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
Scale
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.
