Butter Swim Biscuits are a Southern staple—known for their golden crust, fluffy center, and rich buttery flavor. This lighter take on the classic keeps all the mouthwatering goodness while using smart swaps to make them more everyday-friendly. Perfect for brunch, holiday meals, or a cozy side to soup or stew, these biscuits are simple, satisfying, and surprisingly easy to make.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
One Bowl Wonder: Simple ingredients, no kneading, no fuss.
Golden & Buttery: Crisp edges, soft centers—just like grandma made.
Mindful Ingredients: Lightened-up but still full of flavor.
Perfect for Any Meal: Breakfast, lunch, or dinner—they fit right in.
Ingredients
- 2 cups self-rising flour
- 1 ½ cups low-fat buttermilk
- ¼ cup light butter, melted (plus 1 tbsp for topping)
- ½ tsp baking powder (optional, for extra lift)
- Pinch of salt (optional, if using unsalted butter)
Instructions
1. Preheat & Prepare Pan
Preheat oven to 450°F (232°C). Lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish or coat with cooking spray.
2. Make the Dough
In a large bowl, stir together self-rising flour and baking powder (if using). Add buttermilk and melted butter, mixing just until combined. The dough will be very wet—this is expected.
3. Pour & Spread
Pour the dough into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly with a spatula.
4. Score the Biscuits
Using a knife or bench scraper, score the dough into 9 squares to help guide cutting after baking.
5. Bake
Bake for 25–28 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
6. Brush with Butter & Serve
While hot, brush the tops with the additional tablespoon of melted butter. Let cool slightly, then slice and serve warm.
Nutritional Information (Per Biscuit, Approximate)
Calories: 140
Carbs: 18g
Fat: 5g
Protein: 3g
Fiber: 1g
Tips for Success
- Use Self-Rising Flour: It gives the biscuits their classic lift—no need for extra leaveners.
- Don’t Overmix: Stir until just combined for tender biscuits.
- Add Extras: Mix in a bit of shredded light cheddar, chives, or garlic powder for a flavor boost.
- Reheat Like a Pro: Warm leftovers in the oven for a crisp edge and fresh-from-the-oven taste.
Why This Recipe Works
These biscuits deliver the full butter-soaked, fluffy texture of traditional recipes but with a few lighter swaps to keep things balanced. They’re comfort food made simple—perfect when you want something warm and homemade without spending hours in the kitchen.
Butter Swim Biscuits are the kind of down-home classic that brings comfort to any table. This lightened version gives you all the flavor and texture you love, with fewer ingredients and a more mindful approach. Whether it’s for Sunday brunch or a weekday dinner side, these biscuits are pure Southern charm—made easier and a little lighter.
Butter Swim Biscuits – Classic Southern Comfort, Lightened Up
9
servings10
minutes25
minutes140
kcal40
minutesButter Swim Biscuits are a Southern staple—known for their golden crust, fluffy center, and rich buttery flavor. This lighter take on the classic keeps all the mouthwatering goodness while using smart swaps to make them more everyday-friendly. Perfect for brunch, holiday meals, or a cozy side to soup or stew, these biscuits are simple, satisfying, and surprisingly easy to make.
Ingredients
2 cups self-rising flour
1 ½ cups low-fat buttermilk
¼ cup light butter, melted (plus 1 tbsp for topping)
½ tsp baking powder (optional, for extra lift)
Pinch of salt (optional, if using unsalted butter)
Instructions
- Preheat & Prepare Pan
Preheat oven to 450°F (232°C). Lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish or coat with cooking spray. - Make the Dough
In a large bowl, stir together self-rising flour and baking powder (if using). Add buttermilk and melted butter, mixing just until combined. The dough will be very wet—this is expected. - Pour & Spread
Pour the dough into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly with a spatula. - Score the Biscuits
Using a knife or bench scraper, score the dough into 9 squares to help guide cutting after baking. - Bake
Bake for 25–28 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean. - Brush with Butter & Serve
While hot, brush the tops with the additional tablespoon of melted butter. Let cool slightly, then slice and serve warm.
Notes
- Use Self-Rising Flour: It gives the biscuits their classic lift—no need for extra leaveners.
Don’t Overmix: Stir until just combined for tender biscuits.
Add Extras: Mix in a bit of shredded light cheddar, chives, or garlic powder for a flavor boost.
Reheat Like a Pro: Warm leftovers in the oven for a crisp edge and fresh-from-the-oven taste.