Golden Ham & Cheese Breakfast Biscuits

Introduction

These Ham & Cheese Breakfast Biscuits are the kind of comfort food that brings everyone to the kitchen before they even finish baking. They are fluffy, tender, and loaded with bits of savory ham and melted cheese in every bite. Unlike rolled biscuits, these are drop biscuits, meaning no kneading, no rolling, and no cutters — just mix, scoop, and bake. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a cozy dinner side.

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

  • 2½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper (optional)

Cold Fat

  • ½ cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cubed

Mix-ins

  • 1½ cups cooked ham, finely diced
  • 1½ cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Colby Jack, or a mix)
  • 2 tablespoons chopped green onions or chives (optional)

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 cup cold buttermilk
  • (Substitute: 1 cup milk + 1 tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice)

Method Overview

  • Drop biscuit method (no rolling)
  • Cold butter technique for flaky texture
  • High-heat baking for golden tops

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat & Prepare

  • Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C)
  • Lightly grease a cast iron skillet or baking dish
  • Biscuits should touch slightly for soft sides

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together:

  • Flour
  • Baking powder
  • Baking soda
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

This ensures even rise and flavor.

Step 3: Cut in the Butter

  • Add cold butter cubes to the flour
  • Use fingers or a pastry cutter
  • Mixture should look like coarse crumbs
  • Cold butter = fluffy biscuits

Step 4: Add Ham & Cheese

  • Fold in diced ham
  • Add shredded cheese
  • Mix gently so butter stays cold

Step 5: Add Buttermilk

  • Pour in cold buttermilk
  • Stir just until combined
  • Dough will be sticky — do not overmix

Step 6: Drop the Biscuits

  • Use a large spoon or ice cream scoop
  • Drop dough into prepared pan
  • Biscuits should be close but not smashed

Step 7: Bake

  • Bake for 18–22 minutes
  • Tops should be golden brown
  • Cheese may bubble around edges

Optional: Brush tops with melted butter right after baking.

Texture & Flavor

  • Soft, fluffy interior
  • Crispy golden top
  • Savory ham in every bite
  • Melted cheese pockets throughout

History & Inspiration

Drop biscuits became popular in home kitchens because they required fewer tools and less effort than traditional rolled biscuits. Adding ham and cheese turned them into a complete meal — especially common in Southern-style breakfasts where leftovers were never wasted.

Serving Ideas

  • Serve with scrambled eggs
  • Slice and fill with eggs for breakfast sandwiches
  • Pair with soup or chili
  • Enjoy warm with butter or honey

Storage & Reheating

  • Store in fridge up to 4 days
  • Freeze baked biscuits up to 2 months
  • Reheat in oven at 350°F for best texture

Nutrition (Approximate per biscuit)

  • Calories: 240
  • Protein: 10g
  • Carbohydrates: 22g
  • Fat: 14g

Why People Love These Biscuits

  • No rolling or kneading
  • Perfect for feeding a crowd
  • Customizable with bacon, herbs, or spices
  • Comfort food at its best

Conclusion

These Golden Ham & Cheese Breakfast Biscuits are everything a homemade biscuit should be: easy, hearty, and packed with flavor. Whether you bake them for a weekend breakfast or serve them alongside dinner, they never last long. Warm, fluffy, and deeply satisfying — this is a recipe worth keeping forever.

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