If you’re on the hunt for a comfort food classic that brings a savory twist to your breakfast or snack time, this Ham and Cheddar Biscuits Recipe is just what you need. Imagine flaky, buttery biscuits studded with sharp cheddar cheese and smoky ham, fresh from the oven with golden edges and a tender crumb. They’re the perfect crowd-pleaser for brunches, potlucks, or even a cozy family dinner. Each bite offers a delightful harmony of creamy cheese and savory ham that will have you reaching for more without hesitation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients may look simple, but they come together to create a biscuit with irresistible texture, flavor, and color. Every component plays a crucial role—whether adding richness, fluffiness, or that savory bite we all love.
- Sharp cheddar cheese (8 ounces): Provides a delightful tang and melty richness that defines the biscuit’s character.
- Self-rising flour (2 1/2 cups): Gives the biscuits their tender, fluffy lift without needing extra leaveners.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances the flavors throughout, balancing the savory ham and sharp cheese.
- Sugar (1 teaspoon): Adds a subtle hint of sweetness that rounds out the overall flavor.
- Cold unsalted butter (1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons): The secret to flaky biscuits, the butter cuts in to create delicate layers.
- Smoked ham (1 cup, finely diced): Injects smoky, savory bursts of flavor in every bite.
- Buttermilk (3/4 to 1 cup): Adds moisture and a subtle tang that keeps the biscuits tender and soft.
How to Make Ham and Cheddar Biscuits Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Cheese
Start by preheating your oven to a toasty 450° F, ensuring it’s hot enough to create those golden, crispy edges. While that’s warming up, shred your sharp cheddar using a box grater. Freshly shredded cheese melts more beautifully and mixes better throughout the dough, making sure every biscuit is a cheesy delight.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients and Butter
In a large bowl, whisk together the self-rising flour, salt, and sugar to distribute everything evenly. Then it’s time to add in your cold butter. Using a pastry blender, cut that butter in until it resembles tiny peas. This step is vital for flaky texture, so don’t rush it—those small butter pockets create layers of flakiness as the biscuits bake.
Step 3: Add Ham, Cheese, and Buttermilk
Stir in your shredded cheese and diced ham, ensuring the savory bits get well dispersed in the flour and butter mixture. Start adding about 3/4 cup of buttermilk, mixing gently. The dough should come together but still be on the firmer side—you’re looking for something that can be rolled out without sticking all over your hands. Add more buttermilk only if necessary.
Step 4: Knead and Shape the Dough
Turn the dough onto a floured surface and sprinkle a little more flour on top. Fold the dough over itself three to four times with light kneading—this keeps the biscuits tender but also helps layers develop. Roll or pat the dough to about 3/4-inch thick, then grab your biscuit cutter (around 2 1/2″ to 3″) and press straight down without twisting. Twisting will seal the edges and lessen the rise. Place your biscuits on the prepared baking sheet and re-roll any scraps to make more.
Step 5: Butter and Bake to Perfection
Melt the last 2 tablespoons of butter and brush it generously over the tops of your biscuits. This step is key for that shiny, golden finish that’s both beautiful and delicious. Bake for 14 to 16 minutes until golden brown and irresistible. Let them cool just slightly and get ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Ham and Cheddar Biscuits Recipe
Garnishes
Keep it simple and let the biscuits shine by garnishing with a light sprinkle of fresh chopped chives or parsley for a pop of color and mild freshness. A small dab of honey butter or garlic herb butter can elevate each bite with a little extra indulgence.
Side Dishes
These biscuits pair beautifully with hearty breakfasts like scrambled eggs or a simple green salad for lunch. Slather some creamy soup on the side, like tomato bisque or loaded potato soup, for a comforting meal guaranteed to satisfy. They’re also fantastic alongside roasted veggies or a fresh fruit plate to balance the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn these biscuits into a casual slider by slicing them in half and filling with extra ham, a fried egg, and a slice of cheddar for an anytime snack or quick lunch. For a brunch spread, arrange them on a rustic wooden board with bowls of jams, mustards, and pickles—making your table look as inviting as the flavors taste.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (which might be rare!), store your cooled biscuits in an airtight container or zip-top bag at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps them soft and ready to enjoy with minimal effort.
Freezing
Ham and cheddar biscuits freeze beautifully! Place cooled biscuits in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. They’ll keep well for up to three months. Simply thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To revive that fresh-from-the-oven taste, reheat biscuits in a 350° F oven for 8-10 minutes or until warmed through. You can also pop them in the microwave for about 30 seconds if you’re in a rush, but watch out for sogginess. Brushing a little melted butter on top before reheating will help refresh that golden crust.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese in this Ham and Cheddar Biscuits Recipe?
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar is classic, you can experiment with cheeses like gouda, mozzarella, or pepper jack for a different flavor profile. Just keep in mind how these cheeses melt and their salt content to maintain the right taste balance.
Is it possible to make these biscuits without buttermilk?
Yes, you can substitute regular milk mixed with a teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar to mimic buttermilk’s acidity. Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes before using it to achieve the best results in tenderness and flavor.
How do I ensure my biscuits come out flaky and not dense?
The key is keeping your butter cold and not overworking the dough. Cutting the butter into pea-sized pieces creates flakiness. Also, gentle folding and minimal kneading help maintain that airy texture. Lastly, avoid twisting the biscuit cutter when shaping.
Can I add herbs or spices to this recipe?
Definitely! Adding fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or chives can complement the ham and cheddar wonderfully. A pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika can also add a subtle kick for those who love a little spice.
Are these biscuits suitable for freezing before baking?
Yes! You can cut the biscuits and arrange them on a baking sheet to freeze individually. Once frozen solid, transfer to an airtight container. When ready to bake, you can bake them straight from frozen—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Final Thoughts
Nothing beats the joy of baking and sharing warm, cheesy, savory biscuits that bring comfort with every bite. This Ham and Cheddar Biscuits Recipe is easy to make yet delivers exceptional flavor and texture that’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. I can’t wait for you to try it and discover just how delicious homemade biscuits can be!
Print
Ham and Cheddar Biscuits Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 16 minutes
- Total Time: 36 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Flaky and savory ham and cheddar biscuits baked to golden perfection, perfect as a hearty breakfast or a comforting snack. These biscuits combine sharp cheddar cheese and finely diced smoked ham within a tender, buttery dough that’s easy to prepare and quick to bake.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups self-rising flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
Dairy and Fat
- 1 (8-ounce) block sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, plus 2 tablespoons melted butter for brushing
- 3/4 to 1 cup buttermilk
Meat
- 1 cup finely diced smoked ham
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 450° F (232° C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Combine Dry Ingredients and Butter: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the self-rising flour, salt, and sugar. Add 1/2 cup of cold, unsalted butter cut into small pieces. Using a pastry blender, cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse peas, creating a flaky texture.
- Add Cheese, Ham, and Buttermilk: Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese and finely diced smoked ham to the flour and butter mixture. Pour approximately 3/4 cup of buttermilk into the bowl and mix gently. If the dough feels too crumbly and doesn’t hold together, add more buttermilk a little at a time until the dough is firm but not sticky enough to roll out.
- Knead and Roll Out Dough: Transfer the dough onto a floured surface. Lightly sprinkle more flour over the dough to prevent sticking. Knead gently by folding the dough onto itself three to four times to develop structure. Then, roll or pat the dough evenly to about 3/4-inch thickness for consistent biscuit height.
- Cut Biscuits: Using a 2 1/2″ to 3″ biscuit cutter, cut biscuits by pressing straight down without twisting to help maintain even layers. Arrange the cut biscuits on the prepared baking sheet. Gather and re-roll any scraps to cut additional biscuits.
- Brush with Butter and Bake: Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and brush it generously over the tops of each biscuit to promote browning and flavor. Bake in the preheated oven for 14 to 16 minutes or until the biscuits are puffed up and golden brown on top.
- Serve Warm: Remove from oven and serve the ham and cheddar biscuits warm for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Use cold butter to ensure flaky biscuit layers.
- Do not twist the biscuit cutter when cutting to maintain biscuit height and layers.
- Adjust buttermilk quantity carefully to avoid overly sticky dough, which can be difficult to handle.
- These biscuits are best eaten the day they are made but can be reheated gently.
