If you’ve ever dreamed of a cozy breakfast that fills your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas and your heart with comfort, then you’re going to fall head over heels for the Irresistible Butter Swim Biscuits with Sausage and Cheddar Recipe. This dish brings together flaky, buttery biscuits swimming in rich melted butter, savory breakfast sausage, and sharp cheddar cheese, creating a harmonious blend that’s impossible to resist. Every bite offers a delightful balance of textures and flavors that feels like a warm hug on a plate — perfect for lazy weekend mornings or a special brunch treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and how every ingredient plays a crucial role. Each component contributes either flavor, tender texture, or that delightful golden color that makes these biscuits so inviting. Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious breakfast classic come to life.
- 2½ cups (315g) all-purpose flour: The backbone of your biscuit, ensuring a tender, fluffy crumb with the perfect structure.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder: The magic agent that helps your biscuits rise to fluffy perfection.
- 1 tablespoon sugar: Just a touch to balance the savory flavors and enhance browning.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential to bring all the flavors together and highlight the cheesy goodness.
- 1¾ cups (415ml) buttermilk: This adds a slight tang and makes the dough tender, plus it reacts with the baking powder for lift.
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted (for the pan): This butter bath keeps the biscuits swimming as they bake, infusing them with buttery richness.
- ½ lb (225g) ground breakfast sausage (mild or spicy): Adds savory meatiness and a punch of flavor – choose your favorite style!
- 1½ cups (150g) shredded cheddar cheese (or a cheese blend): Sharp and melty, this cheese gives the biscuits their signature savory bite.
- Optional: ½ teaspoon black pepper or paprika: Sprinkle in for an extra kick that complements the sausage beautifully.
How to Make Irresistible Butter Swim Biscuits with Sausage and Cheddar Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by heating your oven to a scorching 450°F (232°C). Place the butter in your baking dish and pop it into the oven as it warms up. This step is crucial because you want the butter fully melted to create that iconic “swim” effect for your biscuits. Watch closely to get it melted but not browned – it’s all about that silky pool of golden butter waiting to embrace your dough.
Step 2: Cook the Sausage
While the oven works its magic, get your skillet going over medium heat. Crumble in the breakfast sausage and let it cook gently until nicely browned and cooked through, without any pink left. The aroma at this point is irresistible! Once done, drain any excess grease so the biscuits don’t turn oily — then set the sausage aside to cool just a bit before folding into the dough.
Step 3: Make the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt until evenly combined. Pour in the buttermilk and stir everything just until it’s moistened and forms a thick dough — resist the urge to overmix, as that can make the biscuits tough. Now, gently fold in your cooked sausage crumbles and shredded cheddar cheese. The dough should be thick and slightly sticky, ready to be spooned into the warm butter bath.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Carefully remove your baking dish from the oven — that bubbling butter is pure gold. Spoon or spread the dough evenly into the heated butter, smoothing it out to cover the entire dish. Use a spatula to press the dough all the way to the edges, soaking up that buttery goodness. Then, lightly score the top of the dough into 9 squares using a knife. This little trick makes slicing the biscuits easier once baked. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the top turns a stunning golden brown and a toothpick poked in the center comes out clean.
Step 5: Serve Warm
Allow the biscuits to cool for 5 to 10 minutes. This resting time helps them set beautifully and makes slicing a breeze. Serve them warm while the cheese inside is still melty and the buttery edges are crisp. Trust me, these are not just biscuits — they are comfort breakfast elevated to an art form.
How to Serve Irresistible Butter Swim Biscuits with Sausage and Cheddar Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your Irresistible Butter Swim Biscuits with Sausage and Cheddar Recipe by topping them with freshly chopped chives or scallions for a pop of color and a subtle oniony brightness. A dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of hot honey can add delightful contrasts — tanginess or sweetness — complementing the richness beautifully. For a little heat, sprinkle some extra paprika or crushed red pepper flakes on top right before serving.
Side Dishes
Though these biscuits are hearty on their own, pairing them with a few simple side dishes can transform your breakfast into a feast. Fresh fruit salad or a mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette adds refreshing balance. For a truly indulgent brunch, serve alongside crispy bacon, scrambled eggs, or sautéed greens. These sides will round out the meal without overshadowing the star of the show.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress friends or family? Arrange your Irresistible Butter Swim Biscuits with Sausage and Cheddar Recipe on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of honey butter, hot sauce, or your favorite jam. You can also cut into individual squares and stack them for a charming biscuit tower centerpiece. Wrap each piece with a small herb sprig for a picture-perfect touch. Presentation matters, and these biscuits are show-stoppers either way!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover biscuits (which is rare because they disappear fast), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps them soft and ready for a quick snack or breakfast the next day.
Freezing
These biscuits freeze beautifully. After baking and cooling completely, wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be kept frozen for up to three months, making them a perfect make-ahead option for busy mornings.
Reheating
To bring your biscuits back to life, reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until warmed through and the edges regain a bit of their crispness. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can make them rubbery or soggy. When reheated properly, they taste just as delicious as fresh out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese in this recipe?
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar provides a classic flavor, you can experiment with cheese blends or even pepper jack for some heat. Just be sure the cheese melts well to keep the biscuit moist and flavorful.
Is it okay to use spicy sausage instead of mild?
Definitely. Using spicy sausage will add a nice kick to the biscuits and complement the richness of the butter and cheese. Adjust the optional black pepper or paprika accordingly if you want to balance the heat.
Can I substitute regular milk for buttermilk?
Buttermilk is preferred because of its acidity, which helps tenderize the dough and reacts with the baking powder for lift. However, you can make a buttermilk substitute by mixing 1¾ cups of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar and letting it sit for 5-10 minutes before using.
What type of pan works best for this recipe?
A ceramic or glass baking dish works wonderfully here because it retains heat evenly and showcases that pretty golden crust. If you don’t have one, a metal pan will work fine, but watch the baking time closely as it may vary.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
You can prepare the dough and store it covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Bring it to room temperature before spreading into the melted butter for baking. This can help with meal prep on busy mornings!
Final Thoughts
Cooking up these Irresistible Butter Swim Biscuits with Sausage and Cheddar Recipe is like wrapping yourself in a warm, comforting blanket of flavor. They’re straightforward to make but oh-so-satisfying to eat, perfect for treating yourself or delighting your loved ones. So next time you crave a breakfast that feels both special and heartwarming, don’t hesitate to dive in and make these buttery, cheesy treasures your new favorite.
Print
Irresistible Butter Swim Biscuits with Sausage and Cheddar Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 9 biscuits
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Irresistible Butter Swim Biscuits are a comforting breakfast treat featuring a savory blend of browned sausage and melted cheddar cheese baked in a buttery biscuit dough. Perfectly golden and flavorful, these biscuits are ideal for a hearty morning meal or brunch.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2½ cups (315g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Optional: ½ teaspoon black pepper or paprika for extra flavor
Wet Ingredients
- 1¾ cups (415ml) buttermilk
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted (for the pan)
Additional Ingredients
- ½ lb (225g) ground breakfast sausage (mild or spicy)
- 1½ cups (150g) shredded cheddar cheese (or a cheese blend)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Place the ½ cup of unsalted butter in your baking dish and put it in the oven while it preheats to melt the butter. Watch carefully to ensure the butter melts completely without browning.
- Cook the Sausage: While the butter melts, cook the ground breakfast sausage in a skillet over medium heat. Break it into small crumbles and cook until fully browned with no pink remaining. Drain any excess grease and set the sausage aside to cool slightly.
- Make the Dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, sugar, salt, and optional black pepper or paprika if using. Pour in the buttermilk and stir gently until the mixture is just combined; avoid overmixing to keep the dough tender. Fold in the cooked sausage and shredded cheddar cheese until evenly distributed. The dough will be thick and slightly sticky.
- Assemble and Bake: Remove the baking dish from the oven, now filled with melted butter. Carefully spoon or spread the dough evenly into the hot butter, using a spatula to press it toward the edges of the dish to ensure even baking. Lightly score the top of the dough with a knife into nine squares to make slicing easier after baking. Place the dish back in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Serve Warm: After baking, let the biscuits cool in the dish for about 5 to 10 minutes. Slice along the scored lines and serve warm. These biscuits are best enjoyed fresh but remain tasty at room temperature.
Notes
- Watch the butter carefully during melting to avoid browning, which can change the flavor.
- For a spicier twist, use spicy sausage or add black pepper and paprika.
- Do not overmix the dough to keep biscuits fluffy and tender.
- Serve with honey, jam, or alongside eggs for a complete breakfast.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat gently before serving.
