Ham Cheese Butter Biscuits

Name: Ham Cheese Butter Biscuits
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold, cut into cubes; 3/4 cup milk or buttermilk; 1 cup cooked ham, chopped; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 2 tablespoons melted butter for brushing

Recipe by Jordan Avery · Updated July 2025

Pork Bread & Sourdough

There's something magical about the first bite of a warm, flaky biscuit oozing with melted cheddar and tender ham, its buttery crust crackling under your fingers. Home cooks adore these Ham Cheese Butter Biscuits for weeknight suppers, lazy brunches, or even as a thoughtful snack to share with neighbors. The irresistible pull of gooey cheese and savory pork tucked inside a golden, flaky exterior makes them a standout that disappears from the plate too quickly. Whether you're hosting a crowd or treating yourself, these biscuits promise comfort in every bite.

What Makes This Recipe Special

The secret to ultra-flaky layers lies in cutting cold butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs-never overmix, and keep your butter pieces pea-sized for maximum lift.
This recipe uniquely combines ham and cheese directly into the dough, infusing every bite with salty, savory flavor instead of just topping it on after baking.
A quick brush with melted butter before baking gives the biscuits a luxurious golden crust and an extra layer of rich flavor that sets them apart from standard biscuits.
Using buttermilk instead of regular milk adds a subtle tang that balances the richness of the cheese and ham, creating a more complex and crave-worthy taste.

⏱ 25 mins

American

Servings 8

Ingredients

2 cupsall-purpose flour

1 tablespoonbaking powder

1 teaspoonsalt

1/2 cupunsalted butter, cold, cut into cubes

3/4 cupmilk or buttermilk

1 cupcooked ham, chopped

1 cupshredded cheddar cheese

2 tablespoonsmelted butter for brushing

Nutrition

200 caloriesCalories

Per serving · Values are estimates

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking tray with parchment paper.

In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Stir in the chopped ham and shredded cheddar cheese. Pour in the milk and mix gently until the dough just comes together.

Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and pat it into a 1-inch thick round. Cut out biscuits using a cutter or glass.

Place the biscuits on the prepared baking tray. Brush the tops with melted butter. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until golden brown.

Serve warm on their own or with a side of mustard or honey.

Essential Tips

Keep ingredients cold

Ensure your butter stays cold throughout mixing-warm butter will melt into the dough and prevent the biscuits from rising properly. Chill your mixing bowl and hands briefly if your kitchen is warm.

Don't overmix the dough

Gently fold the milk into the flour mixture just until it comes together. Overworking the dough develops gluten, leading to tough biscuits instead of tender, flaky ones.

Pat, don't roll

Press the dough into a 1-inch thick round with your hands or a rolling pin, but avoid rolling it out too thin. A thicker biscuit holds more cheese and ham and bakes up taller and fluffier.

Use a sharp cutter

Press straight down with a biscuit cutter or glass to create clean edges-twisting can seal the edges and prevent even rising. Dip the cutter in flour between cuts for cleaner separation.

Bake until golden

Watch the biscuits closely as they bake; they're done when the tops are deep golden brown and the edges are slightly crisp. Overbaking dries them out, while underbaking leaves them gummy inside.

Smart Swaps & Variations

Spicy Kick Add 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dry ingredients for a subtle heat that complements the ham and cheese beautifully.

Herbed Delight Mix 1 tablespoon of fresh chopped chives or parsley into the dough for a fresh herbal note that brightens the rich flavors.

Gourmet Upgrade Swap cheddar for Gruyère or pepper jack cheese and use prosciutto instead of ham for a more sophisticated flavor profile perfect for entertaining.

Make It Vegetarian Replace the ham with finely diced roasted red peppers or sautéed mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian version that still delivers on flavor and texture.

What to Serve With This

Whipped honey butter for dipping, balancing the saltiness of the ham and cheese.
A crisp green salad dressed with apple cider vinaigrette to cut through the richness.
Warm tomato soup for a cozy, comforting meal any day of the week.
A cold glass of sweet tea or sparkling lemonade to complement the savory biscuits.

Storage & Reheating

Storage

Store biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To freeze, wrap cooled biscuits tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag for up to 1 month.

Reheating

Reheat frozen biscuits directly from the freezer in a 175°C (350°F) oven for 10-12 minutes, or until warmed through and crisp. For room-temperature biscuits, warm in a 175°C (350°F) oven for 5-7 minutes to restore their flaky texture.

Expert Chef Tips

Use a kitchen scale to measure your flour for consistent results-flour can compact differently by volume, leading to dry or dense biscuits if measured incorrectly.
For an extra layer of flavor, swap half the milk for heavy cream when mixing the dough, adding richness without altering the texture.
Place the biscuits close together on the baking sheet; this helps them rise upward rather than outward, resulting in taller biscuits with better layers.

Equipment You’ll Need

Pastry cutter or two forks for cutting in the butter
Mixing bowls (one large, one medium)
Baking sheet lined with parchment paper
Biscuit cutter or a glass (2.5-3 inches wide)

Nutritional Benefits

Each biscuit provides about 200 calories, making them a satisfying and portion-controlled treat when served as a snack or light meal.
The ham and cheese contribute high-quality protein, with about 8-10 grams per biscuit, supporting muscle maintenance and satiety.
Using buttermilk adds a small amount of calcium and probiotics, which support bone health and gut health respectively.
The recipe is naturally low in sugar, with less than 1 gram per biscuit, making it a great option for those monitoring their sugar intake.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, but reduce the added salt in the recipe by half to avoid making the biscuits too salty. Taste the dough before baking and adjust as needed.

What if I don't have buttermilk?

Mix 3/4 cup milk with 1 tablespoon lemon juice or white vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes to curdle. This homemade buttermilk works just as well for tender biscuits.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare the dough, shape the biscuits, and refrigerate them uncovered for up to 12 hours. Bake as directed, adding 1-2 minutes to the baking time if cold.

Why are my biscuits dense instead of flaky?

Overmixing the dough develops gluten, which toughens the biscuits. Also, warm butter or overworking the dough can prevent proper rising. Keep ingredients cold and mix gently.

Can I freeze the dough balls?

Absolutely. Roll the dough into balls, freeze on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding 3-4 minutes to the baking time.

What's the best cheese to use?

Sharp cheddar is classic for its bold flavor, but feel free to experiment with pepper jack for heat or smoked gouda for depth. Avoid pre-shredded cheese with anti-caking agents, as they can make the biscuits greasy.

How do I know when they're done baking?

The biscuits should be deep golden brown on top and slightly firm to the touch. Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

Can I add other ingredients like bacon or spinach?

Yes! Cook and crumble bacon or sauté spinach and pat it dry before adding it to the dough. Just reduce the cheese slightly to balance the moisture from fresh ingredients.