Introduction
Hey there, bakers! Ready to transform simple ingredients into unbelievably delicious ham and cheese butter biscuits? These aren’t your average biscuits – we’re talking melt-in-your-mouth buttery goodness, packed with savory ham and sharp cheddar, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a comforting snack any time of day! Get ready for a taste explosion that’ll have everyone asking for seconds (and thirds!).
Why This Works
This recipe works because it’s ridiculously easy, yet delivers incredible flavor. The combination of rich, buttery biscuits, salty ham, and sharp cheddar is a classic for a reason! It’s the perfect balance of savory and comforting, making it a crowd-pleaser for all ages. Plus, these biscuits are quick to make, meaning less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the delicious results.
Key Ingredients
- 🥐 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 🥛 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 🧂 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 🧈 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
- 🥛 3/4 cup milk, plus more for brushing
- 🧀 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 🍖 1 cup diced cooked ham
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2️⃣ In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
3️⃣ Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4️⃣ Gradually add the milk, mixing until just combined. Don’t overmix!
5️⃣ Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and diced ham.
6️⃣ Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently pat it into a 1-inch thick rectangle.
7️⃣ Use a biscuit cutter or a knife to cut out biscuits. Reroll scraps and cut out more biscuits.
8️⃣ Place the biscuits onto the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with a little extra milk.
9️⃣ Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
🔟 Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!
Handy Tips
- For extra flaky biscuits, make sure your butter is very cold.
- Don’t overmix the dough; overmixing will make the biscuits tough.
- If you don’t have a biscuit cutter, you can use a knife or even a glass to cut out the biscuits.
- For even baking, space the biscuits evenly on the baking sheet.
Heat Control
Baking at 450°F (232°C) ensures that the biscuits bake quickly and evenly, resulting in a golden-brown exterior and a fluffy interior. Lowering the temperature might lead to longer baking time and possibly less crispness. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning!
Crunch Factor
The key to achieving that perfect biscuit crunch is using cold butter and not overmixing the dough. The cold butter creates steam during baking, resulting in layers and a beautifully crisp exterior. Baking at the right temperature also contributes to the satisfying crunch.
Pro Kitchen Tricks
- For even quicker biscuits, use self-rising flour (adjusting the baking powder accordingly).
- Add a sprinkle of black pepper to the dough for an extra kick of flavor.
- Try adding some chopped chives or green onions for extra freshness.
Storage Tips
Store leftover biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They are also delicious reheated in the oven or toaster oven.
Gift Packaging Ideas
These biscuits make a wonderful homemade gift! Package them in a pretty basket lined with parchment paper or a decorative tin. You could also tie a ribbon around a stack of biscuits wrapped in cellophane.
Flavor Variations
🌟 Spicy Ham & Cheese: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños to the dough for a spicy kick.
🌟 Bacon Cheddar: Swap the ham for crispy bacon bits.
🌟 Everything Bagel Biscuits: Sprinkle everything bagel seasoning on top before baking.
🌟 Mushroom & Swiss: Replace the ham with sautéed mushrooms and use Swiss cheese instead of cheddar.
Troubleshooting
- Biscuits are too flat: You may have overmixed the dough or used too much milk.
- Biscuits are tough: You may have overbaked them or overmixed the dough.
- Biscuits are pale: Your oven temperature might be too low; check the temperature with an oven thermometer.
FAQ
- Can I freeze these biscuits? Yes, you can freeze unbaked biscuits before baking. Bake from frozen, adding a few minutes to the baking time.
- Can I make these ahead of time? You can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.
- What kind of ham should I use? Any cooked ham will work, but a good quality deli ham is recommended.
- Can I use different cheese? Absolutely! Experiment with your favorite cheeses.
Conclusion
These Irresistible Ham and Cheese Butter Biscuits are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser – simple to make, bursting with flavor, and utterly comforting. We hope you enjoy them as much as we do! Don’t forget to share your creations with us on social media – we’d love to see your delicious biscuits! Happy baking!