Garlic Butter Swim Biscuits Recipe

If you’re anything like me and love the comforting aroma of garlic and butter wafting through your kitchen, then you’re going to absolutely adore this Garlic Butter Swim Biscuits Recipe. These biscuits are a game changer—soft, buttery, garlicky, and baked right in a pool of melted butter so each bite is decadently rich. I can’t wait to share this recipe with you because it’s super easy, bakes in one pan, and my family goes crazy for them every single time!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe brings together classic biscuit ingredients with a garlic twist that’s way better than anything from a box. Key to success here is using fresh garlic and quality butter—your taste buds will thank you!

• All-purpose flour: The foundation for tender, flaky biscuits—make sure it’s well-sifted for best texture.
• Granulated sugar: Just enough to balance the garlic’s savory punch.
• Aluminum-free baking powder: This helps the biscuits rise nicely without any bitter aftertaste.
• Salt: Essential for bringing out all the flavors perfectly.
• Garlic powder: A subtle garlic layer to complement the fresh minced garlic.
• Buttermilk: Adds richness and tender crumb—keep a little extra handy in case your dough is too dry.
• Fresh garlic cloves: The star ingredient—freshly minced for maximum flavor impact.
• Salted butter: Used both in the dough and melted to create that irresistible buttery “swim.”
• Dried parsley flakes: For sprinkling on top, adding a lovely hint of herbaceous freshness.

Variations

I love to keep this recipe simple, but I’m all for making it your own. Feel free to tweak the garlic level or add some extras that make your heart sing—you’ll find that these biscuits are a great canvas for creativity.

• Cheese Addition: I once added sharp cheddar for an extra savory boost and it was a hit at a family brunch.
• Herb Twist: Fresh rosemary or thyme works beautifully instead of parsley if you want a different herbal note.
• Garlic Intensity: Cut back to 2 cloves if you prefer a milder garlic flavor, but honestly, the full 4 cloves give it that perfect punch.
• Spicy Kick: A pinch of cayenne or crushed red pepper flakes in the dough can give these biscuits a fun little zing.

How to Make Garlic Butter Swim Biscuits Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). I like to use an oven-safe glass or ceramic 9×9 inch baking dish—makes clean-up easy and helps the butter bubble around the biscuits perfectly. Spray it lightly with nonstick cooking spray to ensure there’s no sticking, although you’ll see there’s plenty of butter involved!

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Grab a medium bowl and whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and garlic powder. I used aluminum-free baking powder here because it gives a cleaner rise without any metallic taste. These dry ingredients form the base that makes your biscuits fluffy yet sturdy.

Step 3: Add Buttermilk and Fresh Garlic

Pour in 1 ¾ cups buttermilk along with your finely minced fresh garlic, then stir until a sticky batter forms. If your dough feels too dry, don’t be shy to add a splash more buttermilk—up to 2 cups total—until it’s just the right consistency. I always spray my hand lightly with nonstick spray to spread the dough evenly in the pan without it sticking to my fingers.

Step 4: Pour Butter into the Baking Dish

Melt ½ cup (1 stick) salted butter in the microwave, then carefully pour it into your prepared baking dish. The buttery pool is why these are called “swim” biscuits—the dough actually bathes in that melted butter as it bakes, turning the edges crispy and delicious.

Step 5: Transfer Dough and Score

Carefully pour the biscuit batter right on top of the melted butter. Spread it out evenly, and then using a sharp knife, cut the dough into nine squares. This step makes it way easier to separate the biscuits when they’re done baking—trust me, it’s a nice shortcut!

Step 6: Bake Until Golden Perfection

Pop your dish on the middle oven rack and bake for about 25-30 minutes. Oven temperatures vary, so keep an eye out for a golden-brown top and biscuits that spring back when pressed. A toothpick test works great here—insert it in the center, and if it comes out clean, you’re good to go!

Step 7: Brush on Garlic Butter Topping

While the biscuits are baking, mix together ¼ cup melted salted butter, 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes, and ½ teaspoon garlic powder. Once the biscuits come out warm, brush this luscious topping all over the tops. Then slice along your original scoring lines and serve while still warm for maximum indulgence.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Swim Biscuits Recipe

Garnishes

I usually stick with a simple sprinkle of extra parsley flakes over the top for color—a small touch that makes these biscuits look like they came from a fancy bakery. Sometimes, a light dusting of grated Parmesan adds a little extra flair and a salty finish.

Side Dishes

These biscuits are perfect alongside classic comfort foods like creamy mashed potatoes, savory stews, or even a big salad. I love pairing them with my mom’s chicken and dumplings or a hearty bowl of chili—because you’ll want something to scoop up that garlic butter!

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve these biscuits on a beautiful wooden board with mini ramekins of flavored butters like honey butter or herb-infused cream cheese. Adding edible flowers or fresh herbs around the edges gives a festive, inviting vibe your guests will love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover biscuits keep best in an airtight container or resealable bag in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I always store them quickly once cooled to keep that soft, buttery goodness intact without them drying out.

Freezing

I’ve frozen these biscuits both baked and unbaked. For unbaked, wrap the pan tightly in plastic wrap and freeze, then bake directly from frozen adding a few extra minutes. Baked biscuits freeze well too; just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop leftover biscuits in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes wrapped in foil to keep them soft, then uncover for a couple of minutes for that fresh-from-the-oven crispness on top. Microwave reheating works in a pinch, but you lose that lovely crust.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Butter Swim Biscuits Recipe has become one of my go-to comfort foods whenever I want something quick but feels special. It’s forgiving, packed with flavor, and always brings smiles around the table. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy family dinner or a casual weekend brunch, I promise you’ll find it as addictive as I do. So next time you want a biscuit that’s soft inside, buttery, and bursting with garlic goodness, give this recipe a try—you won’t regret it!

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