Easy Butter Swim Bread Recipe

I make this because butter is life and bread is therapy — so when you combine them, I’m basically solving every problem in the world. Easy Butter Swim Bread is exactly what it sounds like: a loaf that gets a ridiculous butter bath, so every slice is melodramatically glossy and suspiciously delicious. It’s special because it looks fancy without the emotional cost of sourdough drama, and it’s forgiving enough that your kitchen chaos won’t show up on Instagram (much).

My husband once decided to “help” by flipping the loaf mid-bake because he was sure it would brown more evenly. Spoiler: it did not. I spent a gloriously unromantic 15 minutes scraping buttery bread off the bottom of the oven while he held up a towel and asked whether the smoke alarm was “part of the ambiance.” My kid’s contribution was taste-testing every slice on the counter, leaving a suspicious butter trail and one sock. Yes, this pan is too small. No, I won’t wash fewer dishes. We survived and the bread still tasted like victory.

Time-Saving Hacks

– Use room-temp butter so it melts into the loaf faster — pro move, slightly illegal if you rush.
– Buy pre-sliced bread (for a truly lazy version) and give each slice a butter bath instead of baking from scratch. I won’t judge; I might join you.
– Skip the fancy brush — pour melted butter and tilt the pan like you’re conducting a culinary orchestra.
– Reuse one bowl for mixing and measuring if you’re doing dishes in your head. Real life: you still have to wash it.

Serving Ideas

– Serve warm with a drizzle of honey and a smug smile.
– Pair with soup (comfort), salad (aspirational), or bacon (honest).
– Serve with wine if the kids drove you nuts — the bread pairs perfectly with selective memory.
– For brunch, throw on some eggs and call it the most responsible thing you did all weekend.
– Keep it simple: butter, slice, inhale.

What to Serve It With

– Coffee or tea for breakfast apologies.
– Tomato soup for emotional support and dunking privileges.
– A fruit plate if you need to pretend this is healthy.
– Melted cheese if you’re in a very persuasive mood.

✔Tips & Mistakes

Tip: Let it cool slightly so the butter sets just enough to slice without turning the kitchen into a butter slip-and-slide.
Mistake: Dousing it with butter while still piping hot — you’ll get butter puddles and regret. Been there.
Tip: Use a serrated knife for cleaner slices unless rustic blobs are your aesthetic.
Mistake: Trying to multitask during the critical butter swim stage. Bread is needy; I’m telling you.

✔Storage Tips

Store it in the fridge… if there’s any left. Cold midnight leftovers? Sometimes better than fresh.
Tip: Reheat slices in a toaster oven or under a broiler for 2–3 minutes to revive the crunch without melting everything into a butter crime scene.

✔Variations and Substitutions

Swap whatever you want—sugar ↔ honey, soy sauce ↔ tamari, or skip steps and call it “deconstructed.” It still counts.
Want savory? Add garlic and herbs to the butter. Want sweet? Fold in cinnamon and brown sugar. Improvise like you don’t have a million opinions about carbs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Easy Butter Swim Bread Recipe

This recipe makes a soft, buttery bread that is easy to prepare.

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Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes minutes

Servings: 8

Calories: 120kcal

Ingredients

 

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Main Ingredients

• ▢ 4 cups all-purpose flour Use unbleached if possible
• ▢ 1 cup whole milk Warm slightly
• ▢ 0.25 cups granulated sugar For sweetness
• ▢ 0.5 cups unsalted butter Melted
• ▢ 2.25 teaspoons instant yeast Do not substitute
• ▢ 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions

Preparation Steps

• In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
• Stir in melted butter, salt, and flour until a dough forms.
• Knead the dough for 5 minutes until smooth. Place in a greased bowl and cover.
• Let the dough rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.

Notes

This bread is great for sandwiches or as a side with meals.