Ham Biscuits
Fluffy, buttery buttermilk biscuits filled with savory, salty country ham. A beloved Southern classic perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a party appetizer. Simple to make and irresistibly good.
For 4 servings
8 steps. 20 minutes total.
- 1
Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C)
- a.Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the 8 tbsp of cubed butter in the freezer for 10-15 minutes while you gather other ingredients.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, granulated sugar, and fine sea salt until well combined.
- 3
Cut in the Butter: Add the very cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture
- a.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 still visible.
- 4
Form the Dough: Pour the cold buttermilk into the flour mixture
- a.Use a fork to stir until a shaggy, slightly sticky dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.
- 5
Laminate and Cut Biscuits: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface
- a.Gently pat it into a 1-inch thick rectangle. Fold the dough into thirds, like a letter. Rotate the dough 90 degrees and pat it out again to a 1-inch thickness. Repeat the folding process one more time. Finally, pat the dough 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. Arrange the biscuits on the prepared baking sheet.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Bake the Biscuits: Brush the tops of the biscuits with about half of the melted butter (about 1.5 tbsp). Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the biscuits are tall, fluffy, and golden brown on top.
- 7
Step 7
- a.Cook the Country Ham: While the biscuits are baking, heat the remaining 1.5 tbsp of melted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the country ham slices and cook for 1-2 minutes per side, just until warmed through and slightly crisped at the edges. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- 8
Assemble and Serve: Once the biscuits are done, let them cool for a minute
- a.Carefully split each warm biscuit in half. Place a slice of cooked country ham inside each biscuit and serve immediately.
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, ensure your butter and buttermilk are as cold as possible. You can even grate frozen butter into the flour for an extra-flaky texture.
- 2Do not overwork the dough. Mix just until it comes together. Overworking develops gluten and results in tough biscuits.
- 3When cutting biscuits, press the cutter straight down and pull straight up. Twisting the cutter seals the edges and prevents them from rising to their full height.
- 4Country ham is intensely salty. If you prefer a milder flavor, soak the ham slices in cool water for 30 minutes before cooking, then pat them completely dry.
- 5For softer sides, place the biscuits on the baking sheet so they are just touching. For crispier sides, place them 1-2 inches apart.
Adapt it for your goals.
Cheesy Herb Biscuits
Add 1/2 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese and 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh chives to the dry ingredients before cutting in the butter.
Sweet & SavorySweet & Savory
Serve the assembled ham biscuits with a drizzle of hot honey or a smear of apple butter for a delicious sweet and salty contrast.
Spicy KickSpicy Kick
Add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper to the flour mixture for a gentle warmth.
Red Eye Gravy DrizzleRed-Eye Gravy Drizzle
After cooking the ham, remove it from the skillet and deglaze the pan with 1/4 cup of strong black coffee, scraping up any browned bits. Drizzle this simple gravy over the ham in the biscuit.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Source of Protein
Country ham provides high-quality protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, supporting muscle mass, and promoting a feeling of fullness.
Provides B Vitamins
Pork is a good source of several B vitamins, particularly thiamine (B1) and niacin (B3). These vitamins play a crucial role in converting food into energy and supporting nervous system function.
Quick Energy Boost
The refined carbohydrates from the all-purpose flour in the biscuits are quickly digested, providing a rapid source of energy for your body and brain.
Frequently asked questions
Dense biscuits are usually caused by two things: warm ingredients or overworking the dough. Make sure your butter and buttermilk are very cold, and mix the dough just until it comes together. The lamination (folding) step is also crucial for creating flaky layers.