Golden, Buttery, and Perfectly Tender
There are biscuits… and then there are butter swim biscuits—the kind that bake right in melted butter, creating irresistibly crisp edges and a soft, tender center. Now imagine taking that beloved Southern classic and giving it a cornbread twist. That’s exactly what these Cornbread Butter Swim Biscuits deliver.
They’re rich, buttery, slightly sweet, and incredibly easy to make—no kneading, no rolling, no biscuit cutter required. Just mix, pour, bake, and enjoy. Whether you serve them with chili, fried chicken, barbecue, or simply drizzle them with honey, these biscuits are guaranteed to disappear fast.
Why You’ll Love These Cornbread Butter Swim Biscuits
These biscuits combine the best of two comfort food favorites:
- Buttery, crisp edges from baking directly in melted butter
- Soft, fluffy centers that practically melt in your mouth
- Cornmeal flavor that adds warmth and Southern charm
- One-bowl, no-fuss recipe perfect for beginner bakers
- Ready in under 30 minutes
They’re perfect for weeknight dinners, holiday tables, or anytime you want homemade bread without the work.
What Makes “Butter Swim” Biscuits Special?
Unlike traditional biscuits that are cut and baked on a tray, butter swim biscuits bake submerged in butter. As they cook, the butter bubbles up around the dough, creating:
- Golden, crunchy edges
- Rich flavor throughout
- Moist, tender interiors
Adding cornmeal gives these biscuits a subtle texture and classic cornbread flavor without making them dry.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup yellow cornmeal (fine or medium grind)
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup buttermilk (room temperature)
- ½ cup (1 stick / 113 g) unsalted butter, melted
Substitution tip:
No buttermilk? Mix 1 cup milk with 1 tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice and let sit for 5 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Place the melted butter into an 8×8-inch baking dish, making sure it coats the bottom evenly.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
In a large bowl, whisk together:
- Flour
- Cornmeal
- Sugar
- Baking powder
- Salt
Pour in the buttermilk and stir gently until just combined. The dough will be thick and slightly sticky—this is exactly what you want.
Step 3: Add the Dough to the Butter
Carefully pour the biscuit dough directly into the baking dish over the melted butter. Use a spatula to gently spread it evenly.
Using a knife or bench scraper, cut the dough into 9 squares right in the pan (this helps with even baking and easy serving later).
Step 4: Bake
Bake uncovered for 22–25 minutes, or until:
- The top is golden brown
- The edges are crisp
- A toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean
If you want extra browning on top, broil for 1–2 minutes, watching closely.
Step 5: Serve Warm
Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes. Spoon extra butter from the pan over the biscuits before serving.
Serve warm for the best texture and flavor.
Serving Ideas
These Cornbread Butter Swim Biscuits are incredibly versatile. Try them with:
- Chili or beef stew
- Fried chicken or BBQ ribs
- Collard greens or black-eyed peas
- Honey, jam, or hot honey
- Breakfast sausage and eggs
They’re just as good savory as they are slightly sweet.
Pro Tips for Perfect Biscuits
- Don’t overmix – gentle stirring keeps biscuits tender
- Use real butter – it’s the star of this recipe
- Bake hot – high heat helps them rise quickly
- Serve warm – texture is best straight from the oven
- Cut before baking – ensures clean, pull-apart squares
Variations to Try
- Cheesy Cornbread Biscuits: Add ½ cup shredded cheddar
- Jalapeño Cornbread Biscuits: Add diced jalapeños for heat
- Honey Butter Version: Drizzle honey over the butter before baking
- Garlic Herb Biscuits: Add garlic powder and chopped herbs
Storage & Reheating
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 8–10 minutes
- Avoid microwaving if possible—it softens the crispy edges
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe balances:
- Fat (butter) for richness
- Cornmeal for texture and flavor
- Buttermilk for tenderness
- High heat for rise and crisp edges
The result is a biscuit that’s crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and packed with buttery cornbread flavor—with minimal effort.
Final Thoughts
These Cornbread Butter Swim Biscuits are proof that incredible homemade bread doesn’t have to be complicated. They’re cozy, comforting, and deeply satisfying—everything a good Southern-inspired biscuit should be.
Once you try them, they’ll earn a permanent place in your recipe rotation.
🧈🌽 Simple ingredients. Big comfort. Guaranteed crowd-pleaser.