These warm ham & cheese biscuits are perfect for breakfast or a fun snack! Fluffy and buttery, they are packed with tasty bits of ham and melty cheese in every bite.
You’ll love how quick they are to whip up! Just mix, bake, and enjoy. Trust me, the smell will have everyone running to the kitchen! 🍽️
Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base for the biscuits. You can swap half with whole wheat flour for added flavor and nutrition. Just keep an eye on the texture, as whole wheat will make them denser.
Baking Powder & Baking Soda: These help make the biscuits rise. Ensure they’re fresh for the best results—old leavening agents may not create that fluffy texture.
Unsalted Butter: Cold butter is essential for flaky layers. If you need a dairy-free option, margarine or coconut oil can work, but the flavor will change slightly.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives a great flavor, but feel free to mix it up! Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack adds a nice twist, and for a milder flavor, go with mild cheddar.
Cooked Ham: Diced cooked ham adds protein and flavor. Turkey or chicken can substitute it if you’re looking for a lighter option, or omit it for a vegetarian version.
Buttermilk: This keeps the biscuits moist. If you’re out, mix regular milk with a teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for about 5 minutes to create a buttermilk substitute.
How Can I Make My Biscuits Flaky and Tender?
Getting the right texture for biscuits can be tricky. Here are some tips to ensure they turn out perfectly flaky and tender!
- Keep your ingredients cold! Using cold butter and buttermilk helps create those flaky layers.
- Don’t overmix the dough—just mix until combined. Overworking gluten can lead to tough biscuits.
- When folding the dough, be gentle. Pat it out to shape rather than rolling, which can deflate the air bubbles needed for fluffiness.
- Use a sharp biscuit cutter and press down without twisting. Twisting can seal the edges, making them rise unevenly.
Following these tips will ensure you have light, fluffy biscuits that are sure to impress!
How to Make Delicious Ham & Cheese Biscuits
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 6 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup diced cooked ham
- 1 cup buttermilk, cold
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives or parsley (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and an additional 12-15 minutes for baking. So in about 30 minutes, you’ll have delicious, warm biscuits ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
First, set your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This makes clean-up a breeze later on!
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
Grab a large mixing bowl and whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This helps to evenly distribute all the leavening agents for perfectly fluffy biscuits!
3. Cut in the Butter:
Add the cold, cubed butter into the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut the butter until it looks like coarse crumbs. You want some little chunks of butter for those tasty, flaky layers!
4. Add Cheese and Ham:
Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and diced ham. Make sure they’re evenly mixed throughout the dough for the best flavor in every bite.
5. Combine with Buttermilk:
Pour the cold buttermilk into the mixture, and gently stir just until everything comes together. Be careful not to overmix; we want tender biscuits!
6. Shape the Dough:
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Pat it into a rectangle that’s about 1 inch thick. For those beautiful flaky layers, fold the dough over on itself 2-3 times, and then gently pat it back out to the same thickness.
7. Cut Out the Biscuits:
Using a 2.5-inch round biscuit cutter, cut out biscuits by pressing straight down—no twisting! Gather any leftover dough, press it down, and cut out more biscuits until all the dough is used.
8. Prepare for Baking:
Place the biscuits on your lined baking sheet, leaving a bit of space between them. If you like, sprinkle some chopped chives or parsley for a nice touch!
9. Bake to Perfection:
Put the biscuits in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes or until they’re golden brown on top and cooked through. The smell will be amazing!
10. Cool and Serve:
Once they’re baked, remove the biscuits from the oven and let them cool slightly before digging in. Enjoy them warm for the best taste!
These ham & cheese biscuits are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a delightful snack. Dig in and enjoy the deliciousness!
Can I Use a Different Type of Cheese?
Yes! While sharp cheddar is delicious, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack for a spicy kick, or even a mix of your favorites. Just keep the total cheese amount the same for the best results!
Can I Freeze the Biscuits?
Absolutely! You can freeze the unbaked biscuits. Just cut them out and place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually. Once frozen, transfer them to a zip-top bag and store for up to 2 months. Bake them from frozen, adding an extra few minutes to the baking time.
What If I Don’t Have Buttermilk?
No worries! You can easily make a buttermilk substitute by mixing 1 cup of regular milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about 5 minutes to thicken, and it’s ready to use!
How Should I Store Leftover Biscuits?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week. You can reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes to refresh their texture!
