
These sausage cheese butter swim biscuits are the ultimate comfort food for breakfast or brunch. Imagine tender biscuits packed with savory sausage and gooey cheddar cheese, all baked in a puddle of rich melted butter until the edges turn crisp and golden. No rolling or fussing with dough required – just mix, bake, and enjoy warm from the oven with your family or friends.
My family requests these biscuits at every holiday breakfast now they disappear within minutes whenever I bring them to potlucks They are my secret weapon for an easy yet impressive homemade treat
Ingredients
- Breakfast sausage: Adds savory depth and protein Choose a flavorful bulk breakfast sausage and cook until nicely browned
- All purpose flour: The biscuit foundation For best results use a reliable brand and fluff the flour before measuring
- Granulated sugar: A touch of sweetness to balance the richness Use standard white sugar
- Baking powder: Gives the biscuits a sky high lift Make sure your baking powder is fresh for best rise
- Buttermilk: Delivers tenderness and subtle tang Whole fat buttermilk makes for a richer biscuit but low fat works too
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Brings gooey melted pockets and sharp flavor Use a good block and grate it yourself for best melt and taste
- Salted butter: The magic ingredient that creates a crisp buttery crust Melt the butter just before using and choose high quality for ultimate flavor
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Set your oven to 450 Fahrenheit Make sure the rack is in the center position and spray a sturdy 9 by 9 inch glass or ceramic baking dish with nonstick spray to prevent any sticking
- Brown the Sausage:
- Place the breakfast sausage in a large skillet over medium high heat Cook for 8 to 10 minutes stirring and breaking up with a wooden spoon until there is no more pink left The goal is lots of caramelization on the sausage bits which adds loads of savor Drain on paper towels to remove any extra grease
- Mix the Dry and Wet Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl combine the all purpose flour sugar and baking powder Use a fork or whisk so everything is well blended Pour in the buttermilk and stir gently until you have a sticky thick batter Add extra buttermilk if needed to ensure all flour is moistened
- Add Cheese and Sausage:
- Gently fold the shredded cheddar and browned sausage into the batter The dough will be chunky and thick
- Add Butter and Shape Dough:
- Pour the melted salted butter into the prepared dish Make sure it coats the entire bottom Spoon the biscuit dough directly on top spreading it as evenly as possible The dough does not need to be perfect Use your hands for gentle spreading if needed then cut into 9 squares with a butter knife This will help the biscuits bake up separately
- Bake the Biscuits:
- Place the dish on the middle oven rack Bake for 25 to 30 minutes rotating the pan halfway through so they brown evenly Check for golden brown tops and use a toothpick to test for doneness If the biscuits are browning too fast cover loosely with foil

You Must Know
- Naturally high in protein
- Wonderful for freezing and reheating later
- Perfect make ahead for breakfast crowds
I love the way the cheese browns along the butter edges making each bite decadently crispy My kids still talk about the time we served these for an Easter brunch after a chilly morning egg hunt The whole tray vanished before coffee was finished
Storage Tips
Let biscuits cool fully then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days For longer storage wrap each square and freeze They reheat beautifully in the oven at 300 Fahrenheit for about ten minutes which brings the edges back to their original crispiness
Ingredient Substitutions
Turkey sausage or plant based sausage both work well if you want to lighten things up or make it vegetarian Try swapping cheddar for pepper jack for a bit of heat No buttermilk on hand Just mix one tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar with enough milk to reach one and three quarter cups and let sit five minutes
Serving Suggestions
These biscuits pair perfectly with scrambled eggs fruit or even a big green salad for brunch For an all out Southern spread serve them alongside creamy gravy hot sauce and a side of roasted potatoes They also make a fabulous quick snack straight from the fridge

Cultural and Historical Context
Butter swim biscuits have Southern roots and became popular for their ease and their way of making plain biscuits taste like a treat The buttery baking method guarantees a crust you cannot achieve any other way and savory fillings like cheese and sausage just add to that legacy
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What type of sausage works best?
Breakfast sausage, either mild or spicy, gives the most flavor and blends well into the biscuit dough. You can use pork or turkey based on preference.
- → Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
Freshly shredded cheddar provides better melt and flavor, but pre-shredded cheese can be used for convenience with good results.
- → Do I need to chill the dough?
Chilling is not required for this method. The dough is spread directly onto melted butter and baked right away for tender biscuits.
- → Can I use a metal pan instead of glass?
Glass or ceramic pans are ideal for even baking, but a metal pan can be used. Reduce baking time by a few minutes and watch for browning.
- → How should leftovers be stored?
Keep cooled biscuits in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to refresh texture.
- → Is it possible to make ahead for breakfast?
Prepare the dough and cook the sausage ahead, then assemble and bake in the morning for freshly made biscuits.