Have you ever craved something that’s both comfortingly nostalgic and surprisingly new? Enter these Fluffy Ham and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits—an unexpected twist on a classic, like finding a forgotten mixtape from the ’90s that still hits all the right notes. Picture this: warm biscuit layers enveloping gooey cheese and savory ham, it’s like a hug for your taste buds.
Steps
- Begin by preheating your oven to 450°F and prepare a glass or ceramic baking dish (8×8 or 9×9 inches) with nonstick spray. In a medium mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and aluminum-free baking powder.
- Gradually add buttermilk to the dry ingredients, stirring until a thick and sticky batter is formed. If necessary, add a little more buttermilk to achieve the desired consistency. Gently fold in the diced ham and shredded cheddar cheese until well distributed.
- In a separate microwave-safe bowl, melt the salted butter, then pour it into the prepared baking dish. Transfer the biscuit dough into the dish, directly over the melted butter, allowing some butter to spread over the dough.
- Using nonstick spray on your hands if needed, evenly spread the dough in the baking dish. Score the dough into nine squares to make slicing easier after baking.
- Place the baking dish on the middle oven rack and bake for 25-30 minutes, rotating the dish halfway through. If the biscuits brown too quickly, cover them with foil. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick; if it comes out clean, the biscuits are ready. Slice and serve warm.
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon aluminum-free baking powder
- 1 ¾ cups buttermilk (add more if necessary for consistency)
- 2 cups small diced ham
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup (1 stick) salted butter
FAQ
- Can I substitute the ham with another type of meat?
- Absolutely! While ham is the classic choice for these biscuits, you can certainly switch it up by using other meats like deli turkey, roast beef, or chicken.
- Is it possible to use self-rising flour instead of all-purpose flour?
- Yes, you can use self-rising flour instead of all-purpose flour. Just make sure to skip the baking powder since self-rising flour already includes it.
- Can different types of cheese be used in the recipe?
- Certainly! You can experiment with various cheeses such as Swiss, Mozzarella, Provolone, White Cheddar, or Pepper Jack to suit your taste preferences.
- What type of ham is recommended for this recipe?
- Any ham you have available will work well in this recipe. Options include leftover holiday ham, deli ham, Black Forest Ham, or Virginia Ham. Ham steak is also a great choice.
- How should leftover biscuits be stored?
- While these biscuits are best enjoyed fresh, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container or bag. Keep them in the refrigerator for up to four days or freeze them for up to three months.
Tips
- Adjust Baking Time if Needed: Since oven temperatures can vary, keep an eye on your biscuits as they bake. If you notice they are browning too quickly, cover them with foil to prevent over-browning and ensure even cooking.
- Substitute Ingredients Wisely: If you only have self-rising flour, you can use it in place of all-purpose flour, but be sure to skip the baking powder since self-rising flour already contains it.
- Use Nonstick Spray for Easy Spreading: To make it easier to spread the sticky biscuit dough in the baking dish, spray your hands with nonstick cooking spray. This simple trick can help you achieve an even layer without the dough sticking to your fingers.
- Experiment with Different Cheeses: Feel free to try different types of cheese such as Swiss, Mozzarella, or Pepper Jack to vary the flavor. This flexibility allows you to customize the biscuits to your taste preferences.
Equipment
- Oven-safe glass or ceramic 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch baking dish
- Nonstick cooking spray (preferably the kind with flour in it)
- Microwave-safe bowl (if you don’t use the baking dish for melting butter)
- Medium mixing bowl
