Ham and Cheese Butter Biscuits: Perfect for Breakfast

There’s nothing quite like the comforting, warm scent of freshly baked biscuits drifting through the kitchen. Whether you’re serving them as a side dish with your favorite stew, enjoying them as a quick breakfast, or serving them as part of a hearty brunch spread, Ham and Cheese Butter Biscuits are always a crowd-pleaser. With the irresistible combination of savory ham, sharp cheddar cheese, and the richness of butter, these biscuits are not only easy to make but also packed with flavor in every bite.

In this article, we’ll guide you through the simple steps to make Ham and Cheese Butter Biscuits, explore some tips for perfecting the recipe, and suggest a few variations and ideas to make this dish even more versatile. You’ll also find some other delicious recipes that pair perfectly with these biscuits. So, let’s get started and take a deep dive into the world of Ham and Cheese Butter Biscuits.

Ingredients for Ham and Cheese Butter Biscuits

Before we jump into the instructions, it’s important to gather all the ingredients you’ll need for this savory delight. Here’s the list:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tbsp baking powder

• ½ tsp salt

• ¼ tsp garlic powder

• 1 stick unsalted butter, cold and cubed

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• 1 cup diced ham

• ¾ cup milk

These simple ingredients come together to create the perfect balance of flavor and texture in the biscuits. The cheddar cheese adds a nice sharpness, the ham provides a savory punch, and the butter ensures that each biscuit is tender and flaky.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Ham and Cheese Butter Biscuits

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature will help achieve golden-brown biscuits with a perfectly crisp exterior. While the oven is heating up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tbsp of baking powder, ½ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp garlic powder. The baking powder will act as the leavening agent, ensuring your biscuits rise to a perfect height. The garlic powder gives a savory, aromatic base to the flavor profile of the biscuits, complementing the cheddar and ham.

Stir the dry ingredients together until they are evenly distributed. This will help ensure that the baking powder and seasonings are evenly dispersed throughout the dough.

Step 3: Cut in the Cold Butter

Next, add the cold, cubed butter into the dry mixture. The key to tender, flaky biscuits is using cold butter. As you work the butter into the flour mixture, it will create small pockets of fat, which will lead to those deliciously flaky layers.

Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the cold butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The butter should still be visible in small chunks, as these will help create the flakiness in the biscuits.

Step 4: Add the Cheese and Ham

Once the butter has been cut into the flour, stir in the 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and 1 cup of diced ham. The cheese adds a delicious richness, and the ham brings a savory, meaty flavor to each bite of the biscuit.

Be sure to distribute both the cheese and ham evenly throughout the dough. If you like your biscuits extra cheesy, you can always add a little more cheese!

Step 5: Add the Milk

Gradually pour in the ¾ cup of milk, stirring gently as you go. Mix the dough just until it comes together, but be careful not to overmix. Overmixing can result in tough biscuits, so only mix until everything is incorporated.

The dough will be slightly sticky, but it should hold together when pressed. If it feels too dry, add a little more milk, but avoid making it too wet.

Step 6: Form the Biscuits

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently knead the dough a few times to bring it together. Be careful not to overwork it, as this can lead to dense biscuits.

Pat the dough into a circle about 1 inch thick. Using a round biscuit cutter or a drinking glass, cut out biscuits from the dough. Press straight down without twisting the cutter, as twisting can seal the edges of the biscuits and prevent them from rising properly.

Step 7: Bake the Biscuits

Place the cut biscuits onto your prepared baking sheet. Make sure they’re not too close together, as they need room to expand while baking. Bake the biscuits in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top.

The smell of these biscuits baking will fill your kitchen with a savory aroma, and you’ll soon be ready to enjoy them!

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Once the biscuits are done baking, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool slightly. Serve them warm with a pat of butter for extra flavor. These biscuits are perfect as a side for soups, stews, or salads, or as a stand-alone snack for any time of the day.

Tips for Perfect Ham and Cheese Butter Biscuits

Making perfect Ham and Cheese Butter Biscuits is easy, but here are a few tips to help ensure they turn out perfectly every time:

Use Cold Butter

Cold butter is a must for achieving that perfect, flaky biscuit texture. If your butter is too warm, it won’t create those small pockets of fat that make biscuits light and flaky.

Don’t Overmix the Dough

Overmixing the dough can lead to dense, tough biscuits. Stir just enough to incorporate the ingredients, and stop once the dough has come together.

Add Extra Cheese for More Flavor

If you love cheese, feel free to increase the amount of cheddar cheese. You can also experiment with other types of cheese, like Monterey Jack or Colby, for different flavor profiles.

Make Ahead and Freeze

You can prepare the biscuit dough ahead of time and freeze it. Just shape the biscuits, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze them before baking. Once frozen, transfer the biscuits to a freezer bag and store them for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to bake, just pop them into the oven straight from the freezer and bake as usual.

Adjust the Ham for More or Less Flavor

The amount of diced ham can be adjusted to your taste. For a milder flavor, reduce the ham slightly. If you want a heartier, more savory biscuit, feel free to add more ham.

Healthier Alternatives

While Ham and Cheese Butter Biscuits are delicious, they can be a bit indulgent. If you’re looking for a healthier version, consider these alternatives:

Use Whole Wheat Flour

For a whole grain option, you can replace all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. This will give the biscuits a nuttier flavor and add fiber to your meal.

Swap the Butter for Greek Yogurt

Instead of using butter, you can swap it for Greek yogurt to reduce the fat content. This will result in a slightly different texture but still give you the creaminess needed for tender biscuits.

Use Low-Fat Cheese and Lean Ham

To make these biscuits a bit lighter, you can use low-fat cheddar cheese and lean ham. The flavor will still be fantastic, but with a lower calorie count.

More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy

If you loved these Ham and Cheese Butter Biscuits, you’ll surely enjoy these other savory dishes that are equally delicious and easy to prepare:

• Garlic Parmesan Cheeseburger Bombs: These stuffed biscuit bombs are filled with garlic, cheese, and seasoned beef, making them a fun and tasty alternative to traditional burgers.

• Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake: For something on the sweeter side, try this decadent cheesecake wrapped in cinnamon rolls—an irresistible dessert perfect for special occasions.

• Cheesy Garlic Bread: If you’re a fan of cheese and garlic, this cheesy garlic bread will complement your biscuits perfectly for a filling meal.

FAQs About Ham and Cheese Butter Biscuits

Why are my cheese biscuits crumbly?
Crumbly cheese biscuits can happen for a few reasons. The most common culprit is overmixing the dough. When you mix the dough too much, it can develop gluten, which can result in dense or crumbly biscuits. Additionally, using too much flour or not enough moisture (such as milk) can cause the biscuits to dry out and crumble. To avoid this, mix the dough gently and only until the ingredients are just combined. Be sure to measure your flour accurately, and don’t overwork the dough.

How long do ham biscuits last in the fridge?
If stored properly, Ham and Cheese Butter Biscuits can last in the fridge for about 2-3 days. Make sure they are kept in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap to prevent them from drying out. To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave for a few seconds or reheat them in the oven to maintain their texture.

Do biscuits with cheese need to be refrigerated?
Yes, biscuits with cheese should be refrigerated if you have leftovers. Cheese can spoil if left out at room temperature for too long, so it’s important to store them in the fridge after they’ve cooled. However, if you plan to eat them within a few hours, it’s fine to leave them at room temperature, but they should be consumed the same day.

What happens if you add too much butter to biscuit dough?
Adding too much butter to biscuit dough can make the biscuits greasy and overly soft. While butter is essential for creating flaky biscuits, too much can prevent the dough from holding its shape properly, resulting in biscuits that spread too much during baking. The texture may also become too rich and greasy rather than light and airy. For optimal results, stick to the recommended amount of butter in the recipe and be careful not to overdo it.

Conclusion

Ham and Cheese Butter Biscuits are a delightful and savory treat that will quickly become a family favorite. Whether served as a side dish for dinner or as a snack for breakfast, these biscuits offer a delicious combination of cheesy goodness, savory ham, and buttery flakiness. With just a few simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can create a batch of these biscuits that everyone will love.

Remember to experiment with different variations, such as using other types of cheese or adding more flavorings. And don’t forget to try the healthy alternatives if you’re looking to lighten things up without sacrificing flavor. No matter how you choose to make them, these Ham and Cheese Butter Biscuits are sure to be a hit at your next meal!

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Bake Time: 12-15 minutes
Total Time: 22-25 minutes
Servings: 12 biscuits
Calories per Biscuit: Approximately 230 kcal

Enjoy your Ham and Cheese Butter Biscuits and happy baking!

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