These Ham & Cheese Biscuits are warm, fluffy, and packed with bits of tasty ham and gooey cheese! They make a great snack or side dish for any meal.
Honestly, who can resist the smell of baking biscuits? I like to serve them fresh and warm, maybe with a little butter on top. Perfect for a cozy morning! 🥐
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base of the biscuits. You can swap in whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor, but the texture will be slightly denser. I’ve done it and loved the hearty twist!
Baking Powder: It’s essential for making the biscuits rise. If you’re out, you can use a mix of baking soda and cream of tartar (1/2 tsp baking soda + 1 tsp cream of tartar). Just know that baking powder is the easier choice!
Cold Unsalted Butter: It helps create flaky layers. If you need a dairy-free option, you can substitute with coconut oil or vegan butter, but avoid melting it; keep it cold. This is key for great texture!
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: This cheese adds rich flavor. If you prefer milder cheese, you can use Monterey Jack or a Swiss cheese. For a different flavor, try pepper jack for a hint of spice!
Diced Cooked Ham: Using leftover ham is a fantastic way to make these biscuits. If you don’t have ham, cooked bacon or even sautéed mushrooms work well as substitutions. Keep it flavorful!
Buttermilk: It gives the biscuits a nice tang and helps them rise. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a quick substitute using milk mixed with a teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for a few minutes!
How Can I Make My Biscuits Fluffy and Flaky?
The secret to fluffy biscuits lies in how you handle the dough. Here are some tips to get that perfect texture:
- Use cold ingredients, especially the butter. This helps create steam when baking, making the biscuits flaky.
- Don’t overmix the dough. Stir just until combined to keep them light and tender.
- Gently knead the dough a few times on a floured surface. The light handling keeps the texture airy.
- When cutting the biscuits, press straight down without twisting. Twisting seals the edges, and they won’t rise as well.
Stick to these tips, and your Ham & Cheese Biscuits will be delightful—crispy on the outside and soft on the inside! Enjoy warming the oven and sharing (or not!) with friends and family.
Ham & Cheese Biscuits
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 6 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup diced cooked ham
- 3/4 cup buttermilk
- 1-2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe will take about 10 minutes to prep and another 12-15 minutes to bake. You’ll enjoy fresh, warm ham and cheese biscuits in under 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat The Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). While it heats up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents the biscuits from sticking and makes cleanup easy!
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar, salt, and baking soda. This helps distribute the leavening agents evenly, ensuring your biscuits rise well!
3. Cut in the Butter:
Now, it’s time to add that cold, cubed butter. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Don’t worry if there are small chunks of butter; these will create wonderful flaky layers in your biscuits!
4. Add Cheese and Ham:
Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, diced cooked ham, and optional parsley if you like some freshness. The cheese and ham add that tasty flavor we love!
5. Combine with Buttermilk:
Pour the buttermilk into the mixture and stir gently until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix—this keeps your biscuits tender!
6. Knead Lightly:
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently knead it just 3-4 times until it holds together. Too much kneading will make your biscuits tough, and we want them soft!
7. Cut Out Biscuits:
Pat the dough out to about 1-inch thickness. Use a biscuit cutter (about 2-3 inches in diameter) to cut out the biscuits. Gather any scraps and repeat cutting until all dough is used.
8. Bake:
Place the biscuits on the prepared baking sheet, giving them a little space in between. Bake for 12-15 minutes, until they are golden brown and the cheese is melted. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
9. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the biscuits from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes. Enjoy them warm for the best flavor. You can serve them as a side dish, snack, or even for breakfast!
These biscuits have a tender, flaky crumb studded with savory ham and sharp cheddar cheese, perfect for any time of the day!
Can I Use Milk Instead of Buttermilk?
Yes, you can! To substitute, mix 3/4 cup of milk with 1 teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it curdles and thickens slightly before using it in the recipe.
Can I Freeze These Biscuits?
Absolutely! You can freeze the unbaked biscuits. Just place them on a baking sheet to freeze until solid, then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. Bake them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
What Other Cheeses Can I Use?
You can use any kind of cheese that melts well! Monterey Jack, Swiss, or even pepper jack for a spicy kick work great. Experimenting with different cheeses can bring a new flavor to your biscuits!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep them fresh longer, you can refrigerate them for about a week. Just reheat in the oven or microwave before serving for the best taste!
