Sausage Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits
If you’re looking for a savory, buttery, and incredibly easy breakfast or brunch idea, look no further than Sausage Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits. These flaky, cheesy biscuits soaked in melted butter are a Southern comfort classic—and when you throw in cooked sausage and gooey cheddar, it becomes a dish worth making on repeat.
Whether you’re hosting weekend guests or want to spice up your breakfast meal prep, this dump-and-bake recipe will become your go-to. It only requires a handful of simple ingredients, no rolling or biscuit cutters needed—just stir, pour, and bake.
These biscuits use buttermilk, which plays a crucial role in delivering the right texture and tang. If you don’t have it on hand, here are some buttermilk substitutes you can easily whip up at home.
And for the sausage, the flavor can make or break the dish. From mild to spicy, choosing the right sausage matters. Here’s a great guide on how to cook sausage properly so you can maximize the flavor.
🍞 What Are Butter Swim Biscuits?
Butter swim biscuits are a no-fuss Southern staple, known for their unique method of baking in melted butter. The result? Golden-brown tops, crispy edges, and a moist, fluffy center. Unlike traditional biscuits, these don’t require kneading or cutting. The dough “swims” in butter, soaking up rich flavor during the bake.
Adding sausage and cheese transforms this humble biscuit into a hearty dish perfect for:
- Brunch spreads
- Holiday mornings
- Meal prep breakfasts
- Quick comfort food cravings
🧀 Key Ingredients Breakdown For Sausage Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits
Every component contributes to the biscuit’s moist texture and bold flavor. Let’s break them down:
Sausage
- Choose from mild, spicy, sage, or even bacon as an alternative.
- Drain thoroughly to avoid greasy biscuits.
- Cook fully before mixing into the dough.
Cheese
- Sharp cheddar is the classic choice.
- You can also use pepper jack, gouda, or Monterey Jack.
- Freshly grated cheese melts better and offers stronger flavor.
Butter
- Salted butter is ideal for extra flavor.
- Do not substitute with margarine—margarine lacks the fat content needed and makes the biscuits greasy.
Buttermilk
- Provides acidity and moisture.
Flour
- All-purpose is standard.
- You can use self-rising flour but skip the baking powder if you do.
👨🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions Of Sausage Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits
These biscuits are ridiculously easy to make. Here’s how:
- Preheat oven to 450°F (232°C).
- Cook sausage in a skillet until browned and no longer pink (8–10 minutes).
- Mix dry ingredients in a bowl:
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- Add wet ingredients:
- 1¾–2 cups buttermilk
- Stir to form a sticky dough
- Fold in:
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar
- Cooked sausage crumbles
- Melt ½ cup salted butter in a 9×9 glass or ceramic baking dish.
- Pour dough directly into the pan over the melted butter.
- Spread evenly and cut into 9 squares (to help portion post-bake).
- Bake 25–30 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
💡 Tip: Rotate the pan halfway through for even browning. If the top darkens too quickly, loosely cover with foil.
💡 Pro Tips for Sausage Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits Success
- Spray your hands with nonstick spray to avoid sticky dough.
- Don’t overmix the batter—just combine until ingredients are incorporated.
- Always use a glass or ceramic dish for best results—metal pans heat too quickly.
- For even browning, rotate the pan during baking.
- Add a drizzle of maple syrup for a sweet-savory finish.
🍳 Delicious Variations to Try
One of the best parts about Sausage Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits is how customizable they are. The base recipe is incredibly forgiving, which means you can mix and match ingredients to suit your cravings or what’s in your fridge. Here are some mouthwatering variations to keep your breakfast exciting and versatile:
🔥 Jalapeño Cheddar Kick
Add 1–2 tablespoons of finely chopped jalapeños (fresh or pickled) along with sharp cheddar cheese for a spicy twist. Perfect for those who like a little heat in their morning meal.
🥓 Bacon Maple Delight
Swap out the sausage for crispy bacon crumbles and drizzle the finished biscuits with maple syrup. This combo offers the perfect balance of sweet and salty—especially satisfying during fall and winter.
🍖 Ham and Swiss
Use diced cooked ham and Swiss cheese instead of sausage and cheddar. This variation is especially great for repurposing leftover holiday ham into a hearty breakfast bake.
🌱 Vegetarian Herb & Cheese
Skip the meat entirely and fold in fresh herbs like chives, rosemary, or parsley with a mix of cheddar and mozzarella. A great meatless option that still feels indulgent.
🧄 Garlic Butter Parmesan
Stir in grated Parmesan and a dash of garlic powder, then brush the top with garlic butter before baking. The result is a savory, pull-apart biscuit ideal for brunch or dinner sides.
🍏 Sweet Apple Cinnamon
For a dessert-inspired version, omit the sausage and cheese. Instead, fold in diced apples, cinnamon, and a touch of brown sugar. Drizzle with icing for a breakfast-meets-dessert treat.
Each of these variations maintains the rich, buttery texture that defines butter swim biscuits while offering a new flavor profile. Don’t be afraid to experiment—this recipe is your canvas for delicious creativity!
🥓 Serving Suggestions
Serve these warm and gooey biscuits with:
- Fried or scrambled eggs
- A side of fresh fruit
- Maple syrup or honey drizzled on top
- A spicy hot sauce for contrast
- Layered as biscuit breakfast sandwiches
They’re excellent for:
- Holiday breakfasts
- Weekend brunches
- Potluck parties
- Freezer meal prep
🧊 Storage & Reheating Tips
Room Temp:
- Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Refrigerator:
- Lasts up to 1 week. Microwave or reheat in the oven.
Freezer:
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheat wrapped in foil at 350°F for 10–12 minutes.
Avoid microwaving uncovered, as it can make biscuits rubbery.
🧮 Nutrition Snapshot (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~457 kcal
- Protein: 16g
- Fat: 32g
- Carbs: 26g
- Sodium: 576mg
💡 Looking to lighten it up? Try:
- Turkey sausage
- Reduced-fat cheddar
- Low-fat buttermilk
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even though Sausage Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits are known for being simple and foolproof, there are a few common mistakes that can impact texture, flavor, and appearance. Here’s what to watch out for:
1. Using Margarine Instead of Butter
A major misstep is substituting real butter with margarine. Margarine is mostly oil and lacks the fat content that gives these biscuits their signature richness and crisp edges. Always use salted or unsalted real butter for the best results.
2. Overmixing the Dough
It might be tempting to stir until perfectly smooth, but overmixing can make your biscuits dense and tough. Mix just until the ingredients are combined. A slightly lumpy dough is ideal.
3. Not Draining the Sausage
Failing to properly drain cooked sausage can lead to greasy, soggy biscuits. Once browned, let the sausage rest on a paper towel before mixing it into the dough.
4. Using Too Much Flour
Scooping flour directly from the bag can pack it down, leading to too much flour and dry biscuits. Instead, spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife.
5. Skipping the Foil
If your biscuits are browning too quickly on top before the inside is done, cover the pan loosely with foil. Skipping this step may lead to an overcooked exterior and undercooked center.
6. Not Preheating the Oven
Putting biscuits in a cold oven affects rise and texture. Always preheat your oven to 450°F to ensure proper baking.
Avoiding these mistakes will help you create flaky, golden, and irresistibly cheesy biscuits every single time.
❓FAQs: People Also Ask About Sausage Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits
Can I use other sausage types?
Yes! Try mild, spicy, or sage. Even bacon works great.
Can I swap out the cheese?
Absolutely—mozzarella, gouda, or Monterey Jack all work well.
Can I use self-rising flour?
Yes, but omit the baking powder in the recipe.
Can these be made ahead?
You can prep the dough a few hours early, but it’s best baked fresh.
Do I need a glass dish?
Preferably. Glass or ceramic holds heat better and gives a perfect crust.
Can I make them gluten-free?
Yes, with a 1:1 gluten-free flour mix and by double-checking sausage ingredients.
✅ Final Thoughts
Sausage Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits are the ultimate combination of rich, savory flavor and comforting, homemade goodness. With buttery layers, melty cheese, and hearty sausage crumbles, these biscuits deliver a crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even as a savory snack. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity—no kneading, no cutting, just a quick mix, pour, and bake.
Whether you’re hosting a weekend gathering, preparing for a holiday breakfast, or simply craving something indulgent and satisfying, this recipe checks all the boxes. It’s also incredibly versatile—swap the sausage for bacon, switch up the cheeses, or try one of the many variations like jalapeño cheddar or maple-drizzled ham.
Pair it with sides like cheesy breakfast egg muffins or sausage roll-ups for a complete meal. And don’t forget to store leftovers properly—they reheat beautifully for an easy breakfast on busy mornings.
In short, these buttery, cheesy sausage biscuits aren’t just delicious—they’re unforgettable. Give them a try once, and they’re sure to become a staple in your kitchen rotation.
