliced ham, this recipe will quickly become a staple in your home. I can't wait for you to try!

Ham and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits

Ingredients

  • 1 cup melted butter

  • 1 tablespoon honey

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour

  • 1 tablespoon baking powder

  • 1 teaspoon baking soda

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • 1 cup sourdough discard

  • 1 1/4 cups half and half

  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

  • 1 cup sliced ham, diced

Directions

  1. Preheat your oven to 450°F. While your oven is preheating place a 9x9 baking sheet with a stick of butter and let it melt.

  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together your dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt).

  3. Add your half and half and sourdough discard to the bowl and mix together until just combined. It will be slightly sticky, and that is okay!

  4. Gently fold in the shredded cheddar cheese and sliced ham until evenly distributed.

  5. Remove your baking dish from the oven and add your honey to the melted butter and mix.

  6. Pour the dough directly into the butter filled pan, use your hands or a spatula to spread dough so it reaches all sides of the pan. The butter will pool around and over, which is the best part!

  7. Gently cut the dough into 9 squares (as best you can). This will help with cutting later when the biscuits are baked.

  8. Bake on the middle rack for 25 – 30 minutes.

  9. 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!

  10. Let cool slightly before removing from your pan and enjoy with a big slathering of butter with a fried egg!

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Hi, I’m Courtney! 👋 Wild for Jesus, my husband and our 3 babies. We homeschool, hike and have learned to grow food in a tiny backyard. My goal is to help you find joy and be productive wherever you are and make sourdough a little less scary.