Sausage Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits

If you’re craving a savory, buttery breakfast or brunch that’s both indulgent and easy to make, Sausage Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits are the answer. Flaky, cheesy biscuits “swim” in melted butter and are loaded with savory sausage crumbles and gooey cheddar. This Southern comfort classic requires minimal effort—no rolling or biscuit cutters—just mix, pour, and bake for a golden, melt-in-your-mouth result.

Perfect for holiday mornings, weekend brunches, or meal prep, these biscuits use buttermilk for a tender texture and rich flavor, while the choice of sausage adds a satisfying, hearty element. With simple ingredients and customizable variations, it’s a recipe you’ll return to time and again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Buttery, flaky, and packed with cheesy, savory goodness
• Minimal prep: no kneading, rolling, or cutting required
• Customizable with sausage, bacon, cheese, herbs, or spices
• Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a savory snack
• Meal-prep friendly and freezer-safe

Ingredients

For the Biscuits

• 2½ cups all-purpose flour – Forms a tender, fluffy base
• 1 tbsp granulated sugar – Slight sweetness balances savory flavors
• 1 tbsp baking powder – Helps the biscuits rise
• 1¾–2 cups buttermilk – Provides moisture and slight tang
• 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese – Melts beautifully for gooey richness
• Cooked sausage crumbles – Adds savory, hearty flavor
• ½ cup salted butter, melted – The “swim” that gives golden, crisp edges

Optional Add-Ins

• Finely chopped jalapeños for a spicy kick
• Diced cooked bacon or ham
• Fresh herbs like rosemary, chives, or parsley
• Garlic powder or paprika for extra flavor

Equipment Needed

• 9×9-inch glass or ceramic baking dish (preferred for even baking)
• Skillet for cooking sausage
• Mixing bowls
• Spoon or spatula for stirring
• Knife for portioning biscuits

How to Make Sausage Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits

Preheat and Cook Sausage

Preheat oven to 450°F (232°C). Cook sausage in a skillet until browned and no longer pink (8–10 minutes). Drain on paper towels to remove excess grease.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, combine flour, sugar, and baking powder.

Add Wet Ingredients and Mix

Pour in 1¾–2 cups buttermilk and stir until a sticky dough forms. Fold in shredded cheddar and cooked sausage crumbles.

Prepare the Baking Dish

Melt ½ cup butter in a 9×9-inch glass or ceramic baking dish. Pour the dough directly into the melted butter and spread evenly. Cut into 9 squares to help portion after baking.

Bake

Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean. Rotate the pan halfway through baking for even browning. If the tops brown too quickly, loosely cover with foil.

Tips for Success

• Spray hands with nonstick spray to handle sticky dough easily
• Do not overmix; a slightly lumpy dough is ideal
• Glass or ceramic dishes give the best, even crust
• Rotate pan during baking for uniform color
• Add a drizzle of maple syrup for a sweet-savory finish

Recipe Variations

Jalapeño Cheddar Kick: Add 1–2 tablespoons finely chopped jalapeños for a spicy twist.

Bacon Maple Delight: Substitute bacon for sausage and drizzle with maple syrup after baking.

Ham and Swiss: Use diced cooked ham and Swiss cheese instead of sausage and cheddar.

Vegetarian Herb & Cheese: Fold in fresh herbs and a mix of cheddar and mozzarella, skipping the meat.

Garlic Butter Parmesan: Mix in Parmesan and garlic powder; brush the top with garlic butter before baking.

Sweet Apple Cinnamon: Omit sausage and cheese, fold in diced apples and cinnamon, and drizzle with icing for a dessert-style biscuit.

Serving Suggestions

Serve warm with:

• Fried or scrambled eggs
• Fresh fruit
• Maple syrup, honey, or hot sauce
• As a breakfast sandwich layered with eggs and greens

Perfect for brunch boards, holiday breakfasts, potlucks, or freezer meal prep.

Storage & Reheating

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container up to 2 days
Refrigerator: Up to 1 week; reheat in oven or microwave
Freezer: Wrap individually; freeze up to 3 months. Reheat at 350°F for 10–12 minutes for best results

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using margarine instead of butter: results in greasy, flat biscuits
• Overmixing dough: makes biscuits dense
• Not draining sausage: creates soggy biscuits
• Using too much flour: can make biscuits dry
• Skipping foil if browning too quickly: top may burn while center remains undercooked
• Not preheating oven: affects rise and texture

FAQs

Can I use other sausage types?
Yes, mild, spicy, sage, or even bacon work great.

Can I swap the cheese?
Absolutely—mozzarella, gouda, or Monterey Jack all work.

Can I make them ahead of time?
You can prep dough a few hours early, but baking fresh yields the best texture.

Can these be gluten-free?
Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and check the sausage ingredients.

Do I need a glass dish?
Glass or ceramic heats more evenly and gives the perfect buttery crust.

Final Thoughts

Sausage Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits are a comfort-food dream: flaky, cheesy, buttery, and loaded with savory sausage. Their simplicity and versatility make them perfect for brunch, breakfast, or even a savory snack. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or experiment with variations like jalapeño cheddar or bacon maple, these biscuits deliver indulgence with minimal effort. Serve warm, enjoy with eggs or fruit, and savor the buttery, cheesy goodness in every bite.

Print