If you’ve ever dreamed of combining the irresistible flavors of an everything bagel with the buttery, tender delight of a biscuit, you’re in for a real treat. This How to Make Everything Bagel Swim Biscuits Recipe is a game changer, perfectly balancing the savory crunch of classic everything bagel seasoning with the fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth texture of homemade biscuits. Each bite bursts with garlic, onion, sesame, and poppy seed goodness that will elevate your breakfast, brunch, or snack time to new delicious heights. Trust me, once you make these, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them.

Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the magic each ingredient brings. From the tenderizing cream cheese to the tangy poppy and sesame seeds in the everything bagel seasoning, every component works harmoniously to create that perfect biscuit experience.
- 2 1/4 cups (281 g) all-purpose flour: The foundation of your biscuits; use good quality for best results.
- 1 cup (240 ml) cold buttermilk: Adds tang and helps the biscuits stay moist and fluffy.
- 1/4 cup (4 Tbsp; 56 g) unsalted butter, cold: For richness and flaky layers.
- 4 ounces (113 g) full-fat brick cream cheese: The secret ingredient for extra creaminess and tenderness.
- 1 Tablespoon poppy seeds: Adds subtle nutty crunch typical of everything bagels.
- 1 Tablespoon sesame seeds: Another classic flavor enhancer for texture and aroma.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons dried minced onion: Gives savory depth and burst of flavor.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons dried garlic flakes: For that unmistakable garlicky punch.
- 1 teaspoon coarse sea salt or flaky sea salt: Enhances all the flavors and adds crunch on top.
- 2 Tablespoons everything bagel seasoning (incorporated in dough): Ensures flavor infusion throughout.
- 1 heaping Tablespoon everything bagel seasoning (for topping): Gives a bold and attractive finish.
- 1 Tablespoon baking powder: Makes the biscuits rise beautifully.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Works with the buttermilk to create tender crumb.
- 2 teaspoons granulated sugar: Balances the savory notes subtly.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Amplifies the garlic flavor inside the biscuits.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: A pinch for seasoning the dough.
- 2 Tablespoons (30 ml) buttermilk, divided (for brushing biscuit tops): Promotes a golden, shiny crust.
How to Make How to Make Everything Bagel Swim Biscuits Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare Your Everything Bagel Seasoning
Start by cranking your oven up to 425°F (218°C) because a hot oven is essential to create that perfect rise and crispy crust. In a small bowl, blend together 1 Tablespoon poppy seeds, 1 Tablespoon sesame seeds, 1 1/2 teaspoons dried minced onion, 1 1/2 teaspoons dried garlic flakes, and 1 teaspoon coarse sea salt or flaky sea salt. This mixture is your everything bagel seasoning blend, the heart and soul of this recipe.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Next, whisk 2 1/4 cups flour, 2 Tablespoons of your prepared everything bagel seasoning, baking powder, baking soda, granulated sugar, garlic powder, and salt in a large bowl. These dry ingredients set the stage for fluffy and flavorful biscuits loaded with that savory bagel essence.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients and Fat
Make a well in the dry mixture and pour in the cold buttermilk, along with cubed cold butter and cream cheese. Use a pastry cutter, fork, or your hands to gently bring the dough together. The goal is a shaggy dough with coarse crumbs turning moist; overmixing will make the biscuits tough, and we definitely don’t want that!
Step 4: Knead the Dough Lightly
Flour your work surface and turn out the dough with any loose bits. Use floured hands to gently knead just until it forms a cohesive mass. This tender care keeps the biscuits delicate and flaky instead of dense.
Step 5: Roll and Cut Your Biscuits
Flatten the dough into a rectangle about 3/4 inch thick, taking care not to press or stretch too much. Using a 3-inch biscuit cutter, press straight down to cut out your biscuits, avoiding twisting motions that can seal edges and prevent good rising. Collect scraps and repeat.
Step 6: Finish and Bake Your Biscuits
Arrange the biscuits on a baking sheet with some space between them. Brush the tops with buttermilk to encourage a beautiful golden crust. Bake for 12 minutes, then pull them out, brush with more buttermilk, and generously sprinkle the tops with a heaping tablespoon of everything bagel seasoning. Slide them back in for another 8-13 minutes until golden and just firm to the touch. Your kitchen will smell incredible!
How to Serve How to Make Everything Bagel Swim Biscuits Recipe

Garnishes
For an added pop of color and flavor, fresh herbs like chopped chives or parsley are wonderful. A smear of cream cheese or a smear of whipped butter with a pinch of everything bagel seasoning on top makes these biscuits even more addictive.
Side Dishes
These biscuits pair beautifully with classic breakfast staples like scrambled eggs, smoked salmon, or crispy bacon. For a lighter brunch, try serving them alongside a fresh green salad tossed in a lemon vinaigrette.
Creative Ways to Present
Transform these biscuits into mini breakfast sandwiches with sliced deli meats, cheese, and a fried egg. Or turn them into savory sliders with pulled pork or roast chicken, drizzled with honey mustard. They are also fantastic simply served warm with jam or honey for an unexpected twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover biscuits can be stored tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They remain soft and fresh enough to enjoy later without losing their charm.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze unbaked or baked biscuits in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. To bake from frozen, add a few extra minutes to your baking time and do not thaw beforehand. For baked biscuits, just reheat directly from frozen in a warm oven.
Reheating
To revive your biscuits, warm them in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 8-10 minutes. You can also microwave them for 15-20 seconds and then crisp slightly under the broiler if you want to restore that fresh-baked texture.
FAQs
Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
While you can substitute regular milk, adding a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar per cup will mimic buttermilk’s acidity and help activate the baking soda and powder for fluffier biscuits.
Is cream cheese necessary in this recipe?
Cream cheese adds a wonderful richness and moisture that sets these biscuits apart, but if you’re in a pinch, you can omit it; just expect a slightly different texture and flavor.
Can I make these biscuits gluten-free?
Yes, but you’ll need to use a high-quality gluten-free flour blend formulated for baking. The texture may vary slightly, but these biscuits can still be deliciously fluffy.
What if I don’t have everything bagel seasoning? Can I make my own?
Absolutely! Mix poppy seeds, sesame seeds, dried minced onion, dried garlic flakes, and coarse salt in equal parts to create your own seasoning blend to sprinkle inside and on top of the biscuits.
How do I prevent the biscuits from turning dense?
The key is gentle mixing and minimal kneading. Overworking activates too much gluten and results in tough biscuits. Also, be sure your butter and cream cheese are cold to create flaky layers.
Final Thoughts
This How to Make Everything Bagel Swim Biscuits Recipe is more than just a biscuit; it’s a flavor-packed celebration of one of the best savory snack combos out there. Whether you’re elevating a simple breakfast or adding a unique side to your dinner spread, these biscuits are guaranteed to impress and satisfy. So grab your ingredients, get your oven ready, and dive into making these delightful treats — you’re going to love every single bite!
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How to Make Everything Bagel Swim Biscuits Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Everything Bagel Swim Biscuits combine the bold, savory flavors of classic everything bagel seasoning with a tender, flaky biscuit texture. Perfectly buttery with a crisp golden crust and studded with poppy seeds, sesame seeds, garlic, and onion, these biscuits make a delightful accompaniment to any breakfast or brunch table.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups (281 g) all-purpose flour, good quality
- 1 cup (240 ml) cold buttermilk
- 1/4 cup (4 Tbsp; 56 g) unsalted butter, cold
- 4 ounces (113 g) full-fat brick cream cheese
- 2 Tablespoons everything bagel seasoning (incorporated in dough)
- 1 Tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Everything Bagel Seasoning Mix
- 1 Tablespoon poppy seeds
- 1 Tablespoon sesame seeds
- 1 1/2 teaspoons dried minced onion
- 1 1/2 teaspoons dried garlic flakes
- 1 teaspoon coarse sea salt or flaky sea salt
Topping
- 1 heaping Tablespoon everything bagel seasoning (for topping)
- 2 Tablespoons (30 ml) buttermilk, divided (for brushing biscuit tops)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C). A hot oven is essential to ensure biscuits rise properly and produce a crispy outer crust with a tender interior.
- Mix Everything Bagel Seasoning: In a small bowl, combine 1 Tablespoon poppy seeds, 1 Tablespoon sesame seeds, 1 1/2 teaspoons dried minced onion, 1 1/2 teaspoons dried garlic flakes, and 1 teaspoon coarse sea salt or flaky sea salt. Mix well to evenly distribute flavors.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, 2 Tablespoons of the everything bagel seasoning mix, baking powder, baking soda, granulated sugar, garlic powder, and salt until fully combined.
- Add Wet Ingredients and Mix: Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients. Pour in the cold buttermilk, add the cream cheese and cold unsalted butter cut into small pieces. Using a pastry cutter, fork, or your hands, gently combine just until the dough begins to come together, forming coarse crumbs then a shaggy dough.
- Knead Gently: Pour the dough onto a floured surface and gently knead with floured hands just until it comes together. Avoid overworking to keep biscuits light and flaky.
- Roll Out Dough: Flatten the dough into a roughly 3/4 inch thick rectangle using a floured rolling pin or hands, ensuring an even thickness for uniform baking. Avoid overworking the dough.
- Cut Biscuits: Using a 3-inch biscuit cutter, press straight down into the dough to cut biscuits, avoiding twisting. Gather scraps, gently re-flatten, and cut additional biscuits as needed.
- Prepare for Baking: Place biscuits on a baking sheet spaced slightly apart. Brush the tops with 1 Tablespoon of buttermilk to encourage browning and richness.
- Bake Initial Time: Bake in the preheated oven for about 12 minutes.
- Mid-Bake Topping: Remove the biscuits halfway through baking, brush tops with the remaining 1 Tablespoon of buttermilk, and sprinkle generously with 1 heaping Tablespoon of everything bagel seasoning for extra flavor and texture.
- Finish Baking: Return biscuits to the oven and continue baking until they are lightly golden and just firm to the touch, totaling 20-25 minutes of bake time. Remove from oven and serve warm.
Notes
- Use cold butter and cream cheese to ensure flakier biscuits.
- Avoid overmixing and over-kneading the dough to keep biscuits tender and light.
- Press the biscuit cutter straight down without twisting to allow proper rising.
- Brush with buttermilk before and midway through baking for best crust development.
- Enjoy fresh but these biscuits can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days or frozen for longer storage.

