Cheddar Bay Butter Swim Biscuits: Golden, Buttery, and Full of Flavor

The Biscuit That Dunks Itself in Butter—Literally

If Red Lobster’s cheddar bay biscuits had a southern cousin that swam in butter and melted in your mouth, this would be it. These Cheddar Bay Butter Swim Biscuits are ridiculously easy to make, and every single bite is rich, cheesy, tender, and soaked in garlicky, seasoned butter. They bake in a pool of butter so the bottom crisps while the inside stays soft, fluffy, and bursting with flavor. No rolling, no cutting—just mix, pour, and bake. Perfect for serving with seafood, soups, stews, fried chicken, or as the star of your comfort food spread.

Ingredients

2½ cups all-purpose flour, 1 tbsp baking powder, 1 tbsp sugar, 1 tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp salt, 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 2 cups buttermilk, ½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick, melted), 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning (optional but recommended), 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or 1 tsp dried parsley flakes

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Pour the melted butter into a 9×9-inch baking dish and tilt to coat the bottom evenly. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar, garlic powder, salt, and Old Bay seasoning if using. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. Pour in the buttermilk and stir until just combined—do not overmix. The dough will be thick and sticky. Spoon the batter evenly into the buttered baking dish. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to gently spread it out to the edges. Using a knife, score the dough into 9 squares (3×3 grid). This helps them bake into pull-apart squares. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are crisp. Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle with chopped parsley. Let cool for 5–10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Tips for the Best Butter Swim Biscuits

Always use cold buttermilk to keep the biscuits light and tender. Shred your own cheddar cheese for the best melt and flavor. Scoring the dough before baking helps them rise evenly and makes serving easier. For extra flavor, stir a bit of garlic butter over the top after baking. If you want a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne or chopped jalapeños to the batter.

Optional Add-Ins & Variations

Add cooked crumbled bacon for smoky flavor. Mix in chopped scallions or chives for a savory twist. Use a mix of cheeses like sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack. Top with extra shredded cheese during the last 5 minutes of baking for a bubbly, cheesy crust.

Final Thoughts

These Cheddar Bay Butter Swim Biscuits are buttery, cheesy, and bursting with flavor in every bite. They’re the definition of comfort food—easy to make, impossible to resist, and always the first thing to disappear at the table. Whether served with seafood, soup, or just slathered in more butter, these biscuits are guaranteed to become a staple in your kitchen.