Ham & Cheese Biscuits are warm, fluffy, and oh-so-cheesy! Each bite is packed with savory ham and melted cheese, making them perfect for breakfast or a snack.
They’re so easy to whip up, and they make your kitchen smell amazing! I love serving them fresh out of the oven with a dab of butter on top—yummy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-purpose flour: This is the base for your biscuits, giving them structure. If you’re gluten-free, consider using a gluten-free flour blend.
Baking powder & Baking soda: These create the fluffiness. If you only have one, you can adjust the amounts, but both are best for rise!
Cheddar cheese: I love sharp cheddar for its strong flavor. Feel free to swap in your favorite, like Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a kick.
Diced ham: Any leftover cooked ham works great. For a lighter option, try diced turkey or even cooked bacon.
Buttermilk: If you don’t have buttermilk handy, mix regular milk with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar and let it sit for a few minutes.
How Do I Get Fluffy Biscuits?
The trick to fluffy biscuits is to work quickly and not overmix. Here are some steps to keep in mind:
- Use cold butter: This creates steam during baking, leading to flaky layers. Cut it into the flour until you see some tiny butter pieces left for the best texture.
- Mix gently: Once you add the wet ingredients, stir just until combined. This prevents tough biscuits.
- Don’t twist the cutter: When cutting out biscuits, push straight down with the cutter. Twisting can seal the edges and prevent rising.
- Keep the dough thick: A 1-inch thickness is perfect. Don’t roll it too thin, or you’ll lose that height!
With these tips, you’ll have delicious, fluffy ham & cheese biscuits every time! Enjoy!
Ham & Cheese Biscuits
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup diced cooked ham
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh chives (optional)
- 1 cup buttermilk, cold
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 12–15 minutes to bake. Altogether, you’ll need roughly 30–35 minutes from start to finish for these delightful biscuits!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet:
First things first, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to get it nice and hot. While that’s heating up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the biscuits from sticking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, add the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk them together until everything is combined. This step gives your biscuits a good rise!
3. Cut in the Butter:
Add the cold butter pieces into the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, cut the butter into the flour until it looks like coarse crumbs with some small pea-sized pieces remaining. This will make your biscuits flaky!
4. Add Cheese and Ham:
Now, gently stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, diced cooked ham, and optional chopped chives. Mix them evenly through the flour mixture for an extra burst of flavor in every bite.
5. Mix in the Buttermilk:
Pour in the cold buttermilk. Using a fork, stir gently until the dough just comes together. It’s important not to overmix this part. You want to keep it light and fluffy!
6. Knead the Dough:
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Gently knead it for just 3–4 times to bring everything together. You should still see pieces of butter—it’s a good sign!
7. Shape the Biscuits:
Pat the dough down to about 1-inch thickness. Then, use a floured biscuit cutter (about 2.5 inches in diameter) to cut out biscuits. Place them on your prepared baking sheet. If you have scraps, just gently press them together and cut more biscuits!
8. Brush for a Golden Finish:
If you like, you can brush a bit of buttermilk or melted butter on top of each biscuit. This will give them a lovely golden color when they bake!
9. Bake:
Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown. A toothpick should come out clean when inserted.
10. Cool and Serve:
Once done, remove the biscuits from the oven and let them cool slightly on a wire rack. Serve warm, either plain or with a little butter. Enjoy your delicious ham & cheese biscuits!
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar is delicious, you can use any cheese you prefer. Monterey Jack, Gruyère, or even a pepper jack will add a unique flavor to your biscuits.
What Can I Substitute for Buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk, you can easily make a substitute by mixing 1 cup of regular milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
How Do I Store Leftover Biscuits?
Store leftover biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them. Just place them in a freezer-safe bag, and they should keep well for up to a month. Reheat in the oven to restore their texture!
Can I Make These Biscuits with Whole Wheat Flour?
Yes! You can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added nutrition. Just keep in mind that the biscuits may be slightly denser, so adjust your baking time as needed!