If you’ve ever wanted a biscuit that’s bursting with garlicky buttery goodness, you’re going to adore this Garlic Butter Swim Biscuits Recipe. I absolutely love how these biscuits come out golden and tender, swimming in that irresistible garlic butter pool beneath them. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become a staple in your kitchen, whether for breakfast, dinner, or just because you deserve something delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich Garlic Flavor: The fresh garlic and garlic powder combo gives a deep, savory punch you just won’t find in other biscuits.
- Buttery Bliss: Melting butter in the pan before baking means each biscuit is swimming in that buttery goodness, making every bite decadent.
- Simple and Quick: With easy-to-find ingredients and minimal prep, this recipe comes together fast—perfect for busy days or last-minute guests.
- Moist, Tender Texture: Thanks to buttermilk and just the right baking time, these biscuits come out with a fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth feel.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The balance of classic biscuit ingredients alongside garlic and plenty of butter is what makes this Garlic Butter Swim Biscuits Recipe such a knockout. When you pick your ingredients, fresh garlic and good quality butter really make a noticeable difference.
- All-purpose flour: Provides the structure for soft, tender biscuits.
- Granulated sugar: Just a touch to balance out the savory flavors.
- Aluminum-free baking powder: Makes sure your biscuits rise perfectly without any metallic taste.
- Salt: Essential for bringing out all the flavors.
- Garlic powder: Boosts the overall garlic flavor without overpowering.
- Buttermilk: Adds tanginess and keeps biscuits moist—make sure it’s fresh!
- Fresh garlic: Finely minced to deliver the fresh, punchy garlic aroma I love.
- Salted butter: Used both in the batter and melted in the pan for that buttery “swim.”
- Parsley flakes: For a pop of color and subtle herb flavor in the topping.
Variations
I love keeping this Garlic Butter Swim Biscuits Recipe flexible so you can tweak it for your taste or dietary needs. You’ll find customizing makes it even more special and personal.
- Add Cheese: My family goes crazy when I sprinkle sharp cheddar or parmesan into the batter for a cheesy garlicky twist.
- Herb Boost: Sometimes I mix fresh chopped rosemary or thyme with the parsley for an earthy note that complements garlic beautifully.
- Dairy-Free Version: You can swap buttermilk with a dairy-free milk mixed with a tablespoon of lemon juice and use vegan butter for a similar effect.
- Mild Garlic Option: If you or your guests are sensitive to garlic, reduce the fresh minced garlic to 2 cloves and keep garlic powder light—you’ll still get a gentle garlic aroma.
How to Make Garlic Butter Swim Biscuits Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan
First things first, preheat your oven to 450°F. I always choose an oven-safe glass or ceramic 9×9 inch dish because it evenly distributes heat and shows that gorgeous golden crust when the biscuits bake. Don’t forget to spray it lightly with nonstick cooking spray to make sure your buttery biscuits slide right out without sticking.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients and Add Buttermilk
In a medium bowl, whisk together your flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and garlic powder until combined. Then pour in 1 ¾ cups of buttermilk along with your finely minced garlic. Stir gently until the batter just comes together—it should be thick and sticky. If it feels too dry, add a splash more buttermilk, but don’t go overboard or it’ll get too runny.
Step 3: Melt Butter and Pour into Pan
Melt ½ cup (one stick) of salted butter in the microwave—this is the secret that makes your biscuits “swim” in butter as they bake. Pour this melted butter directly into your prepared baking dish. It should cover the bottom in a buttery pool ready to soak into your biscuits.
Step 4: Shape and Bake the Biscuits
Using your hand (sprayed with cooking spray so it doesn’t stick), spread the biscuit dough evenly over the melted butter in the dish. It’s okay if some butter comes over the top — that’s part of the magic. Use a sharp knife to gently score the dough into 9 even squares; this helps you cut the biscuits easily after baking. Bake on the middle rack for 25 to 30 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through for even baking. You’ll know they’re done when they’re beautifully golden brown on top and spring back when gently pressed. A toothpick should come out clean.
Step 5: Brush with Garlic Butter and Serve
While your biscuits bake, mix together the remaining ¼ cup melted butter with parsley flakes and a touch of garlic powder. As soon as your biscuits come out of the oven and are still warm, brush that flavorful garlic butter all over the top. Then cut along the scored lines again and serve these straight away—warm, buttery bites of garlic heaven.
Pro Tips for Making Garlic Butter Swim Biscuits Recipe
- Use Fresh Garlic: I discovered fresh minced garlic really brightens the flavor – jarred garlic just can’t compete here.
- Don’t Skip Scoring: Scoring the dough before baking makes cutting and sharing easier and keeps your biscuits looking neat.
- Butter Quality Matters: Using good quality salted butter gives that rich flavor punch that makes these biscuits unforgettable.
- Adjust Oven Time as Needed: I learned early on that every oven bakes differently – check your biscuits at 20 minutes to avoid over-browning.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Swim Biscuits Recipe
Garnishes
Whenever I serve these, I like to sprinkle a little extra fresh parsley or chives on top for a pop of green and fresh flavor. Sometimes a light dusting of grated parmesan right after brushing with garlic butter takes it up another notch.
Side Dishes
This Garlic Butter Swim Biscuits Recipe pairs beautifully with just about anything! I often serve them alongside creamy soups, hearty stews, or roasted chicken. They’re also fantastic with a big salad for a lighter dinner option.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, I like to serve these biscuits in a rustic wooden board with small bowls of flavored butters, honey, or jam on the side. It makes the meal feel a little fancy while still being comforting and casual.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover biscuits keep beautifully in an airtight container or resealable bag in the fridge for up to three days. I usually just warm them gently to bring back that soft texture.
Freezing
I’ve frozen these biscuits before by wrapping them tightly in foil and placing them in a freezer bag. When you’re ready, just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven at 350°F to refresh that buttery, garlicky goodness.
Reheating
To reheat, I recommend wrapping biscuits in foil and warming them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes. This keeps the outside crisp yet the inside soft and tender—just like fresh.
FAQs
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Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk in the Garlic Butter Swim Biscuits Recipe?
Yes, you can use regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar as a buttermilk substitute. Let it sit for 5 minutes to thicken before adding it to the mix. This will provide similar acidity to help tenderize the biscuits.
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Do I have to score the biscuit dough before baking?
Scoring the dough is optional, but I highly recommend it. It makes cutting finished biscuits easier and helps them bake evenly without spreading too much.
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Can I make the Garlic Butter Swim Biscuits Recipe without fresh garlic?
While fresh garlic gives the best flavor, you can use extra garlic powder if fresh isn’t available. Just keep in mind that the punch won’t be quite as vibrant or textured.
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How should I store leftover biscuits?
Store leftovers in an airtight container or a zip-top bag at room temperature for a day or two, or in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently so they keep that soft, buttery texture.
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Can I add cheese to the Garlic Butter Swim Biscuits Recipe?
Absolutely! Adding shredded cheddar, parmesan, or your favorite cheese into the biscuit dough before baking adds a delicious twist my family can’t get enough of.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Butter Swim Biscuits Recipe is one of those kitchen treasures I’m so glad I stumbled upon—and honestly, it’s become a crowd-pleaser at every gathering. The buttery, garlicky flavor and soft, tender crumb make these biscuits perfect for everything from weekend brunches to cozy dinners. I really hope you give this recipe a try soon—it’s simple, satisfying, and a surefire way to impress friends and family (or just treat yourself!). Happy baking, friend!
Print
Garlic Butter Swim Biscuits Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings
- Category: Bread & Rolls
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Garlic Butter Swim Biscuits are fluffy, buttery, and packed with rich garlic flavor, perfect for serving alongside any meal. Made with a simple biscuit dough infused with fresh garlic and topped with a savory garlic butter glaze, these biscuits bake up golden and tender in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
For the biscuits:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 Tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 Tablespoon aluminum-free baking powder
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 ¾ cups buttermilk (you may need up to 2 cups)
- 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
- ½ cup (1 stick) salted butter
For the garlic butter topping:
- ¼ cup salted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare baking dish: Preheat the oven to 450°F. Spray a 9×9 inch oven-safe glass or ceramic baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, aluminum-free baking powder, salt, and garlic powder. Stir well to evenly distribute all the seasonings.
- Add wet ingredients and garlic: Pour in 1 ¾ cups buttermilk and the finely minced garlic to the dry mixture. Stir until a thick, sticky batter forms. Add additional buttermilk by the tablespoon if the dough feels too dry or crumbly, until it becomes thick and sticky.
- Melt butter in baking dish: Melt ½ cup salted butter in the microwave using a microwave-safe bowl. Pour the melted butter directly into the prepared baking dish, coating the bottom evenly.
- Transfer dough to baking dish: Pour the biscuit batter on top of the melted butter in the baking dish. Some butter will run over the top. To spread the dough evenly, spray your hand lightly with cooking spray and gently spread the batter to cover the dish.
- Score dough: Using a knife, cut the dough into 9 equal squares. This scoring helps later with serving once the biscuits are baked.
- Bake the biscuits: Place the dish on the middle rack of the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Rotate the dish once during baking to ensure even cooking. The biscuits are done when they are golden brown on top, spring back when gently pressed, and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Prepare garlic butter topping: While baking, combine the melted butter, dried parsley flakes, and garlic powder in a small bowl and stir well.
- Brush garlic butter on biscuits: As soon as the biscuits come out of the oven and are still warm, brush the garlic butter mixture generously over the tops of the biscuits.
- Serve: Re-cut along the scored lines, then serve warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Refer to the FAQ and ingredient list for substitutions and common questions.
- Spraying the baking dish is optional because there’s plenty of butter, but it prevents sticking for sure.
- For less garlic intensity, reduce minced garlic from 4 cloves to 2 cloves.
- Fresh garlic gives the best flavor; jarred garlic won’t provide the same punch.
- You can add cheese to the dough if desired for an extra twist.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container or bag in the refrigerator for up to a few days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 biscuit
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 1.5g
- Sodium: 470mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0.3g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
