If you’re on the lookout for a truly irresistible, crowd-pleasing treat, this Garlic Herb Butter Swim Biscuits Recipe is an absolute must-try. Picture warm, fluffy biscuits infused with the savory depth of garlic and fresh herbs, all swimming in a luscious garlic butter topping that locks in moisture and flavor. These biscuits are delightfully golden on top, tender inside, and perfect for elevating any meal or standing confidently on their own. Once you make these, they quickly become a staple because they marry simplicity with amazing taste in such a comforting way.

Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this Garlic Herb Butter Swim Biscuits Recipe so delightful is how simple the ingredients are, yet each one plays an essential role in creating the perfect balance of taste, texture, and color. From the buttermilk that gives tender softness to the punch of fresh garlic for rich aroma, every component counts.
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour: The sturdy base that gives structure and the classic biscuit crumb.
- 1 ¾ cups buttermilk: Adds moisture and a gentle tang that keeps the biscuits tender and moist.
- ½ cup salted butter: Used both in the dough and melted on top to provide richness and that signature buttery flavor.
- 1 Tablespoon granulated sugar: Just enough sweetness to enhance the flavor complexity without overpowering.
- 1 Tablespoon aluminum-free baking powder: The leavening agent that helps the biscuits rise beautifully.
- 2 teaspoons salt: Balances the flavors and enhances the savory notes.
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder: A seasoning staple for a deep garlic layer integrated throughout.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic adds sharpness and a mouthwatering aroma.
- Garlic butter topping: A melt of butter with garlic powder and dried parsley flakes that sweeps the whole dish into garlic herb perfection.
How to Make Garlic Herb Butter Swim Biscuits Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by cranking your oven up to 450°F (232°C). Placing the rack in the upper middle position ensures your biscuits bake evenly to a stunning golden brown top–the visual promise of the deliciousness to come.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
Combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and garlic powder in a medium bowl. Mixing these dry ingredients thoroughly prevents clumps and spreads the flavors evenly, setting the stage for a perfectly seasoned biscuit base.
Step 3: Add Buttermilk Carefully
Pour the buttermilk slowly into the dry mix and stir until combined. Aim for a slightly sticky dough consistency—this is key! Overmixing will develop gluten, making the biscuits tough, so keep it gentle and minimal.
Step 4: Fold in Fresh Garlic
Next, fold in the minced fresh garlic cloves. This step is essential because it ensures the bright and bold garlic notes are evenly spread through every bite without being muted by baking heat.
Step 5: Butter the Baking Dish
Generously butter your glass baking dish to prevent sticking and help your biscuits keep their soft, fluffy shape as they bake to perfection.
Step 6: Transfer Dough and Smooth
Using a spatula, scoop your garlic-herb infused dough into the baking dish and gently spread it out. Being gentle here preserves air pockets in the dough, translating to light and fluffy biscuits.
Step 7: Prepare Garlic Butter Topping
Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl, then stir in garlic powder and dried parsley flakes. This aromatic topping is going to bathe your biscuits with garlicky, buttery goodness that sets this recipe apart.
Step 8: Pour Garlic Butter Over Dough
Evenly drizzle the garlic butter topping over the biscuit dough in the dish. This step not only adds flavor but helps create a beautiful golden crust as it bakes.
Step 9: Bake to Golden Perfection
Pop your dish onto the oven rack and bake for about 25 minutes. Look for a golden-brown surface and a slight rise to know they’re done. The biscuits should feel firm when gently pressed.
Step 10: Cool Slightly and Serve
Once baked, allow your Garlic Herb Butter Swim Biscuits to cool for about 5 minutes. This resting time deepens the flavor and makes them easier to handle without losing warmth.
How to Serve Garlic Herb Butter Swim Biscuits Recipe

Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives on top adds a vibrant fresh color and an herbaceous note that pairs wonderfully with the rich garlic butter flavor. You could also try grating some Parmesan over the warm biscuits for an extra savory twist.
Side Dishes
These biscuits are incredibly versatile. Serve alongside a hearty soup like tomato basil or chicken and vegetable stew for a comforting meal. They’re fantastic with a fresh salad or accompanying roasted meats and grilled vegetables for dinner.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, slice the biscuits in half and use them as the bread base for mini breakfast sliders with scrambled eggs or crispy bacon. Alternatively, serve them warm with honey butter for a sweet-savory snack that will surprise and delight your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from your Garlic Herb Butter Swim Biscuits Recipe (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to keep their soft texture.
Freezing
To keep these biscuits on hand for longer, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a resealable freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. This makes weekly meal prep or unexpected guests easy to handle.
Reheating
Reheat leftover biscuits by warming them briefly in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to revive that fresh-baked aroma and flaky texture. A quick microwave zap can work but won’t preserve their crisped edges like the oven does.
FAQs
Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
Regular milk can be used, but to mimic the tang and tenderness of buttermilk, add a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1 ¾ cups of milk and let it sit for 5-10 minutes before mixing. This will help maintain the soft texture.
What’s the best way to get the garlic flavor without it being overpowering?
The combination of fresh minced garlic folded into the dough and the garlicky butter topping ensures a layered garlic flavor that’s flavorful but balanced. Avoid using too much garlic powder or raw garlic alone to keep it from becoming bitter or harsh.
Can I use a different herb instead of parsley?
Absolutely! Fresh or dried rosemary, thyme, or chives all make great alternatives. Each herb brings its own unique aroma and taste that pairs beautifully with the garlic butter base.
Are these biscuits gluten-free?
Not in their original form since they use all-purpose flour. However, you can experiment with gluten-free all-purpose baking blends, though texture and rise may differ slightly.
Can I make these biscuits vegan?
With some substitutions, yes! Replace the buttermilk with a plant-based milk mixed with lemon juice, use vegan butter for the dough and topping, and make sure your baking powder is aluminum-free and vegan-friendly. Expect taste and texture variations but still delicious results.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you try this Garlic Herb Butter Swim Biscuits Recipe, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them. They bring such a comforting, savory warmth and are less fussy to prepare than you might think. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a special gathering, these biscuits have a way of making every moment feel a little more delicious and inviting. Go ahead, dive in and make these your new favorite biscuit recipe!
Print
Garlic Herb Butter Swim Biscuits Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This recipe for Garlic Herb Butter Swim Biscuits combines fluffy, buttery biscuits infused with both dried and fresh garlic flavors, then topped with a savory garlic butter mixture. Baked to golden perfection, these biscuits are perfect as a flavorful side or snack.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups (312.5 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 ¾ cups (414 ml) buttermilk
- 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
- ½ cup (113 g) salted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) and place the oven rack on the upper middle level to ensure even baking and a nicely browned biscuit top.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and garlic powder. Stir well to evenly distribute the ingredients and avoid clumps.
- Add Buttermilk: Gradually pour the buttermilk into the dry mix and stir gently just until combined. The dough will be slightly sticky, so be careful not to overmix, which can make biscuits tough.
- Incorporate Fresh Garlic: Fold the minced garlic evenly into the dough, ensuring fresh garlic flavor is well distributed without overpowering.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Thoroughly butter a glass baking dish to prevent sticking and help maintain the shape of the biscuits.
- Transfer Dough: Spoon the dough into the greased baking dish and spread it evenly and gently with a spatula to keep the texture soft and fluffy.
- Make Garlic Butter Topping: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the salted butter, then stir in garlic powder and dried parsley flakes to create a flavorful garlic herb butter topping.
- Apply Topping: Pour this garlic butter evenly over the biscuit dough in the baking dish for a rich, savory crust as it bakes.
- Bake: Place the dish on the upper middle rack of the oven and bake for about 25 minutes, or until the biscuits rise slightly and develop a golden-brown color. The biscuits should feel firm to the touch once done.
- Cool and Serve: Let the biscuits cool for 5 minutes to enhance their flavor and make them easier to handle, then serve warm for best enjoyment.
Notes
- Use aluminum-free baking powder to avoid any metallic taste in your biscuits.
- Do not overmix the dough to maintain a tender texture.
- Fresh garlic adds vibrant flavor, but you can adjust the quantity if you prefer a milder or stronger garlic taste.
- If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1 ¾ cups of milk and letting it sit for 5–10 minutes.
- Serving the biscuits warm enhances their buttery, garlicky flavor and texture.

