Sausage, Cheese & Butter Swim Biscuits – Ultimate Biscuit Breakfast

Welcome to Biscuit Bliss

Butter swim biscuits are the kind of Southern comfort that wraps you in warmth from the first bite. Originating from kitchens where simplicity meets indulgence, these biscuits are baked in a pool of melted butter, creating a golden crust and tender, buttery interior. But this version takes things up a notch—with savory sausage and sharp cheddar cheese folded right into the dough. It’s the ultimate breakfast trifecta: rich butter, hearty sausage, and melty cheese. No fancy techniques, just crave-worthy flavor in every square. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or treating yourself to a slow morning, this recipe transforms breakfast into a soul-satisfying experience. One pan, one bake, endless comfort.

What Are Butter Swim Biscuits?

Butter swim biscuits are a no-fuss, all-flavor Southern classic. Instead of rolling or cutting, the biscuit dough is simply mixed, poured into a pan of melted butter, and baked until puffed and golden. The “swimming in butter” technique creates a crisp, buttery crust while keeping the inside tender and rich. It’s a genius method that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. No biscuit cutter, no kneading—just stir, pour, and bake. The result is a pan of golden, pull-apart squares that are as indulgent as they are easy. Add-ins like sausage and cheese turn them into a full meal, but even plain, they’re irresistible. It’s comfort food at its most efficient.

Why Sausage and Cheese Make It a Full Breakfast

Adding sausage and cheese transforms these biscuits from a side dish into a complete breakfast. The sausage brings savory depth and a satisfying heartiness, while sharp cheddar melts into every bite, adding richness and tang. Together, they balance the buttery base with protein and flavor, making each square feel substantial and indulgent. It’s the kind of breakfast that keeps you full and happy, whether you’re rushing out the door or lingering over coffee. Plus, the mix-in method means everything’s baked into one pan—no extra steps, just pure morning magic.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Brown the Sausage In a skillet over medium heat, cook ½ lb ground breakfast sausage until golden and fully cooked. Drain excess grease and set aside to cool slightly.
  2. Preheat & Prep Pan Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Place ½ cup (1 stick) of butter in a 9×9-inch baking dish and put it in the oven to melt while you prepare the batter.
  3. Mix Dry Ingredients In a large bowl, whisk together:
    • 2 cups all-purpose flour
    • 1 tbsp baking powder
    • 1 tsp salt
  4. Add Wet Ingredients Pour in 1¾ cups buttermilk and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
  5. Fold in Sausage & Cheese Gently fold in the cooked sausage and 1 cup freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese.
  6. Pour into Buttered Pan Carefully remove the hot pan from the oven. Pour the biscuit batter directly into the melted butter. Spread evenly with a spatula.
  7. Bake Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden and puffed and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  8. Cool & Serve Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing into squares.

Bold Tip: Use freshly grated cheese—it melts more smoothly and adds better flavor than pre-shredded varieties.

Flavor Variations & Add-Ins

These biscuits are endlessly adaptable. Swap the sausage for crispy bacon, spicy chorizo, or plant-based veggie crumbles for a vegetarian twist. Cheese-wise, try pepper jack for heat, gouda for smokiness, or mozzarella for a milder melt. Want to add freshness? Stir in chopped herbs like chives, rosemary, or thyme. For a spicy kick, mix in diced jalapeños or drizzle hot sauce over the top before baking. You can even add sautéed onions, bell peppers, or spinach for extra flavor and color. Prefer a sweeter version? Skip the sausage and cheese, and add a touch of honey or cinnamon for a brunch-friendly biscuit. The base recipe is your canvas—mix and match to suit your taste or the season. Each variation brings a new personality to the pan, making this a go-to recipe you’ll never tire of.

Serving Ideas for Any Occasion

These biscuits shine at breakfast but work for any time of day. Serve them alongside scrambled eggs, fresh fruit, or a simple green salad for a balanced meal. They’re perfect for brunch spreads, holiday mornings, or lazy weekends. Cut into squares and wrap for grab-and-go breakfasts or lunchbox treats. Want to impress guests? Top with a fried egg or a dollop of gravy. Whether plated or packed, these biscuits deliver comfort and flavor in every bite.

Sausage, Cheese & Butter Swim Biscuits – Ultimate Biscuit Breakfast

Start your morning with these indulgent Sausage, Cheese, and Butter Swim Biscuits! Fluffy biscuits topped with savory sausage, melted cheese, and rich buttery goodness. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or weekend family gatherings – a comfort food breakfast everyone will love!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Breakfast, Brunch
Cuisine Comfort Food, Southern / American
Servings 9 biscuits (cut from a 9x9-inch pan)
Calories 300 kcal

Equipment

  • 9x9-inch baking dish
  • Mixing bowls
  • Skillet
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons
  • Spatula or spoon

Ingredients
  

  • ½ lb ground breakfast sausage
  • ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tbsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1¾ cups buttermilk
  • 1 cup freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese

Instructions
 

  • Brown Sausage: Cook sausage in a skillet over medium heat until golden. Drain excess grease and let cool slightly.
  • Preheat Oven: Set oven to 425°F (220°C). Place butter in baking dish and melt in oven while preparing batter.
  • Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.
  • Add Wet Ingredients: Stir in buttermilk until just combined.
  • Fold in Sausage & Cheese: Gently mix in cooked sausage and grated cheddar.
  • Pour into Pan: Remove hot dish from oven. Pour batter into melted butter and spread evenly.
  • Bake: Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden and puffed.
  • Cool & Serve: Let rest 5 minutes before cutting into squares.

Notes

  • Use real butter, not margarine, for best flavor and texture.
  • Don’t overmix the batter—keep it light for tender biscuits.
  • Drain sausage well to avoid greasy results.
  • Preheat oven fully to ensure proper rise.
  • Store at room temp for 2 days, refrigerate up to a week, or freeze for 3 months.
  • Reheat in oven for best texture.
Keyword Butter swim biscuits, cheddar, no-roll biscuits, one-pan breakfast, sausage, Southern Recipes