These Fluffy Sausage & Cheddar Butter Swim Biscuits are the epitome of comfort food. The unique “swimming in butter” technique creates a crispy, golden bottom while keeping the biscuits soft and tender inside. The combination of savory sausage and sharp cheddar cheese adds a delightful richness, making each bite a satisfying experience.
Whether you’re hosting a weekend brunch or looking for a hearty breakfast to start your day, these biscuits are sure to impress. Their easy preparation and delicious flavor make them a go-to choice for any occasion. Pair them with scrambled eggs or enjoy them on their own for a truly comforting meal.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
-
1 lb breakfast sausage (mild or spicy)
-
2½ cups all-purpose flour
-
1 tbsp granulated sugar
-
1 tbsp baking powder
-
1¾ to 2 cups buttermilk
-
1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
-
½ cup (1 stick) salted butter, melted
Directions:
-
Preheat oven to 450°F (232°C). Lightly grease a 9×9-inch glass or ceramic baking dish with nonstick spray.
-
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the breakfast sausage until browned and cooked through, about 8–10 minutes. Drain excess grease on paper towels.
-
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and baking powder.
-
Gradually add the buttermilk to the dry ingredients, stirring until a sticky batter forms. Add more buttermilk if necessary to achieve the right consistency.
-
Gently fold in the cooked sausage and shredded cheddar cheese until evenly distributed.
-
Pour the melted butter into the prepared baking dish. Spoon the biscuit batter over the melted butter, spreading it evenly. Use a knife to score the batter into 9 squares.
-
Bake for 25–30 minutes, rotating the dish halfway through, until the biscuits are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
-
Allow the biscuits to cool slightly before serving.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: Approximately 457 kcal per serving
Servings: 9
A Comfort Food Classic: Butter Swim Biscuits Reimagined
Butter Swim Biscuits are already a treasured Southern classic known for their irresistibly buttery flavor and soft, tender interior. This version elevates the beloved biscuit by incorporating savory breakfast sausage and sharp cheddar cheese—two ingredients that bring a burst of flavor and a hearty texture to an already indulgent favorite. Whether you’re cooking for a Sunday brunch, prepping weekday breakfasts, or feeding a hungry family, these Sausage & Cheddar Butter Swim Biscuits are an easy and delicious solution.
The signature element of this recipe is the “butter swim” technique—pouring melted butter into the pan before adding the biscuit batter. As the biscuits bake, they absorb some of that buttery richness, resulting in crisp golden edges and a moist, fluffy center. When combined with sausage and cheese, the result is a dish that’s equal parts comfort food and culinary excellence.
What Makes This Recipe So Special?
What sets these biscuits apart from traditional ones is both their simplicity and their luxurious texture. You don’t need a biscuit cutter, rolling pin, or a floured surface. Everything comes together in a bowl and then bakes in one pan. The result is rustic, homestyle biscuits that taste like they came straight from a Southern kitchen—without all the fuss.
The melted butter not only creates a golden crust but also prevents sticking and boosts flavor. The sausage adds protein and heartiness, while the cheddar melts into pockets of cheesy goodness throughout each square. It’s the perfect harmony of rich, savory flavors with a flaky, soft biscuit base that makes these a standout at any breakfast or brunch table.
Perfect for Meal Prep and Entertaining
One of the great advantages of this dish is how well it lends itself to meal prep. You can bake a pan of these biscuits on Sunday and enjoy them throughout the week. They reheat beautifully in the microwave or toaster oven and maintain their moist, tender crumb even after being refrigerated.
Hosting a brunch or breakfast gathering? These biscuits are ideal for feeding a crowd. You can easily double the recipe and bake it in a 9×13 pan instead of a square dish. Serve them alongside scrambled eggs, fruit salad, or even grits for a Southern-inspired breakfast spread that your guests won’t soon forget.
Family-Friendly and Customizable
Sausage and cheddar are a beloved combo, especially for those who love a classic breakfast flavor, but don’t stop there. This recipe is easy to modify. Prefer spicy food? Use hot breakfast sausage or add diced jalapeños. Want to go vegetarian? Swap the sausage for plant-based crumbles or sautéed mushrooms and onions.
You can also experiment with different cheeses—try smoked gouda for a smoky finish or pepper jack for extra spice. The biscuit base is incredibly forgiving, which makes it the perfect canvas for whatever breakfast ingredients you’re craving.
Kids love them too! The mild sausage and melty cheese appeal to even picky eaters, and since they’re baked in one pan, there’s no mess or individual portioning required. Just cut and serve!
Nutrition and Serving Suggestions
Each biscuit square is satisfying enough to be a full meal, especially when paired with a fruit smoothie or a side of eggs. They provide a good balance of protein and carbs to start your day with energy, making them a great breakfast choice for busy mornings.
While these biscuits are certainly an indulgent treat, they can also be part of a balanced breakfast. Serve with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables for a brunch plate that checks all the boxes for flavor, texture, and nutrition.
You can also serve them as a savory snack or lunch item—think of them as a cousin to a breakfast sandwich. Just add a fried egg or a slice of tomato and avocado on top, and you’ve got a restaurant-worthy meal with minimal effort.
Tips for the Best Butter Swim Biscuits
To get the best results, make sure your oven is fully preheated before placing the biscuits inside. A hot oven ensures they rise properly and develop that beautiful golden crust. Also, use high-quality cheddar cheese that you grate yourself—pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect melting and texture.
Don’t overmix your batter. Stir just until the flour is incorporated to avoid tough biscuits. The batter will be sticky and slightly lumpy, but that’s exactly how it should look. Letting the biscuits rest for a few minutes before baking also helps the dough relax and rise more evenly.
If you want a little crunch on top, sprinkle a pinch of shredded cheese or even some crispy bacon bits over the top before baking. A dash of cracked black pepper or a few red pepper flakes can also bring out more depth in flavor.
The History Behind Butter Swim Biscuits
Butter Swim Biscuits originated from traditional Southern baking where rich, comforting flavors and simple methods are the norm. The “swimming in butter” concept became popular because of its practicality and taste—eliminating the need to cut cold butter into the dough and simplifying the baking process.
The dish reflects a cultural appreciation for hearty, soul-warming meals that bring people together. In many ways, it represents the best of Southern cuisine: rustic yet flavorful, straightforward but deeply satisfying. By adding sausage and cheese, this recipe carries on that legacy with a modern twist that adds even more depth and nutrition to an already beloved classic.
Make It a Complete Brunch Experience
To turn this recipe into a full brunch menu, consider pairing it with a few complimentary dishes. Fresh fruit salad, yogurt parfaits, or citrus juices bring a refreshing balance to the richness of the biscuits. A side of scrambled eggs or a simple omelet can also make the meal more substantial.
For those who love a sweet-and-savory combo, try serving the biscuits with a dollop of pepper jelly or honey butter. The sweetness will enhance the savory notes and create a perfect bite every time.
If you’re planning to serve this to guests, prepare your table with rustic charm—think mason jars for juice, a mix of patterned plates, and a fresh bouquet of herbs or flowers. The presentation adds to the enjoyment and turns a humble dish into a brunch centerpiece.
Conclusion
Fluffy Sausage & Cheddar Butter Swim Biscuits are more than just a delicious breakfast—they’re a celebration of comfort, flavor, and simplicity. With minimal prep, easy cleanup, and universally loved ingredients, this recipe is bound to become a regular part of your kitchen routine.
It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug: filling, flavorful, and deeply satisfying. Whether you’re baking them for yourself, your family, or a crowd, these biscuits are sure to bring smiles to the table. Their buttery base, hearty filling, and rich texture make them an unforgettable addition to any meal.
In today’s fast-paced world, finding recipes that combine ease and indulgence is a true gift. This one-pan wonder delivers all that and more. Try it once, and it just might become your new breakfast tradition.