A gentle spring morning found me kneeling between rows of tulips in my mother’s garden with my nephew, Jasper. He was nine and curious about planting seeds, but all he wanted was a bite of my biscuit that morning while dirt still clung to our knees. I laughed when he grabbed my apron, then paused mids-step when I realized I could turn that moment into something special.
I later remembered my grandmother teaching me over her floral kitchen table how to fold ham into her golden biscuits during one of our holiday brunches at my childhood home. A small family twist fits perfectly with Jasper’s enthusiasm and that garden memory. That’s how these ham and cheese butter biscuits came to be—a blend of family tradition, green thumbs, and cheesy comfort with a pat of butter melting over top.
When I bent to serve Jasper one warm biscuit, I saw his eyes light up, cheese stretching between his teeth like a smile. My daughter popped by and asked for seconds, claiming they were the “best biscuit ever.” My husband returned from his morning walk just in time to taste one and nodded in that quiet way that means approval.
It felt like magic, simple ingredients woven into a connection between generations, memories, and sunlight streaming through the kitchen window. I can’t wait to share this warm and cheesy biscuit recipe with you. It holds garden mornings, family laughter, and cozy brunch gatherings in every bite.
Short Description
Fluffy butter-rich biscuits studded with savory ham and melted cheddar cheese, baked in a butter-lined pan for golden crunchy edges and tender centers. Perfect for brunches, family meals, or comforting snacks.
Key Ingredients
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1½ tbsp baking powder
- 1¾ cups buttermilk
- ½ cup melted salted butter
- 2½ cups diced ham (½-inch cubes)
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
Tools Needed
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Large spoon or spatula
- 9×9-inch baking dish
- Sharp knife for scoring
- Cooling rack
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Make the Dry Mix
Whisk together flour, sugar, and baking powder in a large bowl. Mixing evenly helps the biscuits rise beautifully and taste consistent.
Step 2: Add the Buttermilk
Pour in buttermilk and stir gently with a spoon or spatula until just combined. If the batter seems too dry, drizzle an extra tablespoon of buttermilk. Overmixing will make the biscuits tough.
Step 3: Fold in the Goodies
Add diced ham and shredded cheddar. Fold gently to distribute evenly while keeping the batter airy and light.
Step 4: Prep the Pan
Pour half the melted butter into a greased 9×9 baking dish, tilting to coat the bottom evenly. This gives a crisp, buttery crust to the biscuits.
Step 5: Spread and Score
Spread the biscuit dough into the pan in an even layer. Use a sharp knife to lightly score into nine squares to make serving easy and help the biscuits rise tall.
Step 6: Bake the Biscuits
Bake at 425 °F for 25–30 minutes. They are done when the tops are golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If they brown too quickly, loosely cover with foil halfway through.
Step 7: Rest and Serve
Let the biscuits cool in the pan for five minutes. They slice easily along the scored lines. Serve warm with extra pats of butter or a drizzle of honey for a sweet and savory finish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Flavor Explosion Savory ham and sharp cheddar combine with buttery biscuits for mouthwatering flavor
Quick and Easy Mix, bake, and enjoy in under an hour
Versatile Great for breakfast, brunch, lunch sides, or snack time
Kid-Friendly Mild cheese and small ham cubes suit young palates, while grown-ups appreciate the buttery crust
Make‑Ahead Friendly Prepare the mix ahead and bake fresh for warm biscuits
Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions
Overmixing the batter makes biscuits dense
Solution Stir until ingredients just come together
Dry batter leads to crumbly biscuits
Solution Add a touch more buttermilk until it holds together
Underscored scoring prevents even rising
Solution Score lightly but visibly before baking
Too dark edges risk burnt crust
Solution Check halfway and cover with foil if needed
Skipping pan butter results in pale bottoms
Solution Butter the dish generously before layering
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serve warm alongside scrambled eggs or a fresh fruit salad
Pair with a crisp green salad or hearty soup for lunch
Arrange family-style on a platter during brunch or potlucks
Great as a side dish with roasted chicken or ham dinner
Perfect for gatherings, bake sales, or comforting weekend treats
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store cooled biscuits in an airtight container for up to two days
Reheat in a 350 °F oven for 5 minutes to restore crisp edges
Microwave in 15‑second bursts with a damp paper towel for soft warmth
Batter can be refrigerated overnight and baked fresh the next morning
FAQs
1. Can I use low‑fat buttermilk
Yes, the texture will remain tender but slightly lighter
2. What if I don’t have ham
Use diced cooked bacon or cooked sausage for a different flavor
3. Can I freeze these
Freeze baked biscuits in a sealed bag. Reheat in the oven at 350 °F for 10 minutes
4. Can I use a cheese blend instead of cheddar
Yes mild mozzarella and Parmesan mix works well too
5. Are these gluten-free friendly
Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to substitute the all-purpose flour
Tips & Tricks
Keep ingredients cold until mixing for flakier texture
Dice ham small so it distributes evenly
Score the dough before baking to help even rising
Use a metal pan for crispier bottoms
Let the biscuits rest briefly so they slice cleanly
Recipe Variations
Herb and Cheese Substitute ham with chopped chives and ¼ tsp dried thyme; replace cheddar with Gruyère
Spicy Jalapeño Add 1 finely diced jalapeño and swap cheddar for pepper Jack cheese
Sweet‑Savory Fold in ¼ cup diced apples and swap half cheese for sharp white cheddar; drizzle with honey before serving
Vegan Friendly Use plant-based milk, nondairy butter, vegan cheese, and replace ham with seasoned tofu cubes
Final Thoughts
These ham and cheese butter biscuits hold so many memories—from muddy garden mornings with Jasper to warm Sunday brunches around the table. Every bite is a blend of sharp cheddar, savory ham, and that buttery crunch that brings comfort and connection.
I hope they bring your family together, too, filling your kitchen with laughter and good conversation. The joy of baking comes not just from the taste but from the moments shared over the warm biscuits—and that is what makes this recipe truly special.
Ham And Cheese Butter Biscuits
Print ThisIngredients
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1½ tbsp baking powder
- 1¾ cups buttermilk
- ½ cup melted salted butter
- 2½ cups diced ham (½-inch cubes)
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Dry Mix
Whisk flour, sugar, and baking powder in a large bowl until well combined.
Step 2: Add the Buttermilk
Stir in buttermilk gently until a thick, sticky batter forms. Add a splash more if dry. Avoid overmixing.
Step 3: Fold in the Goodies
Gently fold in diced ham and cheddar until evenly distributed.
Step 4: Prep the Pan
Pour half the melted butter into a greased 9×9 baking dish, tilting to coat the bottom.
Step 5: Spread and Score
Spread dough evenly in the dish and lightly score into nine squares.
Step 6: Bake the Biscuits
Bake at 425 °F for 25–30 minutes until golden. Cover with foil if browning too fast.
Step 7: Rest and Serve
Cool 5 minutes, then slice and serve warm with butter or honey.
