Cheddar Garlic Butter Swim Biscuits (+Video)

Name: Cheddar Garlic Butter Swim Biscuits (+Video)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 1/2 cup (1 stick) salted butter; 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 Tablespoon granulated sugar; 1 Tablespoon aluminum-free baking powder; 2 teaspoons salt; 2 teaspoons garlic powder; 1 3/4 cups buttermilk ((you may need 2 cups)); 1 cups freshly shredded cheddar cheese; 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh chives ((optional))

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Cheddar Garlic Butter Swim Biscuits (a.k.a. Butter Dip Biscuits) are incredibly fluffy and flavorful but so easy to make since you don't even need a biscuit cutter!

CHEDDAR BAY BUTTER DIP BISCUITS

If you are a fan of Red Lobster's Cheddar Bay Biscuits then you are really going to love this recipe I created! You don't even need a biscuit cutter. This is a super easy and fast way to make those fluffy cheddar and garlic biscuits. These Cheddar Garlic Butter Swim Biscuits are based off my super popular recipe for Butter Dip Biscuits (a.k.a. Butter Swim Biscuits). I just added some cheddar cheese, garlic powder and chives (which are optional). You won't believe how amazing these biscuits smell while they're baking! And the taste is even better!

a slice of Cheddar Garlic Butter Swim Biscuit on a brown and white plate and sprinkled with shredded cheese and chopped chives.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Can I use a larger baking dish?

Yes. You could certainly use an 11x7-inch or 9x13-inch but the biscuits will be thinner. You will have to adjust your baking time as well for that adjustment.

What can I substitute for buttermilk if I don't have it?

You can substitute with milk. Just make sure it is a higher fat milk (not skim). Or you can make your own buttermilk: the ratio is one tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to one cup of milk. Stir well and allow it to sit for 5-10 minutes until thickened.

Can I use a butter substitute?

No. Only real butter works in this recipe. Any margarine or butter substitute (like plant butter) won't work properly with this recipe. It has to be real butter - no substitutes. Again, there are so few ingredients in this recipe that each one is vital to the success of the recipe.

Can I use a metal pan instead of glass or ceramic?

I don't recommend metal. Only because metal can get very hot, very quickly and the edges of your biscuits might get burned while you're still waiting on the inside of your biscuits to get done.

Can I use a milk substitute like almond milk or oat milk?

Honestly, I do not drink, cook or bake with anything other than cow's milk so I honestly cannot say but I personally would not recommend it. However, if you try it, please let me know!

Can Cheddar Garlic Butter Swim Biscuits be made with whole wheat flour?

I've never tried it so I can't say. I think you could but you would need to add more buttermilk since whole wheat flour is more dense than traditional winter wheat. If you do, please let me know how it turned out for you!

Why do I need to spray with nonstick spray if using butter?

Technically you do not need to. I just like to make doubly sure that the biscuits will not be sticking anywhere in my baking dish. So don't worry if you don't have any nonstick spray. This recipe works without it.

fully baked Cheddar Garlic Butter Dip Biscuits shown in a square white baking dish on a wood surface.

INGREDIENTS NEEDED: (FULL RECIPE AT THE BOTTOM OF THE POST)

salted butter
all-purpose flour
granulated sugar
aluminum-free baking powder
salt
garlic powder
buttermilk
shredded cheddar cheese
finely chopped fresh chives (optional)

block of cheddar cheese, all purpose flour, buttermilk, baking powder, garlic powder, fresh chives and a stick of butter.

HOW TO MAKE CHEDDAR GARLIC BUTTER SWIM BISCUITS

Preheat oven to 450F degrees. Spray a glass or ceramic 8x8-inch or 9x9-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray (I like the kind with flour in it). In a microwave-safe bowl, melt stick of butter in the microwave. Pour melted butter into prepared baking dish.

melted butter in a white square baking dish with handles.

In a medium bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt and garlic powder.

all purpose flour, salt, garlic powder, sugar and baking powder in a glass bowl

Pour in the buttermilk. Stir until a sticky batter forms.

buttermilk added on top of flour mixture in a clear bowl.

If batter still seems too dry add a tad bit more buttermilk until the batter is thick and sticky.

biscuit dough batter after buttermilk was added and stirred in.

Add in the shredded cheddar and chives.

shredded cheddar and chopped chives in a glass bowl.

Stir gently until combined.

fully combined cheddar garlic biscuit batter in a glass bowl

Pour biscuit dough into baking dish (right on top of the melted butter.) Some of the butter will run over the top of the dough. Tip: I will spray my hand with some nonstick spray to help spread the dough out evenly in the pan.

a knife cutting through biscuit dough batter in a white square baking dish.

Cut the dough into 9 squares (as best you can). This will help with cutting later when the biscuits are baked.

biscuit dough cut into 9 squares in a baking dish.

Bake (on the middle oven rack) for about 25-30 minutes, rotating dish once during baking.

closeup photo of cheddar garlic butter swim biscuits, fully baked, in a white baking dish.

Oven times DO VARY since different ovens have different hot spots, but basically biscuits should be golden brown on top and spring back to the touch. Insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean with no batter, they are done! Also, if you love this recipe, definitely need to try making them sweet like in my Blueberry Butter Swim Biscuits!