Looking for a new twist on dinner rolls? These garlic herb butter swim biscuits are fluffy, savory, and oh-so-satisfying! They’re perfect for soaking up sauce or enjoying on their own, providing a delightful taste to any meal.
This recipe targets dry, dense biscuits and weak garlic flavor while providing a quick method to produce soft, buttery garlic herb butter swim biscuits consistently.

Sometimes, I struggle with achieving just the right texture in my biscuits. I’ve had dry batches that just didn’t work out, leaving me disappointed. With this recipe, I found a way to make sure they turn out soft and buttery every time, all while being super easy to prepare.
What makes this recipe special is that it throws in a generous garlic butter topping, giving a rich flavor without complicating the process. In just about 30 minutes, you’ll have a warm batch ready to enjoy, and trust me, they won’t last long on the table.
If you need another quick bread to pair alongside, check out my Strawberry Biscuits for a sweet treat that balances all those savory flavors perfectly!
Table of contents
Dietary Considerations
- This recipe is not gluten-free due to the inclusion of all-purpose flour in the ingredient list.
- The recipe contains butter and cheddar cheese, so it is unsuitable for vegan diets.
- The recipe is vegetarian as it does not contain any meat or animal-derived gelatin products.
- This recipe does not meet dairy-free requirements because of butter, cheddar cheese, and buttermilk present.
- The recipe is nut-free and keto is not suitable due to high flour and buttermilk carbohydrate content.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Incredibly Fluffy Texture These biscuits are made with buttermilk and leavening agents, creating a light, airy bite that simply melts in your mouth.
- Robust Garlic Flavor The combination of fresh minced garlic and garlic powder in both the dough and topping delivers a satisfying garlic punch that’s hard to resist.
- Quick Preparation With only 30 minutes from start to finish, you can whip up these easy garlic herb butter swim biscuits anytime you need a tasty side.
- Great for Any Meal Whether it’s a cozy dinner or a casual brunch, these biscuits add an unforgettable touch to your table and make every meal feel special.

How to Make Garlic Herb Butter Swim Biscuits
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cool Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings 1x
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Savory, flaky garlic butter swim biscuits with a rich garlic butter topping. Perfect for any meal!
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups (312.5 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 ¾ cups (414 ml) buttermilk
- ½ cup (113 g) salted butter
- 1 Tablespoon (12.5 g) granulated sugar
- 1 Tablespoon (14 g) aluminum-free baking powder
- 2 teaspoons (10 g) salt
- 2 teaspoons (6 g) garlic powder
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Garlic butter topping made from melted butter, dried parsley flakes, and garlic powder (quantities included in instructions)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 450°F (232°C). Position the rack on the upper middle level to ensure even baking and a golden-brown top.
- Step 2: In a medium-sized bowl, combine 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour, 1 Tablespoon granulated sugar, 1 Tablespoon aluminum-free baking powder, 2 teaspoons salt, and 2 teaspoons garlic powder. Stir well to prevent clumps and ensure even flavor distribution.
- Step 3: Gradually pour 1 ¾ cups buttermilk into the dry ingredients, stirring gently just until the mixture is combined. The dough should be slightly sticky. Avoid overmixing to prevent tough biscuits.
- Step 4: Fold 4 cloves of minced fresh garlic into the dough evenly. This distributes the fresh garlic flavor without losing its punch during baking.
- Step 5: Butter a glass baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking and maintain biscuit shape.
- Step 6: Spoon the dough into the greased baking dish and spread it out gently using a spatula to keep the dough soft and fluffy.
- Step 7: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt ½ cup salted butter. Stir in garlic powder and dried parsley flakes (amounts adjusted so the topping evenly flavors the biscuits).
- Step 8: Pour the garlic butter topping evenly over the biscuit dough in the prepared baking dish.
- Step 9: Place the baking dish on the upper middle rack of the preheated oven and bake for approximately 25 minutes. Check for a golden-brown color on top and a slight rise as signs of doneness. Biscuits should feel firm to the touch.
- Step 10: Allow the biscuits to cool slightly for about 5 minutes to enhance flavor and make them easier to handle, then serve warm.
Notes
- Room Temperature: Store biscuits in an airtight container for up to 2 days, keeping them away from direct sunlight and heat.
- Refrigeration: Place in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. Bring to room temperature before serving.
- Freezing: Wrap each biscuit individually in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- If the dough is overly sticky, sprinkle in an additional ¼ cup of flour while mixing until it reaches a manageable consistency.
- Check biscuits for doneness after 20 minutes; they should be golden brown and firm to the touch.
- If garlic butter topping cools and thickens, reheat in the microwave on medium power for 10 seconds to restore pourability.
- Add ½ teaspoon extra garlic powder to the topping for a stronger garlic note.
- If biscuits are not browning sufficiently, move the baking dish to the top rack for the last 5 minutes of baking.
- Reheat biscuits in the microwave briefly if cold. Reheat garlic butter topping in the microwave for 10 seconds if needed to keep it pourable.
- Serve with a fresh side salad or roasted vegetables.
- Pair biscuits with creamy potato soup or tomato bisque.
- Use as part of a breakfast spread or for savory breakfast sandwiches with scrambled eggs.
- Top with garlic aioli or fresh herbs, or add melted cheese or crushed red pepper flakes for additional flavor.
- For gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with a good measure-for-measure gluten-free flour blend.
- Use unsalted butter if preferred, adjusting salt as necessary in the dough.
- Fresh herbs such as parsley and chives can be incorporated for enhanced flavor.
- Cheddar cheese can be added for extra tang by shredding fresh block cheese.
- Use firm and fresh garlic cloves; avoid soft or sprouting garlic.
- All-purpose flour ensures the desired fluffy texture.
- Buttermilk adds tang and tenderness; substitute by mixing milk with vinegar if unavailable.
- Check baking powder freshness for optimal rise.
- Freshly cracked black pepper can be added for a subtle bite.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 biscuit
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg

Ingredient Notes
- Flour: Use all-purpose flour for a nice, fluffy texture. If you want gluten-free, a good measure-for-measure blend works too.
- Butter: I like using unsalted butter so I can control the flavor. It adds moisture and richness, crucial for those swim biscuits. Make sure it’s softened but not melted!
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives a punch of flavor. Aim for cloves that are firm; avoid any that feel soft or sprouting.
- Fresh herbs: Use a mix of parsley and chives for balanced flavor. Look for bright green leaves, this means they’re fresh and flavorful.
- Buttermilk: It helps keep the biscuits tender. If you don’t have it, you can make a quick substitute by mixing regular milk with vinegar.
- Cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar brings a nice tang. Get a block and shred it yourself for better melt and flavor.
- Baking powder: Look for a reliable brand to ensure your biscuits rise well. Check the expiration date for optimal freshness.
- Black pepper: Freshly cracked black pepper adds a subtle bite. Use a grinder if you have one for the best flavor.
Recipe Tips
- If your dough is too sticky, sprinkle in an additional ¼ cup of flour while mixing until it reaches a manageable consistency before pouring into the baking dish.
- When baking, check the biscuits for doneness 20 minutes in; they should be golden brown on top and firm to the touch for best results.
- If the garlic butter topping cools too quickly, reheat it in the microwave on medium power for about 10 seconds to maintain a pourable consistency before serving.
- For a more pronounced garlic flavor, consider adding an additional ½ teaspoon of garlic powder to the topping right before pouring it over the biscuits.
- If your biscuits don’t brown well, move the baking dish to the top rack of the oven for the last 5 minutes of baking to achieve the desired color.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with a refreshing side salad or roasted vegetables. Pair alongside creamy potato soup or a tangy tomato bisque.
Add to any breakfast spread or use to make savory breakfast sandwiches. Incorporate into a brunch buffet or serve alongside scrambled eggs.
Top with a drizzle of garlic aioli or a sprinkle of fresh herbs. Consider melting cheese or adding crushed red pepper for extra flavor.
Recipe variations
- You can use shredded cheese like cheddar or Parmesan folded into the biscuit dough for added flavor and texture with about ½ cup cheese mixed in evenly.
- Add fresh herbs such as 1 tablespoon chopped rosemary or thyme along with the garlic powder to enhance the herbaceous notes in the seasoning.
- Either salted butter or unsalted butter can be melted for the garlic butter topping, adjusting the added salt in the recipe if using unsalted butter.
- If scaling for a larger batch, double the ingredients to yield 18 swim biscuits and bake in a 9×13-inch glass baking dish for even cooking. You may also enjoy these Blueberry Butter Swim Biscuits alongside for variety.
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How to Store?
To keep your garlic herb butter swim biscuits fresh and delicious, follow these storage tips:
Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature up to 2 days. Keep away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
Refrigeration: Place biscuits in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 7 days. Bring to room temperature before serving.
Freezing: Wrap individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature.
Other Recipes You’ll Love
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- Sugar Free Donuts
- Chocolate Old Fashioned Doughnuts
If you enjoyed this Garlic Herb Butter Swim Biscuits or any other recipe on my blog, please leave a ⭐ star rating and let me know how it went in the comments below. I appreciate taking time to read about this recipe, thank you!