Country Ham Biscuits
Fluffy, buttery buttermilk biscuits stuffed with savory, salty country ham. This Southern classic is the perfect bite for breakfast, brunch, or any time you crave a taste of comfort.
For 4 servings
7 steps. 15 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare Oven and Dry Ingredients
- b.Position a rack in the center of your oven and preheat to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- c.In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, sugar, baking soda, and salt to combine and aerate.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Cut in the Cold Butter
- b.Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture.
- c.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.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Form the Biscuit Dough
- b.Create a well in the center of the flour mixture and pour in the chilled buttermilk.
- c.Use a fork to stir until a shaggy, slightly sticky dough forms. Do not overmix.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Create Flaky Layers (Lamination)
- b.Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently press it into a rough rectangle, about 1-inch thick.
- c.Fold the dough in thirds, like a business letter. Rotate the dough 90 degrees and gently pat it out into a rectangle again.
- d.Repeat this folding and patting process two more times. This creates the flaky layers.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Cut and Bake the Biscuits
- b.After the final fold, pat the dough out to a 3/4-inch thickness.
- c.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.
- d.Arrange the biscuits on the prepared baking sheet so they are just touching. This helps them rise taller.
- e.Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the tops are tall and golden brown.
- f.Immediately after removing from the oven, brush the tops with melted butter.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Cook the Country Ham
- b.While the biscuits are baking, heat a large skillet (cast iron is ideal) over medium heat.
- c.Add the thinly sliced country ham in a single layer (work in batches if needed).
- d.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.
- 7
Step 7
- a.Assemble and Serve
- b.Carefully split the warm biscuits in half.
- c.Place a slice or two of the warm country ham inside each biscuit.
- d.Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the flakiest biscuits, use frozen butter and grate it into the flour mixture using a box grater.
- 2Do not overwork the dough at any stage. A light, gentle touch is key to tender biscuits.
- 3Country ham is intensely salty. Taste it before deciding to add any extra seasoning or condiments.
- 4When cutting biscuits, press the cutter straight down and pull straight up. Twisting seals the edges and prevents a tall rise.
- 5Placing biscuits close together on the baking sheet encourages them to rise upwards instead of outwards.
Adapt it for your goals.
Cheesy Biscuits
Fold 1/2 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese into the dough along with the buttermilk.
Herb BiscuitsHerb Biscuits
Add 2 tablespoons of finely chopped fresh chives or 1 tablespoon of chopped rosemary to the dry ingredients.
Add a SpreadAdd a Spread
Spread a thin layer of apple butter, fig jam, or a drizzle of honey on the biscuit before adding the ham for a sweet and salty contrast.
Red Eye GravyRed-Eye Gravy
After cooking the ham, remove it from the skillet and deglaze the pan with 1/4 cup of black coffee, scraping up any browned bits. Simmer for a minute and drizzle over the ham in the biscuit.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Source of Protein
The country ham provides a good source of protein, which is essential for muscle repair, immune function, and overall body maintenance.
Energy Boost
The carbohydrates from the all-purpose flour in the biscuits provide a quick source of energy to fuel your day.
Provides Calcium
Buttermilk is a good source of calcium, a mineral vital for maintaining strong bones and teeth, as well as proper nerve and muscle function.
Frequently asked questions
Country Ham Biscuits are a traditional comfort food and are high in sodium, saturated fat, and refined carbohydrates. They are best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.