Country Ham Biscuits
Flaky, buttery buttermilk biscuits stuffed with thin slices of salty, intensely savory country ham. These Southern gems come together in under 30 minutes, making them perfect for brunch, parties, or a quick snack that celebrates the beautiful contrast between mild, tender biscuit and robust cured ham.
For 8 servings
- prep
Preheat the oven and prepare the baking sheet.
1.Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C).2.Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. - mix
Mix the dry ingredients.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
- mix
Cut the butter into the flour.
1.Add the cold cubed butter to the flour mixture.2.Use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized butter pieces.TIPWork quickly to keep the butter cold — visible butter bits create flaky layers. - mix
Add buttermilk and bring the dough together.
Pour the cold buttermilk into the flour mixture. Stir gently with a fork just until the dough starts to come together. Do not overmix.
TIPStop mixing the moment the flour is mostly absorbed — overworking makes biscuits tough. - knead · ~3 min
Knead and fold the dough.
1.Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface.2.Gently bring it together and pat into a rough rectangle about 1 inch thick.3.Fold the dough in half, turn, and pat out again. Repeat 3 to 4 folds to create layers.TIPUse a light hand — pressing too firmly squeezes out the butter layers. - prep
Cut the biscuits.
1.Pat the dough to 1-inch thickness.2.Dip a 2.5-inch biscuit cutter in flour and press straight down without twisting.3.Place biscuits on the prepared baking sheet, touching slightly for soft sides.TIPDon't twist the cutter — it seals the edges and prevents even rising. - bake · ~11 min
Bake until golden.
Brush the tops lightly with melted butter. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, until tall and golden brown on top.
- assemble
Split and fill with country ham.
1.Let biscuits cool slightly, about 3 minutes.2.Split each warm biscuit in half horizontally.3.Tuck 1 slice of country ham inside each biscuit and gently close.TIPServe the biscuits warm so the ham's flavor blooms against the tender crumb.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Freeze the butter cubes for 10 minutes before cutting into the flour for extra flakiness.
- 2If you don't have a pastry cutter, use two butter knives in a scissoring motion to cut the butter.
- 3Pat the dough scraps together gently — re-kneading overworks the gluten and creates tough biscuits.
- 4Place biscuits close together on the sheet so they push upward as they bake, giving taller sides.
- 5For softer biscuits, brush the tops with melted butter immediately after pulling them from the oven, not before.
- 6Country ham is very salty — taste a slice first and soak in cold water for 20 minutes if needed to reduce saltiness.
Adapt it for your goals.
Honey-Butter
Mix 2 tablespoons softened butter with 1 tablespoon honey and spread inside the biscuit before adding the ham — adds sweet contrast to the salty ham.
Black Pepper & CheddarBlack Pepper & Cheddar
Add 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar and 1/2 teaspoon cracked black pepper to the dry ingredients for a cheesy, peppery biscuit that stands up to the ham.
Turkey Ham LiteTurkey Ham Lite
Swap country ham for 6 ounces of thinly sliced smoked turkey ham — lowers the salt and fat while keeping the smoky, savory profile.
VegetarianVegetarian
Replace the ham with 4 ounces of sharp white cheddar slices and a dollop of fig jam — a sweet-savory vegetarian alternative.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Good Source of Protein
Country ham provides a concentrated dose of high-quality animal protein, which supports muscle repair and keeps you full longer.
Calcium from Buttermilk
Buttermilk contributes calcium for bone health; if you use traditional cultured buttermilk, it also provides beneficial probiotics.
Moderate Portion Control
Each biscuit is built around a single thin slice of ham, naturally limiting sodium and fat intake through portion-sized servings.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, but regular ham is much milder and less salty — consider sprinkling a pinch of flaky sea salt on top of the biscuit to mimic the savory punch.
