Country Ham Biscuits

Prepare Oven and Dry Ingredients

• Position a rack in the center of your oven and preheat to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, sugar, baking soda, and salt to combine and aerate.

Cut in the Cold Butter

• Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture.
• Using a pastry blender or your fingertips, quickly cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces of butter remaining. Work quickly to prevent the butter from melting.

Form the Biscuit Dough

• Create a well in the center of the flour mixture and pour in the chilled buttermilk.
• Use a fork to stir until a shaggy, slightly sticky dough forms. Do not overmix.

Create Flaky Layers (Lamination)

• Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently press it into a rough rectangle, about 1-inch thick.
• Fold the dough in thirds, like a business letter. Rotate the dough 90 degrees and gently pat it out into a rectangle again.
• Repeat this folding and patting process two more times. This creates the flaky layers.

Cut and Bake the Biscuits

• After the final fold, pat the dough out to a 3/4-inch thickness.
• Using a 2.5-inch round biscuit cutter, press straight down to cut out 8 biscuits. Do not twist the cutter, as this can seal the edges and prevent rising. You may need to gently re-pat the scraps to get all 8 biscuits.
• Arrange the biscuits on the prepared baking sheet so they are just touching. This helps them rise taller.
• Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the tops are tall and golden brown.
• Immediately after removing from the oven, brush the tops with melted butter.

Cook the Country Ham

• While the biscuits are baking, heat a large skillet (cast iron is ideal) over medium heat.
• Add the thinly sliced country ham in a single layer (work in batches if needed).
• Cook for 30-60 seconds per side, just until the fat is rendered and the edges are slightly crisp. Country ham is already cured and cooks very quickly.

Assemble and Serve

• Carefully split the warm biscuits in half.
• Place a slice or two of the warm country ham inside each biscuit.
• Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.