These Ham & Cheese Biscuits are warm, fluffy bites filled with savory ham and gooey cheese. Perfect for breakfast or a tasty snack!
Every time I make these, I can’t help but sneak one or two right off the baking sheet. They’re just too good to resist, like a cheesy hug for your tummy! 🥰
I love serving these biscuits fresh and warm. They go great with a side of jam or just on their own. Simple to whip up and so satisfying!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-purpose flour: This is the base of the biscuits. If you need a gluten-free option, you can substitute with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
Baking powder: Essential for making the biscuits rise. If you run out, you can substitute 1 teaspoon of baking soda mixed with 2 teaspoons of vinegar or lemon juice. Just be sure to mix it in quickly!
Cold unsalted butter: For best results, use cold butter. It creates flaky layers. If you’re out of butter, coconut oil or shortening can work as alternatives, but the flavor will slightly change.
Sharp cheddar cheese: This adds a nice kick to the biscuits. Feel free to swap in any cheese you like, such as mozzarella or pepper jack for a bit of spice.
Diced cooked ham: Leftover ham is perfect for this. You can replace it with cooked bacon or even a veggie option like spinach for a different twist.
Buttermilk: If you don’t have any, mix regular milk with a teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. This creates a similar tang.
What’s the Secret to Fluffy Biscuits?
The key to fluffy biscuits lies in the way you handle the dough. Overmixing can lead to tough biscuits, so gently mix the ingredients just until combined.
- Start with cold ingredients, especially the butter and buttermilk, to maintain flakiness.
- When folding the dough, aim for gentle patting rather than aggressive kneading. This helps create those desirable layers.
- Keep a light touch when using the biscuit cutter—press it down firmly but don’t twist, as this can seal the edges and prevent rising.
Remember, practice makes perfect! The more you make these, the better you’ll get at getting that light, fluffy texture. Enjoy baking!
Ham & Cheese Biscuits
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup diced cooked ham
- 3/4 cup buttermilk, cold
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and 12-15 minutes to bake. In just around 25-30 minutes, you’ll have hot, fluffy Ham & Cheese Biscuits ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). While that’s heating up, prepare your baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper. This will prevent the biscuits from sticking.
2. Mix Your Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Give it a good whisk to blend everything well—this will help evenly distribute the leavening agent.
3. Cut in the Butter:
Next, it’s time to add your cold, cubed butter. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix it into the flour until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. This is where the magic of flaky biscuits starts!
4. Add Cheese and Ham:
Now, stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese and diced cooked ham. Make sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the flour mixture for a tasty bite every time.
5. Combine with Buttermilk:
Pour in the cold buttermilk and gently stir until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix; it’s okay if it’s a little sticky.
6. Pat and Fold the Dough:
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface. Gently pat it into a rectangle about 1-inch thick. Then, fold the dough over itself 2-3 times, which will help create those fluffy layers. Keep it light and be gentle!
7. Cut out the Biscuits:
Now, flatten the dough into a 1-inch thick round. Use a 2.5-inch biscuit cutter to cut out your biscuits. Place them on the prepared baking sheet. Don’t forget to gather any scraps, pat them down, and cut out more biscuits!
8. Add Some Green:
If you like, sprinkle some fresh chopped chives on top of the biscuits for a bit of color and flavor. They add a nice touch!
9. Bake the Biscuits:
Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes or until the biscuits are golden brown. You’ll be able to smell their deliciousness filling the kitchen!
10. Cool and Enjoy:
Once baked, take the biscuits out and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve warm and enjoy the delightful flavors of your homemade Ham & Cheese Biscuits!
Happy baking! 🍽️
Can I Use Frozen Ham in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen ham, but make sure it’s completely thawed and diced before adding it to the dough. To thaw, leave it in the refrigerator overnight or use the microwave’s defrost setting. Drain any excess moisture to avoid soggy biscuits!
Can I Make These Biscuits Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and cut out the biscuits in advance. Store them in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 24 hours before baking. Alternatively, you can freeze the uncooked biscuits for up to a month. Just bake them directly from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time!
How to Store Leftover Biscuits?
Store any leftover biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Alternatively, you can refrigerate them for up to 5 days. To reheat, wrap them in foil and warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Can I Substitute the Cheese?
Yes! While sharp cheddar is delicious, you can use any cheese you prefer, such as mozzarella for a milder taste, or pepper jack for a spicy kick. Feel free to mix in different kinds for a fun flavor twist!