There’s just something about warm, buttery biscuits fresh out of the oven that feels like a big hug from your kitchen. And these Garlic Butter Swim Biscuits? Let’s just say they don’t just deliver comfort—they dive right into it. Super simple to mix up, ridiculously flavorful, and baked in a pool of garlic butter, these golden beauties are the answer to your biscuit dreams.
This is one of those recipes that once you try it, you’re going to keep it on hand forever. They’re perfect for busy weeknights, brunch spreads, potlucks, or as a quick and easy side to soups and stews. The buttery crust, fluffy center, and subtle garlic flavor make them incredibly irresistible. Oh—and did I mention they basically bake themselves in butter?
Let’s get right into how to make this melt-in-your-mouth goodness.
INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED
Here’s what goes into this easy garlic butter biscuit recipe:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 ¾ cups buttermilk
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
STEP-BY-STEP RECIPE INSTRUCTIONS
STEP 1: PREHEAT OVEN
Set your oven to 450°F (230°C) so it’s nice and hot when the biscuits go in. These biscuits bake quickly and need that high heat to get those crisp, golden edges.
STEP 2: MIX DRY INGREDIENTS
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar, salt, and garlic powder. You want everything well combined before you add the wet ingredients.

STEP 3: ADD BUTTERMILK
Pour in the buttermilk and stir until just combined. Don’t overmix here—it’s totally okay if the batter is a little lumpy. That’s what gives these biscuits their tender texture.
STEP 4: PREPARE THE BAKING DISH
Pour the melted butter into an 8×8-inch baking dish. Make sure to tilt the dish a little to coat the entire bottom. This is where the magic happens—those biscuits are going to “swim” in the butter while they bake.
FINISHING YOUR GARLIC BUTTER SWIM BISCUITS
By now, your dough is ready, and that melted butter is waiting in the baking dish. This is where the biscuits really earn their name. As they bake, the butter bubbles up around them, crisping the edges while keeping the inside soft and fluffy. Let’s dive into the final steps.
STEP 5: ADD THE DOUGH
Carefully scoop the biscuit dough into the baking dish over the melted butter. Use a spatula to gently spread the dough out to the edges of the dish. Don’t worry about it being perfect—the butter will help everything settle while it bakes.
Pro tip: It’s okay if some of the butter rises up around the edges of the dough—that’s exactly what we want! It’s what gives these biscuits their signature crisp and golden bottom.

STEP 6: SCORE THE DOUGH
Use a sharp knife to gently score the top of the dough into 9 equal squares. This isn’t mandatory, but it really helps the biscuits bake evenly and makes them easier to cut after they come out of the oven.
Just press lightly—you’re not slicing all the way through. Think of it as pre-marking where each biscuit will be.
STEP 7: BAKE
Place your baking dish in the oven and bake for 25 to 28 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the edges look crisp.
You’ll know they’re ready when the butter is bubbling around the sides and the kitchen smells like heaven. Keep an eye on them around the 25-minute mark to avoid overbaking.

STEP 8: GARNISH AND SERVE
Once baked, let the biscuits cool for 5–10 minutes. Then use the score lines to cut them into squares. If you’d like, sprinkle a little chopped fresh parsley over the top for a pop of color and freshness.
Serve warm, and get ready for compliments. They go great with soups, stews, salads, or just on their own with a pat of extra butter (because… why not?).
TIPS FOR THE BEST SWIM BISCUITS
- Don’t overmix the dough. Stir just until the ingredients are combined to keep the texture light and fluffy.
- Use real buttermilk. If you don’t have it, you can substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to 1 ¾ cups of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
- Keep an eye on the oven. Every oven runs differently, so check your biscuits at the 25-minute mark to make sure they don’t overbrown.
- Double the batch. These go fast, especially if you’re serving a crowd. You can easily double the recipe and bake it in a 9×13-inch dish—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT GARLIC BUTTER SWIM BISCUITS
Can I use self-rising flour instead of all-purpose flour and baking powder?
Yes! If you use self-rising flour, you can skip the baking powder and salt. Just add the garlic powder and continue as directed.
What if I don’t have buttermilk?
No problem. You can make a quick substitute by mixing 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice with 1 ¾ cups of milk. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes before using.
Can I add cheese to the dough?
Absolutely! Shredded cheddar or Parmesan would be delicious. Fold in ½ to 1 cup of cheese when you add the buttermilk for a cheesy twist.
Can I make these biscuits ahead of time?
These are best served warm from the oven, but you can make them a few hours ahead. Reheat in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes to refresh the texture before serving.
Do these biscuits freeze well?
You can freeze the baked biscuits for up to 2 months. Let them cool completely, wrap tightly, and reheat in the oven when ready to eat. They’ll still be soft and buttery.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Double all ingredients and use a 9×13-inch baking dish. You may need to bake for an additional 5–8 minutes. Just watch for that golden top and crispy edge.
WRAPPING IT UP: YOUR NEW FAVORITE BISCUIT RECIPE
There’s just something about the simplicity of these Garlic Butter Swim Biscuits that makes them feel a little magical. Whether you’re serving them with a hearty stew, a fresh garden salad, or just enjoying one with a slather of butter straight from the oven—they’re comfort food at its finest.
The crispy edges, soft center, and that hint of garlic running through every bite will have your family reaching for seconds (and thirds). These are the kinds of recipes that get passed down or added to your “go-to” list for weeknights, potlucks, or any day that needs a little extra warmth.
If you give this recipe a try, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Feel free to leave a comment or share your own twist—maybe you added cheese, extra herbs, or served them alongside a creamy soup. However you make them, I hope they become a new favorite in your kitchen too.
Happy baking
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GARLIC BUTTER SWIM BISCUITS THAT MELT IN YOUR MOUTH
- Total Time: 35 min
Description
These Garlic Butter Swim Biscuits are rich, fluffy, and ultra-buttery with a golden, crispy edge and soft, tender interior. Baked in a pool of garlic butter, they’re impossible to resist — the perfect side for soups, stews, or any meal!
Ingredients
For the biscuits:
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2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
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1 tbsp baking powder
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1 tbsp sugar
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1 tsp salt
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1 tsp garlic powder
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2 cups buttermilk
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½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
For the garlic butter base:
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½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tsp dried parsley or Italian seasoning (optional)
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat the oven:
Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Lightly grease an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch baking dish.
2️⃣ Prepare the garlic butter base:
In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, and parsley or seasoning (if using). Pour into the bottom of the baking dish.
3️⃣ Make the biscuit dough:
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, sugar, salt, and garlic powder. Add the buttermilk and stir until just combined (the batter will be slightly wet).
4️⃣ Add to the baking dish:
Pour the biscuit dough over the garlic butter in the baking dish. Gently spread it to the edges in an even layer.
5️⃣ Score the dough:
Use a knife to lightly score the top of the dough into 9 squares — this helps them bake and cut more evenly.
6️⃣ Bake:
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7️⃣ Cool and serve:
Let cool for 5 minutes. Slice along the score lines and serve warm — no need for extra butter!
Notes
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For cheesy garlic biscuits, fold in ½ cup shredded cheddar to the dough.
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Don’t overmix the batter; a few lumps are okay for tender biscuits.
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These are best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated in the oven or air fryer.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 25 min