If you’re looking for a breakfast or brunch recipe that combines rich, savory flavors with tender, buttery biscuits, Sausage Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits are the perfect choice. Imagine the comforting aroma of breakfast sausage mingling with sharp, melted cheddar cheese, all enveloped in a fluffy, golden biscuit baked to perfection. Each bite offers a harmonious blend of hearty, cheesy, and buttery goodness that will have your family or guests coming back for more.

This recipe is inspired by classic Southern breakfast biscuits but takes things to the next level with the addition of sausage and cheddar cheese, creating a meal that’s both satisfying and indulgent. Whether you’re planning a weekend brunch, a special holiday breakfast, or a hearty snack, these biscuits are versatile, easy to make, and impossible to resist.

The term “swim biscuits” comes from the idea that these biscuits are generously coated in butter and cheese, almost as if they are “swimming” in flavor. The recipe balances simplicity and richness, providing a crowd-pleasing dish with minimal effort. Unlike ordinary biscuits, these are packed with protein and flavor, making them a standout addition to any breakfast table.

Before you preheat your oven and prepare the dough, let’s explore the ingredients, the magic behind them, and how each one contributes to the final biscuit masterpiece.

Ingredients for Sausage Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits

• 1 pound breakfast sausage
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 3/4 – 2 cups buttermilk
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup salted butter, melted

These ingredients combine to create biscuits that are soft, fluffy, and savory. The sausage adds a meaty, flavorful element; cheddar cheese provides sharpness and gooey texture; buttermilk ensures tender biscuits, and melted butter brings richness and golden color. A touch of sugar balances the savory flavors, while baking powder provides lift.

Why This Recipe Works

Understanding the balance of ingredients helps explain why this recipe yields such satisfying results:

Breakfast Sausage: The sausage adds both flavor and moisture. Cooking it partially before combining with the biscuit dough allows the fat and spices to infuse the dough without overwhelming the texture.

Cheddar Cheese: The cheese melts during baking, creating pockets of gooeyness throughout the biscuit. Sharp cheddar offers bold flavor, while mild cheddar can be used for a gentler taste.

Buttermilk: The acidity in buttermilk reacts with the baking powder to create light, airy biscuits. It also adds a slight tang, balancing the richness of sausage and butter.

Butter: Both melted into the dough and brushed on top, butter ensures a golden crust and enhances the flavor, keeping biscuits moist and tender.

Flour and Sugar: The flour provides structure, while the sugar enhances flavor without making the biscuits overly sweet.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with butter. This ensures the biscuits bake evenly and don’t stick.

2. Cook the Sausage

In a skillet over medium heat, cook the breakfast sausage until it is browned and fully cooked, breaking it into small crumbles. Remove from heat and allow it to cool slightly. This step ensures the sausage is flavorful but not greasy, preventing the biscuit dough from becoming soggy.

3. Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and baking powder. This creates a uniform base for your biscuit dough and ensures even rising during baking.

4. Incorporate Wet Ingredients

Add the buttermilk to the dry ingredients gradually, stirring until a sticky dough forms. Depending on the flour and humidity, you may need slightly less or more buttermilk; the dough should be soft but not runny.

5. Add Sausage and Cheese

Fold in the cooked sausage and shredded cheddar cheese gently, making sure they are evenly distributed. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the biscuits tough. The goal is a dough that is cohesive, flavorful, and studded with sausage and cheese throughout.

6. Shape the Biscuits

Using a spoon or your hands, scoop the dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Space each biscuit about 2 inches apart to allow room for rising. For uniform biscuits, you can use a cookie scoop or lightly flour your hands.

7. Brush with Melted Butter

Brush the tops of each biscuit with melted butter generously. This will help create a golden, flavorful crust while adding extra richness to each bite.

8. Bake Until Golden

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown and cooked through. You can test doneness by gently pressing on the top; it should spring back slightly.

9. Serve Warm

Serve immediately while the biscuits are warm and the cheese is melty. These biscuits are excellent on their own or served alongside eggs, bacon, or a fresh fruit salad for a complete breakfast or brunch.

Serving Suggestions

• Breakfast Platter: Serve with scrambled eggs, fresh fruit, and a hot cup of coffee for a classic morning feast.
• Brunch Buffet: These biscuits are perfect for a larger gathering. Offer alongside fruit, yogurt, and other breakfast pastries.
• Snack or Lunch: Pair with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a satisfying midday meal.
• Dipping Option: Use leftover sausage cheese butter swim biscuits to scoop up soups or chili.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Biscuits

• Don’t Overmix: Overworking the dough can result in dense, tough biscuits. Mix until just combined.
• Keep Ingredients Cold: Cold butter and buttermilk help create flakier, more tender biscuits.
• Cheese Variations: Cheddar is classic, but you can mix in Monterey Jack, Gruyère, or Pepper Jack for different flavors.
• Spacing: Give each biscuit room to rise. Crowding them may prevent even baking.
• Extra Butter: For ultra-rich biscuits, brush another layer of melted butter immediately after baking.

Nutritional Benefits

While indulgent, these biscuits offer protein from the sausage and calcium from the cheese and butter. The combination of flour and buttermilk provides energy, while the sausage contributes iron and B vitamins. Using high-quality ingredients and controlling portion size ensures a balanced approach to this savory treat.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

• Refrigeration: Store leftover biscuits in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
• Freezing: Freeze baked biscuits for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes.
• Dough Freezing: You can also freeze raw dough scoops on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use different types of sausage?
Yes. Spicy sausage, turkey sausage, or even vegetarian sausage crumbles work well. Adjust seasoning if necessary.

2. Can I make these biscuits dairy-free?
You can substitute dairy butter with plant-based butter and use a non-dairy milk with acidity (like almond milk plus a teaspoon of lemon juice) instead of buttermilk.

3. Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
Yes, but freshly shredded cheese melts more evenly and has better flavor. Pre-shredded cheese may contain anti-caking agents that slightly affect texture.

4. How do I make these biscuits fluffier?
Do not overmix the dough. Use cold butter and buttermilk, and give them space to rise on the baking sheet.

5. Can I add herbs or spices?
Absolutely. Chives, parsley, paprika, or a pinch of cayenne pepper can add extra flavor.

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Conclusion

Sausage Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits are a perfect blend of savory sausage, melty cheddar, and buttery, fluffy biscuits. They’re versatile, easy to make, and guaranteed to impress at breakfast, brunch, or even as a hearty snack. With a golden crust and a tender, cheesy interior, these biscuits are indulgent yet comforting. Perfect on their own or as part of a larger breakfast spread, they’re sure to become a favorite recipe in your collection.

With just a few simple ingredients and careful attention to technique, you can create a breakfast experience that’s both satisfying and memorable. These biscuits showcase the power of combining classic flavors with high-quality ingredients for maximum taste and enjoyment.