Garlic Butter Swim Biscuits

These garlic butter swim biscuits are unbelievably easy—no kneading, no rolling, no fuss. Tender and fluffy on the inside with golden, crispy edges, the magic comes from baking the buttery batter right in a pool of sizzling garlic butter. Ready in just 30 minutes!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 25

Total Time 40

Servings: 9 biscuits

Course: Bread, Side Dish

Cuisine: American, Southern

Calories: 260

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 teaspoon salt
2 cups buttermilk
1/2 cup butter, melted
3-4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Equipment

9×9-inch baking dish
Mixing bowl
Whisk or wooden spoon
Saucepan or microwave-safe bowl
Knife or bench scraper

Method

Preheat oven to 450°F. This high heat ensures perfectly crispy, golden edges and fluffy centers.
Melt the butter in a saucepan or microwave. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in parsley and pour into the bottom of a 9×9-inch baking dish.
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, garlic powder, and salt until well combined.
Pour in the buttermilk and stir until just combined. The batter will be thick and lumpy—do not overmix.
Spread the biscuit batter evenly over the garlic butter in the baking dish. The batter will 'swim' in the butter.
Use a knife or bench scraper to lightly score the dough into 9 squares (or 12 smaller biscuits).
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool 5 minutes, then cut along score lines. Serve warm for maximum buttery crispiness.

Notes

Do not skip the buttermilk—its acidity reacts with baking powder for the perfect rise. For extra garlic flavor, add a pinch of garlic powder to the butter as well.