Chef's Essential Tips

Baking Basics: Ensure your ingredients are cold, especially the butter and buttermilk, to achieve a flaky texture. If they are at room temperature, the biscuits may spread rather than rise.
Cheese Choices: While sharp cheddar is recommended for its bold flavor, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Gruyère or pepper jack for exciting variations.
Ham Alternatives: Leftover holiday ham works wonderfully in this recipe, but turkey or even cooked bacon could be delicious substitutes.
Herb Variations: Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme can add a delightful twist to the flavor profile — use whatever you have on hand for freshness.
Biscuit Shape: For a rustic look, you can simply cut the dough into squares instead of using a biscuit cutter. This minimizes waste and is quicker!
Freezing Tips: If you have leftover dough, cut out the biscuits and freeze them for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Essential Ingredients Selection

All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of the biscuit, providing structure. You can substitute with whole wheat flour for a healthier version, but expect a denser texture.
Baking Powder: Essential for creating the rise, ensuring the biscuits are fluffy and light. Be sure it’s fresh for maximum effectiveness.
Baking Soda: Works alongside the baking powder to provide additional lift. This ensures a well-risen biscuit, especially important in high-fat recipes.
Salt: Enhances the flavor of every ingredient in the recipe. It’s crucial for balancing the savory tastes and enhancing overall deliciousness.
Unsalted Butter: Provides rich flavor and, when cold, creates steam that contributes to a flaky texture. Salted butter can be used, but you may want to adjust the added salt.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Contributes a bold flavor and creaminess. Opt for freshly shredded cheese for best results rather than pre-shredded.
Cooked Ham: Adds savory depth and protein. Leftover ham from a holiday meal is perfect, but any good-quality cooked ham will suffice.
Fresh Chives: Adds a mild onion flavor that brightens the dish. Dried herbs can be substituted, but fresh herbs always deliver the best taste.
Fresh Parsley: Provides a fresh, herbaceous note that balances the richness of the cheese and ham. It’s best used fresh for maximum flavor.
Buttermilk: Provides moisture and a slight tang, which enhances flavor and tenderness. You can make a substitute by mixing regular milk with vinegar.

Creating Your Masterpiece

Serving Fresh:

These biscuits are best enjoyed fresh from the oven. Serve them warm, accompanied by butter or your favorite spread. They can also be used to make sandwiches, adding a fun twist to leftovers.

Storing Biscuits:

If you have leftover biscuits, allow them to cool completely before storing. Place them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. To reheat, wrap in foil and warm in the oven for the best texture.

Baking Techniques:

Baking at a high temperature allows the biscuits to rise quickly before the exterior sets, resulting in a fluffy texture. Position your oven rack in the center for even heat distribution. Avoid opening the oven door during the first 10 minutes of baking to maintain temperature.

Applying Egg Wash:

Brushing biscuits with an egg wash not only adds a beautiful golden color but also creates a glossy finish. Beat the egg well to ensure even application, and use a pastry brush for best results.

Cutting Out Biscuits:

When cutting out biscuits, press straight down without twisting. Twisting seals the edges, preventing them from rising properly. Use a sharp biscuit cutter or the rim of a glass to get clean cuts.

Kneading the Dough:

Kneading helps develop gluten in the dough, which adds structure. However, you should knead only briefly—too much kneading can make the biscuits dense. Aim for about 5-6 gentle folds to bring the dough together.

Mixing Wet and Dry Ingredients:

When combining wet and dry ingredients, do this gently to avoid overworking the dough. Overmixing can lead to tough biscuits, so mix just until the dry ingredients are moistened. The dough should be slightly sticky but manageable.

Cutting in Butter:

This technique involves incorporating butter into the dry ingredients to create a flaky texture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingertips, working quickly to prevent the butter from warming. The goal is to achieve pea-sized lumps of butter dispersed throughout the flour.

Measuring Ingredients Precision:

Accurate measurements are vital in baking to ensure the right chemical reactions occur. Use a kitchen scale for the best results, especially for flour, as it can vary in weight. Level off measuring cups with a knife to avoid using too much flour.

The Complete Guide to Mastering Savory Ham and Cheese Biscuits

Serving Fresh:

These biscuits are best enjoyed fresh from the oven. Serve them warm, accompanied by butter or your favorite spread. They can also be used to make sandwiches, adding a fun twist to leftovers.

Storing Biscuits:

If you have leftover biscuits, allow them to cool completely before storing. Place them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. To reheat, wrap in foil and warm in the oven for the best texture.

Baking Techniques:

Applying Egg Wash:

Brushing biscuits with an egg wash not only adds a beautiful golden color but also creates a glossy finish. Beat the egg well to ensure even application, and use a pastry brush for best results.

Cutting Out Biscuits:

When cutting out biscuits, press straight down without twisting. Twisting seals the edges, preventing them from rising properly. Use a sharp biscuit cutter or the rim of a glass to get clean cuts.

Kneading the Dough:

Mixing Wet and Dry Ingredients:

Cutting in Butter:

Measuring Ingredients Precision:

Pro Chef Secrets to Perfect Biscuits

Pair these biscuits with a side of honey or jam for a sweet contrast, or serve alongside scrambled eggs for a complete breakfast.

A sprinkle of sea salt or more fresh herbs on top just before serving can enhance both flavor and presentation.

If the dough seems too dry, add a little more buttermilk, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches the right consistency.

Feel free to add spices like garlic powder or cayenne for a kick, catering the biscuits to your taste preferences.

Savory Ham and Cheese Biscuits with Buttermilk and Fresh Herbs

Name: Savory Ham and Cheese Biscuits with Buttermilk and Fresh Herbs
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 12 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: For the Biscuits:; 2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted for a light and fluffy texture; 1 tablespoon baking powder, to ensure the biscuits rise perfectly; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, adds extra lift and lightness; 1 teaspoon salt, balances flavors and enhances taste; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cut into cubes for a rich, buttery flavor; 3/4 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded for a bold, cheesy punch; 1 cup diced cooked ham, adds savory, salty goodness; 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped for a subtle onion flavor; 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped for a touch of freshness; 3/4 cup buttermilk, adds moisture and tanginess, making biscuits tender; 1 egg, for brushing on top for a beautiful golden finish; Optional: black pepper, freshly cracked for added heat

Delight in these savory ham and cheese biscuits that melt in your mouth, combining the rich flavors of sharp cheddar, salty ham, and tangy buttermilk. The biscuits offer a light and flaky texture, making them the perfect addition to a hearty breakfast, a delightful brunch, or a quick snack at any time of the day. Each bite reveals a symphony of flavors—savory notes from the ham, a gentle sharpness from the cheese, and a hint of sweetness from fresh herbs. Ideal for family gatherings, holiday feasts, or simple afternoon tea, these biscuits evoke warmth and comfort, inviting you to savor the moment. They’re not just a dish; they’re a memory waiting to be made, bringing loved ones together in a celebration of good food and shared joy. Whether served warm from the oven or at room temperature, these biscuits are sure to impress and satisfy.

Prep Time

20 Minutes

Cook Time

15 Minutes

Total Time

35 Minutes

Chef

JUE

Ingredients

For the Biscuits:

2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted for a light and fluffy texture

1 tablespoon baking powder, to ensure the biscuits rise perfectly

1/2 teaspoon baking soda, adds extra lift and lightness

1 teaspoon salt, balances flavors and enhances taste

1/4 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cut into cubes for a rich, buttery flavor

3/4 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded for a bold, cheesy punch

1 cup diced cooked ham, adds savory, salty goodness

1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped for a subtle onion flavor

1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped for a touch of freshness

3/4 cup buttermilk, adds moisture and tanginess, making biscuits tender

1 egg, for brushing on top for a beautiful golden finish

Optional: black pepper, freshly cracked for added heat

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature ensures that your biscuits will rise beautifully and achieve a golden crust.

Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined. This helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents.

Step 3: Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, cut the chilled butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. This technique is crucial for incorporating fat without melting it, which keeps the biscuits flaky.

Step 4: Stir in the shredded cheese, diced ham, chives, and parsley until evenly distributed. The ham and cheese provide bursts of flavor in every bite.

Step 5: Gradually add the buttermilk, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; the dough should be slightly sticky.

Step 6: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and gently knead it just a few times to bring it together. This will help develop the biscuit’s structure.

Step 7: Pat the dough into a 1-inch thick rectangle. Using a biscuit cutter, cut out biscuits and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 8: Brush the tops of the biscuits with beaten egg for a shiny, golden finish. This small step elevates the visual appeal.

Step 9: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown. Keep an eye on them to prevent over-baking.

Step 10: Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. These biscuits are best enjoyed warm!

Step 11: Serve immediately, or store in an airtight container for up to 2 days. You can reheat in the oven for freshness.