If you’re craving a warm, comforting, and irresistibly savory treat, you’ve got to try this Beef and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits Recipe. These biscuits are the perfect harmony of fluffy, cheesy goodness laced with tender ground beef and bathed in a luscious buttery sauce. As they bake, the butter pools beneath the biscuits, creating a rich “swim” that keeps them moist and full of flavor. Whether you’re looking for an upgrade to your regular biscuit game or a crowd-pleaser to bring to a gathering, this recipe will quickly become one of your favorites to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses a handful of straightforward ingredients, each playing a crucial role in building the flavor, texture, and that signature buttery swim. From the sharp cheddar cheese that adds a comforting depth to the tender crumbled beef that brings savory richness, every ingredient is essential to nail this dish.
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour: The foundational base for tender, flaky biscuits with just the right structure.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder: The leavening agent that makes the biscuits rise light and fluffy.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder (optional): Adds a subtle aromatic warmth to the dough.
- 1 teaspoon sugar: Balances the savory notes with a hint of sweetness.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Brings a bold, melty cheesiness that defines these biscuits.
- 1 cup cooked ground beef (crumbled): Adds hearty, juicy bits of meat for satisfying texture.
- 1 cup buttermilk: Provides moisture and a slight tang that tenderizes the dough.
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted: Incorporated directly into the dough for richness.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted: Mixed with spices to create the delicious butter swim at the baking dish’s base.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (optional, for extra flavor): Infuses an umami punch into the butter swim.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Sprinkled into the butter swim for extra garlicky depth.
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley (optional): Adds a touch of herbal brightness and a pretty finish.
How to Make Beef and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Biscuits
Get your oven preheated to 450°F (230°C) to set the stage for perfectly golden biscuits. In a large bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, salt, optional garlic powder, and sugar to build the dry base. Next, fold in the shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled cooked ground beef—this is where the magic of flavor integration begins. These hearty mix-ins distribute evenly so every bite bursts with cheesy, meaty goodness.
Step 2: Add the Wet Ingredients
Pour the buttermilk and ¼ cup of melted butter into the bowl with your dry ingredients. Stir gently just until a dough forms—be cautious not to overwork it because tender biscuits rely on a soft, slightly sticky dough. The buttermilk adds a lovely tang and tenderness, while the melted butter contributes windows of richness throughout the dough.
Step 3: Shape the Biscuits
Lightly flour your countertop and turn out the dough. Press it gently into a half-inch thick rectangle. Then fold the dough over itself a few times to develop those signature flaky layers everyone loves. Using a biscuit cutter or a sharp knife, cut the dough into 8 to 10 even biscuits. This layering technique helps create the perfect, tender texture.
Step 4: Prepare the Butter Swim Biscuits Recipe’s Signature Butter Mix
In a small bowl, combine the remaining ½ cup melted butter with Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and dried parsley for an irresistible burst of flavor. Pour this buttery mixture into the bottom of a 9×9-inch baking dish. Nestle your cut biscuits closely together on top. As they bake, this seasoned butter will pool and “swim” around the biscuits, ensuring they stay moist and deeply flavorful.
Step 5: Bake the Biscuits
Pop the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the biscuits turn a gorgeous golden brown. The butter at the bottom will bubble and soak into the biscuits, giving you that unique, luscious “swim” texture that sets this recipe apart from ordinary biscuits. They’ll come out tender, rich, and perfectly cooked.
Step 6: Serve & Enjoy
Let the biscuits cool for a few minutes after baking—resisting this part is hard, but it helps the texture settle. These warm, indulgent Beef and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits Recipe creations are best served fresh, allowing the buttery layers and savory beef to shine. They’re a delight whether eaten on their own or alongside your favorite meal.
How to Serve Beef and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or chives on top for a pop of color and fresh herbal notes. A light brush of extra melted butter right before serving can amplify the shine and richness. If you enjoy a little heat, a dash of smoked paprika or crushed red pepper flakes sprinkled on top adds a subtle kick that pairs beautifully with the beef and cheese.
Side Dishes
These Beef and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits Recipe are incredibly versatile and pair wonderfully with hearty soups like tomato bisque or creamy potato leek. You can also enjoy them alongside a crisp green salad for a lighter contrast or with roasted vegetables for a balanced meal. They hold their own as a snack or side for any occasion.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the biscuits on a rustic wooden board, surrounded by small bowls of honey mustard, hot sauce, or sour cream for dipping. For brunch, serve the biscuits split open with scrambled eggs and avocado slices for a loaded breakfast treat. You could even turn them into mini sliders by adding a slice of cheese and a bit of leftover roast beef or pulled pork.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The biscuits will remain moist thanks to that buttery swim, and you can enjoy them cold or warmed back up for a tasty snack.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the biscuits individually on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To bring back the fresh-baked vibe, reheat chilled or thawed biscuits in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes until warmed through. You can also microwave them briefly, but the oven method helps maintain their crispy outside with soft, buttery inside.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese in the Beef and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits Recipe?
Absolutely! Sharp cheddar is classic, but you can switch things up with pepper jack for a spicy twist, mozzarella for extra gooeyness, or even gruyere for a nutty flavor. Just choose a cheese that melts well to maintain the right texture.
Is it necessary to use buttermilk?
Buttermilk adds a lovely tang and helps tenderize the biscuits, but if you don’t have any on hand, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
Can I make these biscuits vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the ground beef or replace it with cooked mushrooms, seasoned lentils, or plant-based meat crumbles for a vegetarian-friendly version that still delivers hearty flavor.
What is the purpose of the butter swim in this recipe?
The butter swim is the melted butter mixture in the baking dish that the biscuits bake in. It pools around them, keeping them moist while adding incredible richness and flavor that seeps into every crumb, making this Beef and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits Recipe truly special.
How thick should I make the biscuit dough?
Pat the dough out to about ½-inch thickness. This thickness creates a nice balance between soft interior layers and a lightly crisp exterior, giving the perfect texture once baked.
Final Thoughts
There really is nothing quite like biting into warm, cheesy, buttery biscuits filled with savory ground beef and infused with that indulgent buttery swim. This Beef and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits Recipe is a showstopper that’s simple enough for weeknight dinners but special enough for guests. I can’t wait for you to make these and fall in love with every bite as much as I do. Happy baking and happy eating!
Print
Beef and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8-10 biscuits
- Category: Bread & Biscuits
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Beef and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits are a delicious savory treat featuring flaky, buttery biscuits loaded with shredded cheddar cheese and seasoned ground beef. Baked in a flavorful butter bath, they come out golden and rich, perfect for a comforting snack or alongside your favorite soup or salad.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
Cheese and Meat
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup cooked ground beef (crumbled)
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup buttermilk
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted (for dough)
Butter Swim Mixture
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (optional, for extra flavor)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Biscuits: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, garlic powder (if using), and sugar. Stir to mix evenly. Add the shredded cheddar cheese and cooked ground beef, folding them in carefully to distribute evenly without crushing the ingredients.
- Add the Wet Ingredients: Pour in the buttermilk and ¼ cup melted butter, then stir gently until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. Avoid overmixing to keep the biscuits tender and flaky.
- Shape the Biscuits: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and gently pat it into a ½-inch thick rectangle. Fold the dough over itself a few times to create layers, then cut into 8 to 10 biscuits using a biscuit cutter or sharp knife.
- Prepare the Butter Swim: In a small bowl, mix the ½ cup melted butter with Worcestershire sauce (if using), garlic powder, and dried parsley. Pour this flavorful butter mixture into the bottom of a 9×9-inch baking dish or similarly sized pan. Arrange the biscuits snugly in the dish so they touch.
- Bake the Biscuits: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the biscuits turn golden brown and are cooked through. During baking, the butter will ‘‘swim’’ around the biscuits, infusing them with rich flavor and a tender texture.
- Serve & Enjoy: Allow the biscuits to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy them warm as they are or paired perfectly with a side salad or soup.
Notes
- For extra flavor, the garlic powder and Worcestershire sauce in the butter swim are optional but highly recommended.
- Be careful not to overmix the dough to keep the biscuits light and flaky.
- To create layered biscuits, folding the dough before cutting is key.
- Leftover biscuits can be reheated in a low oven to retain crispness.
- If you prefer, substitute ground turkey or chicken for beef to vary the protein.
