Ham and Cheese Butter Biscuits

Category: Morning Meals Worth Getting Out of Bed For

Tender, golden biscuits are brought to life with a hearty mix of diced ham and cheddar cheese. The dough comes together in minutes and is spread over a buttery layer for extra richness. Once baked, each square is perfectly fluffy inside and crisp on the edges. Enjoy these biscuits warm from the oven as a savory breakfast, a brunch centerpiece, or simply a comforting snack. For added indulgence, serve with honey or even more melted butter. The combination of buttery layers, salty ham, and gooey cheese creates a truly satisfying bite every time.

Clare Recipes
Created By Lily Chen
Updated on Tue, 10 Jun 2025 13:41:26 GMT
Three biscuits with ham and cheese on top. Save
Three biscuits with ham and cheese on top. | lilicooks.com

Buttery ham and cheese biscuits are the kind of comfort food that has rescued many of my early mornings and late-night cravings. Packed with savory ham and sharp cheddar, these golden, pillowy squares come together with only basic pantry ingredients but taste like you spent all morning in the kitchen. Whether you need a quick breakfast, a simple brunch centerpiece, or a snack to share, this recipe promises rich, satisfying flavor with every bite.

The first time I made these biscuits was for a holiday brunch when we had extra ham to use up and they completely disappeared before the eggs made it to the table

Ingredients

  • All purpose flour: gives structure and softness to the biscuits Use an unbleached variety for the best flavor
  • Granulated sugar: brings a hint of sweetness that balances the savory ham
  • Baking powder: ensures the biscuits rise tall and fluffy make sure your baking powder is fresh for the best lift
  • Buttermilk: adds tang and keeps the biscuits extra tender always shake your buttermilk before measuring
  • Diced ham: adds hearty flavor and a touch of salt look for ham with good marbling and cube it yourself for fresher taste
  • Shredded cheddar cheese: brings sharp creamy richness Choose a block and shred it for meltier results over pre shredded
  • Melted salted butter: creates a golden crust and rich flavor European style butter is especially tasty if available

Step by Step Instructions

Make the Dry Mix:
Whisk together all purpose flour granulated sugar and baking powder in a large mixing bowl until well blended to make sure the biscuits rise evenly and taste balanced through each bite
Add the Buttermilk:
Pour in the buttermilk and stir gently with a large spoon or spatula until you see a thick sticky batter If it feels dry drizzle in a splash more buttermilk The key is to not overmix so your biscuits stay tender
Fold in the Goodies:
Add diced ham and shredded cheddar to your batter and gently fold until the ham and cheese are evenly scattered throughout Be careful to keep the batter airy
Prep the Pan:
Pour the melted salted butter into your greased nine by nine baking dish and tilt it to cover the entire base This builds a golden crispy crust for the biscuits
Spread and Score:
Transfer your biscuit dough into the buttered pan and spread it out evenly With a knife lightly score the surface into nine squares This makes serving easy and encourages the biscuits to bake up fluffy and tall
Bake the Biscuits:
Place the pan in your hot oven and bake for twenty five to thirty minutes The biscuits are done when the tops are golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean If they start browning quickly cover loosely with foil halfway
Rest and Serve:
Let your biscuits cool for five minutes so they are easy to cut and serve These taste best while still warm Try them with a pat of butter or drizzle of honey if you like sweet and savory together
A close up of a delicious ham and cheese butter biscuit. Save
A close up of a delicious ham and cheese butter biscuit. | lilicooks.com

Cheddar is always my go to for these biscuits because it melts into the dough and creates those glorious gooey pockets I still remember the first time my youngest asked for these biscuits on their birthday breakfast

Storage Tips

Keep leftover biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days For longer freshness store in the fridge They re easy to reheat just wrap in a slightly damp paper towel and microwave until warm They also freeze well slice and wrap individually for grab and go breakfasts

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap the ham for cooked bacon turkey or even finely diced cooked veggies Cheddar gives the classic flavor but try gouda Monterey Jack or Swiss for a different twist If buttermilk is unavailable a mix of milk and a splash of lemon juice works in a pinch

Serving Suggestions

Serve these biscuits alongside scrambled eggs for a full savory breakfast Offer with a bowl of tomato soup or even slice and use them as a base for a breakfast sandwich For brunch cut into smaller pieces and share with coffee and fresh fruit

A close up of a delicious ham and cheese butter biscuit. Save
A close up of a delicious ham and cheese butter biscuit. | lilicooks.com

Cultural and Historical Context

Biscuits have a long tradition in Southern and Midwestern American kitchens often served as vehicles for ham gravy or pimento cheese The hot buttered pan technique is an old trick that guarantees a crispy crust Sometimes these biscuits remind me of the warm welcoming food you find at small town bakeries or family gatherings

Recipe FAQs

→ What kind of ham is best for these biscuits?

Use cooked ham, either leftover, deli-style, or smoked, diced into small cubes for even distribution and flavor.

→ Can I substitute the cheddar cheese?

Yes, try Monterey Jack, Swiss, or Colby Jack for a similar melt and taste; sharper cheeses add extra depth.

→ How do I know when the biscuits are done?

The top should be golden and edges crisp. Insert a toothpick in the center—it should come out clean or with a few crumbs.

→ Can I make these biscuits ahead of time?

Yes, bake and cool them completely, then store in an airtight container. Reheat in a low oven for best texture.

→ Is it possible to freeze the finished biscuits?

Absolutely! Cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to two months. Thaw and warm before serving.

Ham and Cheese Butter Biscuits

Buttery biscuits packed with ham and cheddar. Enjoy warm for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy treat.

Preparation Time
15 min
Cooking Time
30 min
Overall Time
45 min
Created By: Lily Chen

Category: Breakfast & Brunch

Skill Level: Beginner-Friendly

Cuisine Type: American

Output: 9 Serves (9 biscuits)

Dietary Options: ~

Ingredients

→ Dry Ingredients

01 2½ cups all-purpose flour
02 1 tbsp granulated sugar
03 1½ tbsp baking powder

→ Wet Ingredients

04 1¾ cups buttermilk
05 ½ cup melted salted butter

→ Add-ins

06 2½ cups diced ham (½-inch cubes)
07 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese

Steps

Step 01

Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or butter.

Step 02

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, and baking powder.

Step 03

Pour in buttermilk, and stir gently until a thick, sticky batter forms. Add more buttermilk if needed.

Step 04

Fold in diced ham and shredded cheddar until evenly distributed.

Step 05

Pour melted butter into the prepared pan, coating the bottom.

Step 06

Spread the dough evenly in the pan.

Step 07

Using a knife, score the dough into 9 equal squares.

Step 08

Bake for 25-30 minutes, rotating halfway through. Cover with foil if the biscuits are browning too quickly.

Step 09

Allow the biscuits to cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm with butter or honey!

Required Tools

  • Large mixing bowl
  • 9×9-inch baking dish
  • Whisk
  • Knife

Allergy Information

Always check each ingredient for allergens, and consult a medical professional if unsure.
  • Contains dairy
  • Contains gluten

Nutritional Information (per serving)

These details are shared for general guidance and don’t replace professional advice.
  • Calories: 290
  • Fats: 14 g
  • Carbohydrates: 22.5 g
  • Proteins: 12.5 g