These ham and cheese biscuits are fluffy, cheesy, and packed with flavors! Perfect for breakfast or a snack, they’re super easy to make and will brighten your day.
I love how warm and cheesy they are right out of the oven. Just try not to eat them all at once—trust me, it’s a hard challenge! 😄
Whip them up in no time, and enjoy them with a cup of tea or coffee. They’re perfect for sharing, but you might want to keep a few just for yourself! 🎉
Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base for your biscuits, giving them structure. If you’re looking for a healthier option, whole wheat flour can work, though it may make the biscuits denser.
Baking Powder & Baking Soda: These leavening agents are key for fluffy biscuits. If you run out of baking powder, you could double the amount of baking soda but add an extra 1/2 teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice to keep the rise!
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: This cheese adds a strong flavor. If you want a milder taste, you could use Monterey Jack or even mozzarella for a stringy texture. Vegan cheese is a good substitute for a dairy-free option!
Diced Cooked Ham: Leftover ham is perfect for this recipe! If you’re vegetarian, you could swap it for diced mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of flavor.
Buttermilk: If you’re out of buttermilk, regular milk works too—just add a teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar to sour it slightly for similar results.
How Can I Make Sure My Biscuits Are Fluffy?
The key to fluffy biscuits is how you handle the dough. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Keep your butter cold! It creates steam when baking, which helps the biscuits rise.
- Don’t overmix the dough! Stir just until combined to keep them light and airy.
- When cutting the biscuits, press straight down without twisting. Twisting can seal the edges and prevent rise.
By focusing on these small details, you’ll end up with deliciously fluffy ham and cheese biscuits every time!
How to Make Ham & Cheese Biscuits
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 cup diced cooked ham
- 3/4 cup buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley or chives (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take you about 10 minutes to prepare and 12-15 minutes to bake, making it a quick delight to whip up anytime you have a craving for cheesy goodness!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). While it heats up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and black pepper. This helps ensure that everything is evenly combined for great flavor.
3. Add Butter:
Next, add the cold pieces of butter into the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter, two forks, or your fingers, cut the butter into the dry mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. This step is crucial for flaky biscuits!
4. Incorporate Cheese and Ham:
Now it’s time to bring in the flavor! Stir in half of the shredded cheddar cheese and all of the diced ham into the mixture, making sure it’s evenly distributed.
5. Mix with Buttermilk:
Pour the buttermilk into the bowl with the dry ingredients and gently mix everything together until it forms a sticky dough. Be careful not to overmix, or your biscuits may turn out tough!
6. Shape the Dough:
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently pat it into a rectangle about 1 inch thick. You want to keep that fluffy texture, so be gentle!
7. Cut Out Biscuits:
Using a floured round biscuit cutter, cut out your biscuits and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Gather any scraps and gently re-pat to cut out additional biscuits.
8. Add More Cheese:
Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top of each biscuit for that extra cheesy goodness. If you like, add a sprinkle of chopped parsley or chives for a pop of color and flavor.
9. Bake Them Up:
Pop the biscuits into your preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until they’re golden brown on top and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
10. Cool and Serve:
Once they’re baked to perfection, remove the biscuits from the oven and let them cool slightly on a wire rack. Serve warm and enjoy your delicious ham and cheese biscuits!
Can I Use Whole Wheat Flour Instead of All-Purpose Flour?
Yes, you can! Just keep in mind that whole wheat flour may make the biscuits denser. You can mix half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour for a lighter texture while still getting some health benefits!
What Can I Substitute for Buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can easily make a substitute! Just add a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to a cup of regular milk and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes. It’ll thicken up and work perfectly for this recipe.
How Should I Store Leftover Biscuits?
To store your leftovers, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them! Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
Can I Use Other Cheeses in This Recipe?
Absolutely! While cheddar is classic, feel free to use other cheeses like Monterey Jack, Gruyère, or even Swiss for a different flavor. Just make sure to shred the cheese for even melting!
