Flaky, buttery, and packed with savory sausage and cheddar, these biscuits are the breakfast equivalent of a warm hug. Their unique “swimming in butter” baking method gives them a crisp bottom and fluffy center no kneading, rolling, or cutting required.
Perfect for a cozy weekend brunch or a make-ahead weekday breakfast, this dish combines down-home flavor with irresistible texture. Whether you serve them with eggs, fruit, or a drizzle of hot honey, these biscuits bring joy to every bite.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 lb breakfast sausage
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2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
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1 tbsp granulated sugar
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1 tbsp baking powder
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1 3/4 to 2 cups buttermilk
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1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
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1/2 cup salted butter, melted
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 450°F (232°C). Lightly grease a 9×9-inch glass or ceramic baking dish.
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In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the sausage until browned, about 8–10 minutes. Drain and let cool.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and baking powder. Gradually mix in the buttermilk until a sticky batter forms.
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Fold in the cooled sausage and cheddar cheese. Do not overmix.
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Pour the melted butter into the prepared baking dish. Spoon the biscuit batter evenly on top.
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Lightly score the dough into 9 squares using a knife.
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Bake for 25–30 minutes, rotating halfway through, until golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cover with foil if browning too fast.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes
Kcal: 457 kcal | Servings: 9
A Southern Staple Reimagined: Breakfast Butter Swim Biscuits with Sausage and Cheese
There are few dishes that embody Southern comfort quite like a warm, flaky biscuit. Now imagine that biscuit elevated to a full, hearty meal with the addition of savory breakfast sausage, sharp cheddar cheese, and a generous bath of melted butter. This is the essence of Breakfast Butter Swim Biscuits with Sausage and Cheese a one pan marvel that combines old-fashioned charm with modern convenience.
This recipe redefines the morning biscuit by transforming it into something so rich and satisfying, it borders on decadent. But don’t let the indulgence fool you. This dish is simple to prepare, making it perfect for anyone from beginner bakers to seasoned home cooks. Its genius lies in the technique no rolling, no cutting, and no biscuit cutters required. You simply mix, pour, and bake. The result is a golden, crispy crust with a soft, buttery interior that’s positively irresistible.
The Origins of Butter Swim Biscuits
To fully appreciate this recipe, it helps to understand its roots. The “butter swim” technique is believed to have originated from Depression-era cooking a time when people had to do more with less. Instead of rolling out and shaping individual biscuits, home cooks discovered they could pour biscuit dough into a dish of melted butter and bake it as a slab. The butter would rise around the edges, soaking into the biscuit as it baked, creating a crispy crust and tender crumb.
This method later gained popularity in Southern kitchens, where buttery, golden biscuits are a tradition and a point of pride. The swim technique allowed for easier prep and cleanup, a boon for busy households. Over the years, it has evolved into a treasured method for making fast, foolproof biscuits without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Why This Version Works
The brilliance of the sausage and cheese addition lies in its balance. The savory pork sausage brings hearty flavor and a bit of spice, depending on your choice of blend. Sharp cheddar cheese adds richness, depth, and a creamy finish that melts beautifully into every bite. Together, they turn a humble side dish into a full-on breakfast centerpiece.
What’s more, the recipe is incredibly forgiving. The batter is mixed in one bowl, then poured into a pan that already contains melted butter. As the biscuit bakes, the butter rises up and around the dough, infusing it with flavor and forming a crispy, golden crust that you just can’t replicate any other way.
This approach not only saves time, but also makes the final product more consistent. There’s no risk of overworking the dough or cutting uneven biscuits. And because the dish is scored before baking, you still get individual servings that are easy to cut and serve when done.
Texture and Flavor Profile
The texture is one of the most memorable aspects of these biscuits. Thanks to the butter swim method, the exterior edges and base develop a beautifully crisp layer that gives way to a soft, fluffy interior. It’s the kind of contrast that makes each bite feel like comfort food magic.
Meanwhile, the combination of sausage and cheese delivers a rich, savory experience. The sausage brings salt and spice, while the cheese offers creaminess and tang. The biscuit dough, bolstered by tangy buttermilk, acts as the perfect canvas neutral enough to let the mix-ins shine, but flavorful enough to hold its own.
The layers of flavor mean you don’t really need anything else on the plate but if you’re feeling ambitious, a drizzle of hot honey or a spoonful of homemade jam on the side wouldn’t go amiss.
Serving Suggestions
These butter swim biscuits are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in a number of ways. Served hot out of the oven, they make a showstopping main dish at a weekend brunch or family breakfast. Add a side of fresh fruit or a fried egg, and you’ve got a full meal on your hands.
They also pair wonderfully with gravies think classic sausage gravy or even a creamy tomato-based sauce if you want to switch things up. Want to get creative? Slice a biscuit in half and use it as the base for a breakfast sandwich. Add an over easy egg, a slice of tomato, or even a touch of arugula for a fresh twist.
For those who entertain, this recipe is ideal for feeding a crowd. The one pan method means you can prep the entire dish in under 15 minutes and have it baking while you finish your coffee or set the table.
Perfect for Make-Ahead Meals
Busy mornings demand convenience, and this dish delivers in spades. While it’s best served fresh, the biscuits also reheat beautifully. Simply warm them in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes, or give them a quick zap in the microwave if you’re short on time.
You can also prep the components the night before cook the sausage, shred the cheese, and measure out the dry ingredients. Come morning, just mix everything together and bake. For households with kids, this can be a lifesaver. It’s a breakfast that’s filling, mess-free, and guaranteed to earn you rave reviews.
Another tip: this recipe freezes well. After baking and cooling, cut into squares and wrap individually. Reheat from frozen in the oven or toaster oven for a hot breakfast on demand.
Family-Friendly and Crowd-Pleasing
One of the great joys of this recipe is how well it goes over with everyone. Kids love the cheesy, buttery flavor, while adults appreciate the satisfying heartiness. Even picky eaters tend to find something to love here, especially since the sausage can be customized. You can use spicy Italian sausage, sage breakfast links, or even a plant-based alternative for vegetarian households.
For potlucks, school events, or brunch gatherings, these biscuits travel well and hold up nicely at room temperature for several hours. They also make a thoughtful dish to bring to someone in need of comfort food a new parent, someone recovering from illness, or anyone going through a rough patch.
Tips for the Best Results
While the recipe is simple, a few key tips can take it from great to unforgettable:
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Use real butter: Margarine won’t yield the same rich flavor or texture. Salted butter is best, but unsalted works if that’s all you have just adjust the salt in the batter accordingly.
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Don’t overmix: Stir the batter until just combined. Overworking it can result in tough biscuits.
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Use fresh baking powder: This is essential for a good rise. If your baking powder is more than 6 months old, replace it.
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Grate your own cheese: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. Freshly shredded cheddar will give you a better flavor and texture.
Conclusion:
Breakfast Butter Swim Biscuits with Sausage and Cheese are more than just a clever twist on a Southern classic they’re a celebration of comfort, ease, and big flavor in a simple format. Whether you’re making breakfast for your family, hosting brunch with friends, or just treating yourself to something delicious, this dish delivers every time.
The golden crust, the melty cheese, the savory sausage all wrapped in a buttery, fluffy biscuit make for a breakfast you’ll be thinking about long after the last bite. And with its minimal prep and one-dish bake, it fits effortlessly into busy routines and lazy mornings alike.
So, if you haven’t tried this recipe yet, what are you waiting for? Preheat your oven, melt some butter, and get ready to discover your new breakfast favorite.