Garlic Butter Swim Biscuits Recipe

If you love biscuits that are buttery, garlicky, and tender enough to melt in your mouth, then this Garlic Butter Swim Biscuits Recipe is going to become your new go-to. I absolutely love how the rich garlic butter pools around and on top of these warm, fluffy biscuits. They’re perfect for soaking up all sorts of delicious sauces or just enjoying on their own. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll be making them again and again!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Garlic Butter Swim Biscuits Recipe really lies in combining basic pantry staples with a little fresh garlic punch — that fresh garlic is a game changer. You’ll want to keep the ingredients straightforward so the flavors can really shine through.

• All-purpose flour: The base for these biscuits, I prefer all-purpose for its perfect balance of structure and softness.
• Granulated sugar: Just a touch to balance out the savory garlic flavor and deepen the biscuit’s golden crust.
• Aluminum-free baking powder: I always reach for aluminum-free to avoid any bitter aftertaste.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors — don’t skip this!
• Garlic powder: Adds an extra layer of garlic goodness beyond the fresh garlic.
• Buttermilk: This tenderizes the dough and gives it that lovely tang; fresh buttermilk works best but a mix of milk and lemon juice can do in a pinch.
• Fresh garlic: Finely minced—this is where the real flavor comes alive. I always use fresh, because jarred garlic just can’t compete.
• Salted butter: You’ll use plenty both in the dough and melted to create that rich buttery pool to “swim” these biscuits in.
• Dried parsley flakes: For the buttery topping, adding a subtle herbal note that brightens the rich garlic butter.

Variations

One of the coolest things about this Garlic Butter Swim Biscuits Recipe is how adaptable it is—you can tweak it to fit your mood or pantry. I often switch it up to keep things interesting and would encourage you to make it your own too.

• Cheesy addition: One time, I tossed in a cup of shredded sharp cheddar to the dough—my family went nuts over the melty, garlicky cheesy bites.
• Less garlic: If you’re not a garlic fanatic like me, dialing it down to 2 cloves of garlic still gives a nice subtle taste without overwhelming your breath.
• Herb uplift: Sometimes, I swap the parsley flakes in the topping for fresh rosemary or thyme for an earthy twist that pairs beautifully with roasted meats.
• Gluten-free: With a blend of gluten-free flours and a little tweaking, I’ve managed to make a delicious gluten-free version that still “swims” in buttery goodness.

How to Make Garlic Butter Swim Biscuits Recipe

Step 1: Mix Your Dry Ingredients

Start by whisking together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and garlic powder in a medium bowl. I like to sift the baking powder with the flour to keep everything light and airy—this little step helps with fluffier biscuits later. It smells amazing already with the garlic powder mixed in!

Step 2: Add Buttermilk and Fresh Garlic

Pour in 1 ¾ cups of buttermilk along with the finely minced fresh garlic. Stir until you get a sticky batter—that’s the key texture to look for. If it still feels dry, add a splash more buttermilk, but go slowly because you want it thick enough to hold its shape but sticky enough to keep the biscuits tender.

Step 3: Prepare the Pan with Melted Butter

Next, melt ½ cup (one stick) of salted butter in the microwave. Pour that divine liquid gold into your prepared 9×9 inch baking dish. I always spray the dish with nonstick spray just to be safe, but honestly, with all that butter, sticking is rarely an issue.

Step 4: Spread the Dough in the Pan

Pour the sticky dough right on top of the melted butter in the dish. Some butter will swirl up to the top—that’s exactly what you want. To spread it evenly, I spray my hands with a little nonstick spray and gently press the dough into the corners and edges. Then, cut the dough into 9 squares with a sharp knife — this pre-cutting means you can slice them apart easily after baking without crushing the fluff.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Delicious

Bake on the middle rack at 450°F for about 25-30 minutes. Since every oven has its quirks, keep an eye on the biscuits — they should be beautifully golden on top and spring back gently when you press them. I always test the center with a toothpick; if it comes out clean with no wet batter, you’re good to go!

Step 6: Brush with Garlic Butter and Serve

While the biscuits are baking, whisk together the melted butter, parsley flakes, and garlic powder for the topping. Brush this garlicky goodness all over the warm biscuits as soon as they come out of the oven. Cut along the pre-scored lines, serve warm, and watch these beauties fly off the plate!

How to Serve Garlic Butter Swim Biscuits Recipe

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle a little extra fresh parsley on top before serving for a pop of color and freshness. Sometimes, I add a bit of grated Parmesan right after brushing the garlic butter to give a salty, savory finish that I just can’t resist.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs beautifully with so many dishes, but I especially love serving these biscuits alongside buttery mashed potatoes, roasted chicken, or a hearty bowl of soup. My family also enjoys dunking them in homemade chili or smothered in creamy gravy — a real comfort food combo!

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve presented these biscuits right in a cast iron skillet sprinkled with fresh herbs and a bit of sea salt on top. It makes for a rustic, inviting centerpiece that guests love to dig into straight from the pan. You can also arrange them on a wooden board with small dishes of honey butter or garlic cream cheese for an impressive brunch spread.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover biscuits store beautifully in an airtight container or resealable bag in the fridge for a few days. I’ve found they keep their soft texture when reheated gently, making them perfect for quick snacks or adding to meals later in the week.

Freezing

I like to freeze extras individually wrapped in plastic wrap and then stored together in a freezer bag. When I’m ready, I thaw them overnight in the fridge and then reheat in the oven to restore that just-baked texture. Freezing works great if you want to prep ahead for a big batch.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop the biscuits in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes, uncovered, until warmed through and the butter on top is soft again. You can also microwave for a quick warm-up, but the oven keeps them from getting chewy and brings back that fresh-from-the-oven feel.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

When I first tried this Garlic Butter Swim Biscuits Recipe, I never expected it to instantly become a family favorite, but here we are! The buttery, garlicky flavor combined with the tender crumb makes these biscuits impossible to resist. I hope you’ll find as much joy in making and eating them as I do—don’t hesitate to dive right into that garlic butter pool and savor every bite. Happy baking, friend!

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