If you love the savory, crunchy delight of a classic everything bagel but crave a warm, flaky biscuit to elevate your breakfast or brunch, then the Everything Bagel Swim Biscuits Recipe is your new best friend. These biscuits masterfully blend the irresistible everything bagel seasoning with a tender, buttery dough enriched by cream cheese and buttermilk, producing a golden crust bursting with poppy seeds, sesame seeds, onion, garlic, and salt. Whether you’re a biscuit enthusiast or an everything bagel addict, these flavorful, soft, and aromatic biscuits will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need
This Everything Bagel Swim Biscuits Recipe uses straightforward ingredients, but each one is crucial to building that perfect balance of texture and flavor. From the tangy buttermilk to the creamy cheese and the signature everything bagel seasoning, every element plays an essential role.
- All-purpose flour (2 1/4 cups): The foundation that creates tender, fluffy biscuits when combined correctly.
- Cold buttermilk (1 cup plus 2 Tbsp): Adds a subtle tang and reacts with baking soda for lift.
- Unsalted butter (1/4 cup, cold): Provides rich flavor and those flaky layers you crave.
- Full-fat brick cream cheese (4 ounces): Makes the biscuits moist and luxuriously soft inside.
- Poppy seeds (1 Tbsp): Adds a delightful crunch and visual appeal.
- Sesame seeds (1 Tbsp): Brings nuttiness that complements the other spices beautifully.
- Dried minced onion (1 1/2 tsp): Infuses savory depth that awakens the palate.
- Dried garlic flakes (1 1/2 tsp): Enhances flavor with a subtle, roasted garlic note.
- Coarse or flaky sea salt (1 tsp): Balances sweetness and highlights seasoning.
- Everything bagel seasoning (2 Tbsp in dough plus 1 heaping Tbsp for topping): The star ingredient tying all flavors together.
- Baking powder (1 Tbsp): Gives the biscuits a steady rise and lightness.
- Baking soda (1/2 tsp): Works with buttermilk to make biscuits tender and fluffy.
- Granulated sugar (2 tsp): Just a hint of sweetness to balance savory notes.
- Garlic powder (1 tsp): Adds an extra layer of garlic flavor throughout.
- Salt (1/2 tsp): Enhances the overall taste subtly within the dough.
How to Make Everything Bagel Swim Biscuits Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Oven
Start by heating your oven to a fiery 425°F (218°C). A hot oven is essential here because it guarantees that perfect biscuit rise with a flaky, slightly crispy outside and tender interior. While the oven warms, gather all your ingredients nearby to streamline the mixing and baking process.
Step 2: Mix the Everything Bagel Seasoning Blend
In a small bowl, carefully combine 1 tablespoon each of poppy seeds and sesame seeds, 1 1/2 teaspoons of dried minced onion, 1 1/2 teaspoons of garlic flakes, and 1 teaspoon of coarse sea salt. Mixing these seasoning components ensures every biscuit will have that distinct everything bagel flavor evenly spread throughout.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together your all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons of everything bagel seasoning from your mixture, baking powder, baking soda, sugar, garlic powder, and salt. This blend of dry ingredients forms the structural base of the dough and infuses the dough itself with wonderful seasoning, making each bite savory and flavorful.
Step 4: Add the Creamy Goodness
Make a well in the center of your dry ingredients and pour in the cold buttermilk, then add the cream cheese and cold butter chunks. Use a pastry cutter, fork, or even your clean hands to gently mix just until the dough starts to come together. It should form coarse crumbs initially and then a shaggy dough; don’t overmix or you’ll end up with dense biscuits instead of tender ones.
Step 5: Knead Gently on a Floured Surface
Turn the dough out onto a floured work surface, and using floured hands, knead just enough to bring it together into a smooth mass. This light kneading keeps layers intact, which leads to those delightful flakey textures we all love in biscuits.
Step 6: Roll and Shape the Dough
Press or gently roll the dough into an even 3/4 inch thick rectangle. Uniform thickness will ensure your biscuits bake evenly. Resist the urge to overwork or stretch the dough, which could compromise the texture and tenderness.
Step 7: Cut Out Your Biscuits
Using a 3-inch biscuit cutter, plunge straight down into the dough without twisting—this helps keep the biscuit edges clean so they rise properly and stay fluffy. Gather the scraps, gently re-roll, and cut out more biscuits until you use all the dough.
Step 8: Prepare for Baking
Place your biscuits spaced on a baking sheet and brush the tops with 1 tablespoon of buttermilk. This little extra step helps create a golden, glossy surface that’s both inviting and delicious.
Step 9: Bake and Midway Brush
Bake for about 12 minutes, then briefly remove the biscuits to brush again with the remaining buttermilk. Sprinkle that heaping tablespoon of everything bagel seasoning generously on top to pump up the flavor and give your biscuits an eye-catching finish.
Step 10: Finish Baking
Return the biscuits to the oven and continue baking for a total of 20 to 25 minutes or until they’re just golden and firm to the touch. The wait is worth it; the result is a biscuit that’s irresistibly soft on the inside with a beautifully seasoned crust.
How to Serve Everything Bagel Swim Biscuits Recipe

Garnishes
Garnishing these biscuits is a joyful way to customize the experience. Try a pat of creamy butter that melts into warm layers, a smear of herb-infused cream cheese, or a drizzle of honey for an unexpected sweet-savory contrast. Freshly chopped chives or scallions can add a fresh pop of color and mild onion flavor for extra flair.
Side Dishes
These biscuits shine alongside hearty breakfasts like scrambled eggs, smoked salmon, or a crisp side salad. They also complement cream-based soups or chowders perfectly, soaking up the rich flavors and providing a satisfying textural counterpart. For brunch gatherings, pair with roasted vegetables or a charcuterie board for a truly elevated meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond just serving these beauties on a plate. Stack them with layers of melted cheese, avocado slices, or deli meats to create delightful biscuit sandwiches. Another fun idea is cutting them in half and using them as the base for mini open-faced bagel-style bites topped with cream cheese and cucumber or smoked salmon, bringing that “everything bagel” vibe to a new level.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Everything Bagel Swim Biscuits can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To maintain their freshness, wrap them tightly or keep them in a resealable bag. This way, you can enjoy that fresh-baked flavor even after the initial feast.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the biscuits individually on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They freeze wonderfully for up to 3 months. This is perfect for busy mornings or unexpected guests, allowing you to have delicious everything bagel biscuits at your fingertips anytime.
Reheating
Reheat frozen or refrigerated biscuits by warming them in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for around 10 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can make biscuits soggy. For an added crisp factor, warm them directly on a wire rack in the oven.
FAQs
Can I use regular cream cheese instead of brick cream cheese?
Yes, you can substitute regular cream cheese, but brick cream cheese tends to have a firmer texture and higher fat content, which helps create a richer, more tender biscuit.
Is it okay to use dried garlic flakes, or can I substitute fresh garlic?
Dried garlic flakes provide a more subtle, roasted garlic flavor that’s perfect for even seasoning distribution. Fresh garlic can be too strong and may introduce moisture that affects dough texture.
Can I make these biscuits gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version, use a high-quality gluten-free flour blend that is suitable for baking. Keep in mind that texture and rise might differ slightly, but the flavor of the everything bagel seasoning will still shine.
How important is it to use cold butter and buttermilk?
Cold butter is critical as it creates flaky layers when it melts during baking. Cold buttermilk helps activate baking soda while keeping the dough cool to prevent overworking, which preserves biscuit tenderness.
Can I double this recipe for a larger batch?
Absolutely! Doubling the recipe is straightforward—just be sure to use a larger mixing bowl and multiple baking sheets. Bake batches at a time to avoid overcrowding the oven, ensuring each biscuit gets perfect heat exposure.
Final Thoughts
This Everything Bagel Swim Biscuits Recipe is a game changer for anyone who adores the iconic everything bagel flavor and the comforting embrace of a biscuit. It’s a recipe that effortlessly blends savory, crispy, and tender elements into one unforgettable bite. Whether you’re serving it for a weekend brunch or a special occasion, these biscuits promise to bring smiles and satisfied appetites. Don’t hesitate—grab those ingredients and treat yourself to this tasty comfort!
Print
Everything Bagel Swim Biscuits Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Everything Bagel Swim Biscuits are a savory twist on classic biscuits, infused with the iconic flavors of everything bagel seasoning. Made with cream cheese and cold buttermilk, they feature a tender, flaky interior with a crispy, golden crust topped with a hearty sprinkle of poppy seeds, sesame seeds, garlic, onion, and sea salt. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a flavorful side to any meal.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups (281 g) all-purpose flour, good quality
- 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
Dairy and Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup (240 ml) cold buttermilk
- 4 ounces (113 g) full-fat brick cream cheese
- 1/4 cup (4 Tbsp; 56 g) unsalted butter, cold, cut into small pieces
- 2 Tablespoons (30 ml) buttermilk, divided (for brushing biscuit tops)
Topping
- 1 heaping Tablespoon everything bagel seasoning (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 425°F (218°C). A hot oven is critical to achieve a proper rise, creating biscuits with a crisp outside and tender inside.
- Prepare the everything bagel seasoning mix: 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. Stir well to blend all flavors evenly.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, 2 Tablespoons of the prepared everything bagel seasoning, baking powder, baking soda, sugar, garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt until everything is well incorporated.
- Mix wet ingredients into dry: Create a well in the flour mixture and pour in 1 cup cold buttermilk, then add the cream cheese and cold butter pieces. Using a pastry cutter, fork, or your hands, gently mix just until the dough begins to form coarse crumbs turning into a shaggy dough. Be careful not to overmix to avoid dense biscuits.
- Knead the dough: Transfer dough and any scraps to a floured surface. Gently knead with floured hands just until the dough comes together; overworking will toughen the biscuits.
- Roll out the dough: Flatten the dough with a rolling pin or your hands into a 3/4 inch (about 2 cm) thick rectangle, aiming for uniform thickness without stretching or overworking.
- Cut the biscuits: Using a 3-inch (7.5 cm) biscuit cutter, press straight down to cut biscuits from the dough. Avoid twisting the cutter to preserve the edges. Re-flatten scraps gently and cut remaining biscuits.
- Prepare for baking: Place biscuits on a baking sheet spaced slightly apart. Brush tops with 1 Tablespoon buttermilk to encourage browning.
- Bake halfway and top: Bake biscuits at 425°F for about 12 minutes. Remove from oven, brush with remaining 1 Tablespoon buttermilk, and generously sprinkle with 1 heaping Tablespoon everything bagel seasoning.
- Finish baking: Return biscuits to the oven and bake for an additional 8-13 minutes, until tops are lightly golden and biscuits feel firm to the touch. Serve warm.
Notes
- Do not twist the biscuit cutter to ensure proper rising and flakiness.
- Keep all dairy ingredients cold to produce tender, flaky biscuits.
- Use a high-quality all-purpose flour for best texture.
- Brush with buttermilk before and halfway through baking for a golden, flavorful crust.
- These biscuits are best served fresh and warm but can be reheated gently in the oven.

