Sausage Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

Sausage cheese butter swim biscuits – just the name alone conjures up images of warm, comforting goodness, doesn’t it? Get ready to dive headfirst into a recipe that’s as fun to make as it is to devour! These aren’t your average biscuits; they’re swimming in a pool of buttery bliss, infused with savory sausage and melty cheese, creating an unforgettable breakfast or brunch experience.

While the exact origins of “swim biscuits” are a bit murky, the concept of baking biscuits in a generous amount of butter has roots in Southern comfort food traditions. Think of it as a delicious evolution of classic biscuits, taken to a whole new level of richness and flavor. It’s a celebration of simple ingredients transformed into something truly special.

What’s not to love? The combination of flaky, buttery biscuit, savory sausage, and gooey cheese is simply irresistible. People adore sausage cheese butter swim biscuits because they’re incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal effort for maximum flavor payoff. They’re perfect for a lazy weekend morning, a potluck brunch, or even a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner. The soft, tender texture combined with the salty, savory flavors creates a symphony in your mouth that will leave you wanting more. So, grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and let’s get swimming!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 pound breakfast sausage (I prefer Jimmy Dean regular)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided (2 tablespoons melted, 2 tablespoons cold)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• 4 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup buttermilk, cold
• 4 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (about 1 cup)
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream, for brushing (optional)

Preparing the Sausage and Cheese Mixture:

1. First, let’s get that sausage cooked! In a large skillet over medium heat, crumble the breakfast sausage. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is browned and cooked through. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Make sure to break up any large clumps of sausage as it cooks.
2. Once the sausage is cooked, drain off any excess grease. I like to use a slotted spoon to transfer the sausage to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any remaining fat. This will prevent the biscuits from becoming greasy.
3. Set the cooked sausage aside to cool slightly. While the sausage is cooling, shred your cheddar cheese if you haven’t already. I find that freshly shredded cheese melts better and has a better flavor than pre-shredded cheese.
4. In a medium bowl, combine the slightly cooled cooked sausage and the shredded cheddar cheese. Toss them together to ensure the cheese is evenly distributed throughout the sausage. This mixture will be folded into the biscuit dough later.

Making the Biscuit Dough:

1. Now, let’s tackle the biscuit dough! In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper. Make sure everything is well combined. This ensures that the leavening agents are evenly distributed, resulting in light and fluffy biscuits.
2. Cut the cold butter into small cubes. This is crucial for creating flaky biscuits. The cold butter will create pockets of steam as the biscuits bake, resulting in layers of deliciousness.
3. Add the cubed cold butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry blender or your fingertips, cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. You should still see small pieces of butter throughout the mixture. Don’t overmix! Overmixing will result in tough biscuits.
4. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients. Pour in the cold buttermilk. Gently stir the buttermilk into the dry ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. The dough will be shaggy and slightly sticky, and that’s perfectly fine.
5. Gently fold in the sausage and cheese mixture into the biscuit dough. Be careful not to overmix. You want the sausage and cheese to be evenly distributed throughout the dough, but you don’t want to develop the gluten too much.

Shaping and Baking the Biscuits:

1. Time to shape those biscuits! Lightly flour a clean work surface. Turn the biscuit dough out onto the floured surface. Gently pat the dough into a rectangle about 1 inch thick.
2. Using a 2-inch biscuit cutter (or a sharp knife), cut out the biscuits. Try not to twist the cutter as you cut, as this can seal the edges and prevent the biscuits from rising properly.
3. Gently gather the scraps of dough, pat them back into a rectangle, and cut out more biscuits. Repeat until all the dough is used. Don’t overwork the dough, as this will result in tough biscuits.
4. Place the biscuits on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This will prevent the biscuits from sticking to the baking sheet.
5. Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Brush the tops of the biscuits with the melted butter. This will give the biscuits a beautiful golden-brown color and a rich, buttery flavor.
6. For an extra touch of richness and shine, you can brush the tops of the biscuits with heavy cream instead of melted butter. This is optional, but it adds a lovely touch.
7. Bake in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown and cooked through. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on them.
8. Remove the biscuits from the oven and let them cool slightly on the baking sheet before serving.

Serving Suggestions:

These sausage cheese butter swim biscuits are delicious served warm with butter, jam, or honey. They’re also great on their own as a savory snack or side dish. I love to serve them with a side of scrambled eggs for a complete breakfast. They are also fantastic for making breakfast sandwiches. Just slice them in half and fill them with your favorite breakfast fillings, such as eggs, bacon, and cheese.

Tips for Perfect Biscuits:

• Use cold ingredients. Cold butter and buttermilk are essential for creating flaky biscuits.
• Don’t overmix the dough. Overmixing will develop the gluten and result in tough biscuits.
• Handle the dough gently. Be careful not to overwork the dough when shaping the biscuits.
• Bake at a high temperature. A high oven temperature will help the biscuits rise quickly and create a golden-brown crust.
• Enjoy them warm! Biscuits are best served warm, straight from the oven.

Variations:

• Add herbs. You can add fresh or dried herbs to the biscuit dough for extra flavor. Try adding chopped chives, rosemary, or thyme.
• Use different cheeses. You can use different types of cheese in the biscuits, such as Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or Gruyere.
• Add spices. You can add spices to the biscuit dough for extra flavor. Try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika.
• Make them sweeter. For a sweeter biscuit, add a tablespoon or two of sugar to the dry ingredients.
• Use different types of sausage. Try using Italian sausage, chorizo, or turkey sausage instead of breakfast sausage.

Storage Instructions:

Store leftover biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also freeze the biscuits for longer storage. To freeze, wrap the biscuits individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. Frozen biscuits can be stored for up to 2 months. To reheat frozen biscuits, bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

Why are they called “Butter Swim” Biscuits?

The name “butter swim” comes from the fact that the biscuits are baked in a pan with melted butter. The biscuits essentially “swim” in the butter as they bake, which gives them a rich, buttery flavor and a crispy bottom crust. This method also helps to keep the biscuits moist and tender.

Troubleshooting:

• Biscuits are too dense: This could be due to overmixing the dough, using warm ingredients, or not using enough leavening agents.
• Biscuits are too dry: This could be due to overbaking the biscuits or not using enough buttermilk.
• Biscuits are not rising: This could be due to using old baking powder or baking soda, or not baking the biscuits at a high enough temperature.
• Biscuits are too greasy: This could be due to not draining the sausage properly or using too much butter.

Nutritional Information (approximate, per biscuit):

Calories: 250-300

Fat: 15-20g

Saturated Fat: 8-12g

Cholesterol: 50-70mg

Sodium: 500-700mg

Carbohydrates: 20-25g

Fiber: 1-2g

Sugar: 2-4g

Protein: 8-10g

Conclusion:

And there you have it! These Sausage Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits are truly a game-changer. I know, I know, another biscuit recipe, right? But trust me on this one. The “swim” in butter technique creates a texture that’s unbelievably tender and flaky, unlike anything you’ve probably made before. The savory sausage and sharp cheddar add a burst of flavor that makes them irresistible, whether you’re serving them for breakfast, brunch, or even as a side with dinner.

What makes these biscuits a must-try? It’s the simplicity combined with the incredible results. You don’t need any fancy equipment or complicated techniques. Just a bowl, a baking dish, and a few readily available ingredients. Plus, the “swim” in melted butter ensures that every single biscuit is perfectly moist and golden brown. No more dry, crumbly biscuits!

But the best part? They’re incredibly versatile! While I’ve shared my favorite sausage and cheese combination, feel free to get creative. Try adding some chopped jalapenos for a spicy kick, or substitute the cheddar with Gruyere for a more sophisticated flavor. For a sweeter twist, you could even add a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar to the tops before baking. Imagine these with a drizzle of honey – pure bliss!

Here are a few serving suggestions to get you started:

* Breakfast Bliss: Serve them warm with scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, and a side of fresh fruit.
* Brunch Bonanza: Create a biscuit bar with various toppings like jams, jellies, honey, and different cheeses.
* Dinner Delight: Pair them with a hearty soup, chili, or stew for a comforting and satisfying meal.
* Holiday Hero: These biscuits are always a crowd-pleaser at holiday gatherings. They’re perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter.

Don’t be afraid to experiment and make these biscuits your own. That’s the beauty of cooking – it’s all about creating something delicious that you and your loved ones will enjoy.

I truly believe that once you try this recipe, you’ll be hooked. These Sausage Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits are destined to become a staple in your kitchen. They’re easy to make, incredibly delicious, and perfect for any occasion.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience biscuit perfection. I’m confident that you’ll love them as much as I do.

And now, for the most important part: I want to hear from you! Once you’ve tried this recipe, please come back and share your experience in the comments below. Did you make any variations? What did you serve them with? What did your family and friends think? I’m eager to hear all about your biscuit-baking adventures. Happy baking! Let me know how your Sausage Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits turn out!