Ham & Cheese Butter Biscuits: Fluffy, Cheesy, and Utterly Irresistible!
Imagine sinking your teeth into a warm, flaky, and unbelievably buttery biscuit, then discovering pockets of savory ham and gooey, melted cheddar cheese inside. These Ham & Cheese Butter Biscuits are pure comfort food perfection! Ideal for a hearty breakfast, a delightful brunch, a quick snack, or even a side with dinner, they’re easy to make and guaranteed to be a hit with everyone who tries them. Get ready for a taste of homemade bliss!
Why You’ll Love These Biscuits
- Fluffy & Buttery: The classic biscuit texture, enhanced with rich butter.
- Savory & Cheesy: Packed with diced ham and sharp cheddar for a burst of flavor in every bite.
- Versatile: Perfect for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or even a light dinner with a side salad.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps for a rewarding baking experience.
- Freezer-Friendly: Great for making ahead and enjoying whenever a craving strikes.
What You’ll Need
Gather these simple ingredients to create your batch of delicious Ham & Cheese Butter Biscuits:
Ingredients:
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, very cold and cut into small pieces (or grated)
- ¾ cup buttermilk, very cold
- 1 cup cooked ham, finely diced (about 4-6 oz)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for brushing tops, optional)
Instructions: Bake Up Biscuit Perfection!
1. Prepare Dry Ingredients:
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
2. Cut in the Cold Butter:
Add the very cold butter pieces to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry blender, two knives, or your fingertips, cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces of butter remaining. The colder the butter, the flakier your biscuits will be!
3. Add Ham & Cheese:
Stir in the finely diced cooked ham and shredded sharp cheddar cheese into the flour mixture until evenly distributed.
4. Add Buttermilk & Form Dough:
Make a well in the center of the mixture and pour in the very cold buttermilk. Stir with a spoon until just combined and a shaggy dough forms. Be careful not to overmix, as overmixing leads to tough biscuits. The dough will be slightly sticky.
5. Shape the Biscuits:
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently pat the dough into a rectangle about 1-inch thick. Avoid overworking the dough. Using a 2-3 inch biscuit cutter (or a knife), cut out biscuits. For classic tall biscuits, press straight down without twisting the cutter. Gather the scraps, gently pat them together, and cut out any remaining biscuits.
6. Bake the Biscuits:
Place the cut biscuits on an ungreased baking sheet, allowing them to touch slightly for softer sides, or spaced apart for crispier sides. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the biscuits are puffed and cooked through.
7. Butter & Serve:
Once baked, remove the biscuits from the oven. If desired, brush the tops with 2 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter for extra richness and shine. Serve warm and enjoy! These are fantastic on their own, or with a little extra butter or even a dollop of jam for a sweet and savory contrast.
Tips for Fluffy, Delicious Biscuits
- Keep Ingredients Cold: This is the most crucial tip for flaky biscuits. Cold butter and cold buttermilk create steam pockets that give biscuits their rise and flaky layers.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix the dough just until it comes together. Overmixing develops gluten, leading to tough biscuits.
- Gentle Handling: Handle the dough as little as possible when patting and cutting.
- Baking Powder & Soda Freshness: Ensure your leavening agents (baking powder and soda) are fresh for maximum rise.
- Buttermilk Substitute: If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make your own: pour 1 teaspoon of white vinegar or lemon juice into a liquid measuring cup, then fill to the ¾ cup line with regular milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
- Freezing Biscuits:
- Unbaked: Cut out the biscuits and place them on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake from frozen, adding 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
- Baked: Bake completely, cool, then freeze in an airtight container for up to 1-2 months. Reheat in a warm oven for a few minutes.
These Ham & Cheese Butter Biscuits are a delightful way to elevate your breakfast or brunch, offering a comforting and flavorful bite that the whole family will adore!