These Ham & Cheese Biscuits are fluffy and packed with yummy bits of ham and gooey cheese. Perfect for breakfast or any snack time, they’re sure to make your taste buds happy!
Making these biscuits is a breeze! I love whipping up a batch to share with friends. They disappear fast—like magic! 🪄 Try adding some herbs for an extra twist!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base for the biscuits. If you want a healthier option, consider using whole wheat flour. You might need to add a tad more liquid since whole wheat absorbs more moisture.
Baking Powder: A key leavening agent that helps the biscuits rise. Make sure it’s fresh! If you’re out, you can substitute with a mix of baking soda and cream of tartar (1 tsp baking soda + 2 tsp cream of tartar = 1 tbsp baking powder).
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: This adds flavor and gooeyness. Feel free to swap it for other cheeses like gruyère or pepper jack for a bit of spice. I often mix different cheeses for a unique taste!
Diced Cooked Ham: Use any leftover cooked ham, or even try cooked bacon or turkey for a lighter twist. If you’re vegetarian, replace it with sautéed vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms.
How Can I Ensure My Biscuits Are Light and Fluffy?
For biscuits that are perfectly light, pay attention to how you handle the dough. Overmixing can lead to tough biscuits, so mix just until combined. Use cold butter for flakiness and fold gently to maintain air pockets.
- Keep the butter cold and cut it into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Use a light touch when mixing wet and dry ingredients; stop as soon as they’re combined.
- Pat, don’t roll, the dough to avoid compressing it too much.
- Press the biscuit cutter straight down to keep the edges sharp for maximum rise.
Following these tips will give you perfectly fluffy Ham & Cheese Biscuits that everyone will love! Happy baking!
How to Make 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 garlic powder (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup diced cooked ham
- 3/4 cup whole milk (or buttermilk for richer flavor)
- 1 large egg
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and around 12-15 minutes of baking. Overall, you’ll be enjoying your delicious Ham & Cheese Biscuits in about 30 minutes from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This way, it will be nice and hot for the biscuits. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, sugar, salt, garlic powder (if you’re using it), and black pepper. Whisk them together until well mixed.
3. Cut in the Butter:
Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work it into the flour until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs, with some small pea-sized pieces remaining.
4. Add Cheese and Ham:
Toss in the shredded cheddar cheese and the diced ham, mixing it gently into the flour mixture so it spreads out evenly.
5. Prepare Wet Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the whole milk and the egg until combined and smooth.
6. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Pour the milk and egg mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Gently stir with a wooden spoon or spatula just until everything is combined. Be careful not to overmix; the dough should be a bit sticky.
7. Shape the Dough:
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently pat it into a rectangle about 1 inch thick. If you like, fold it over a couple of times to create some layers, then pat it back down to 1 inch thickness.
8. Cut the Biscuits:
Using a 2 to 2.5-inch biscuit cutter, cut out biscuits by pressing straight down without twisting—this helps them rise better. Place the cut biscuits on your prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch of space in between each one.
9. Use Scraps:
Gather any scraps and gently pat the dough together again to cut out more biscuits until all the dough is used.
10. Brush for Shine:
For a lovely golden finish, you can brush the tops of the biscuits with a little milk or melted butter, but this step is optional!
11. Bake the Biscuits:
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the biscuits turn golden brown on top.
12. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the biscuits from the oven and let them cool slightly on a wire rack. Serve warm and enjoy your delicious Ham & Cheese Biscuits as a perfect breakfast or snack!
Can I Use Other Cheeses in This Recipe?
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar is a classic choice, you can experiment with other cheeses like gouda, mozzarella, or pepper jack for a twist. Just ensure the cheese melts well to achieve that delicious gooey texture!
How Can I Store Leftover Biscuits?
To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. Just reheat in the oven to restore the fluffiness.
Can I Make These Biscuits Without Ham?
Yes! If you’re looking to make them vegetarian, simply omit the ham or replace it with sautéed vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms. You can also add herbs for extra flavor!
What’s the Best Way to Reheat the Biscuits?
The best way to reheat biscuits is to pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes. This will help them regain their flaky texture. You can also microwave them, but they might get a little soft.