Ham Cheese Butter Biscuits

These ham cheese butter swim biscuits are the perfect savory comfort food when you want something warm, satisfying, and easy to whip up. Crispy on the outside with a soft, cheesy interior, they bring together classic American flavors in a fun, homey way. Whether for a quick snack or a hearty side, these biscuits hit the spot every time.

I remember first baking these biscuits on a chilly afternoon and the house instantly smelled like a cozy diner. Now they are requested for every family gathering because they just make everyone smile.

Ingredients

• Two cups allpurpose flour: This forms the biscuit structure so use fresh unbleached flour for best results
• One tablespoon baking powder: Provides the lift that makes the biscuits light and fluffy
• Half a teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering
• Quarter cup unsalted butter melted: This creates a buttery base that crisps up perfectly in the oven
• One cup buttermilk: Adds tenderness and a slight tang making the biscuits moist
• One cup diced ham: Adds savory meaty bites that give these biscuits their signature heartiness
• One cup shredded cheddar cheese: Brings gooey melted pockets of cheesiness. Choose a sharp cheddar for robust flavor
• Quarter cup chopped chives: Optional but adds a fresh oniony pop to finish

Instructions

Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish:

Set your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit which is key for that golden crust. Pour the melted butter evenly over the bottom of a 9 by 13 inch baking dish. This buttery layer helps the bottoms of the biscuits get beautifully crisp and flavorful as they bake.

Whisk Together Dry Ingredients:

In a large bowl whisk together the flour baking powder and salt until thoroughly mixed. This evenly distributes the leavening agent which is crucial to getting a uniform rise.

Combine Wet Ingredients Separately:

In another bowl combine the buttermilk diced ham and shredded cheddar cheese stirring until well mixed. The buttermilk keeps everything tender while the ham and cheese add both moisture and savory flavor.

Gently Fold Wet into Dry Ingredients:

Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients slowly and fold with a spoon or spatula just until combined. Resist the urge to overmix because that would develop the gluten and make the biscuits tough. Leaving small lumps is perfect here for a tender crumb.

Spoon Dough into Dish:

Using a large spoon or ice cream scoop drop dollops of the dough into the butter lined baking dish. Leave some space between each dollop as the cookies will spread and bake into soft individual mounds that touch on the edges creating a pullapart effect.

Bake Until Golden and Serve Warm:

Put the dish in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the top is a lovely golden brown and the biscuits feel cooked through. You will notice a mouth watering aroma filling your kitchen when they are ready. Let them rest for a few minutes before serving so they firm up slightly but stay amazingly soft inside.

I love how the cheddar cheese melts into little pockets of creamy richness. It reminds me of cozy weekend mornings when my family would gather around the kitchen table sharing stories and warm biscuits fresh from the oven. Those moments turned these simple biscuits into a little slice of home for us.

Storage tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They keep fresh for up to three days and can be gently rewarmed in a toaster oven or microwave without losing too much texture. If you want them for later freeze the biscuits laid out in a single layer on a baking sheet first so they do not stick together once frozen. Then transfer them to a freezer safe bag and freeze for up to three months. Reheat in a conventional oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit to restore crispness.

Ingredient substitutions

Try swapping the cheddar for Swiss gouda or pepper jack to change the flavor profile without losing that melty cheese goodness. If you do not have buttermilk on hand mix one cup milk with one tablespoon white vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for ten minutes to mimic the acidity and tenderness. For a vegetarian version omit the ham and add chopped or cooked vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms.

Serving suggestions

These biscuits shine on their own as a snack but also make perfect companions to hearty breakfasts. Slice them open and add a fried egg avocado and some greens for a filling meal. They also pair beautifully with soups chili or a fresh garden salad for lunch or dinner. A pat of butter or a drizzle of honey is surprisingly delicious too.

These ham cheese butter swim biscuits are simple to make and always a comforting crowd pleaser. Serve them warm and enjoy.

Common Questions About Recipes

→ What type of cheese works best in these biscuits?

Cheddar cheese provides a sharp, melty texture that balances the savory ham, but Swiss or gouda can also add unique flavor profiles.

→ How does the melted butter on the baking dish affect the biscuits?

Pouring melted butter on the baking surface creates a rich, crispy bottom crust that adds flavor and texture contrast.

→ Can I prepare the biscuit dough ahead of time?

It's best to bake immediately after mixing to maintain tender texture; however, dough can be chilled briefly before baking.

→ What is the purpose of buttermilk in the dough?

Buttermilk adds moisture and acidity, helping the biscuits rise and contributing to a tender crumb.

→ How should leftovers be stored and reheated?

Store biscuits in an airtight container in the fridge up to 3 days or freeze for 3 months. Reheat in the oven for best texture.

→ Can I add herbs or other ingredients for extra flavor?

Yes, sprinkling chopped chives or substituting different cheese types boosts freshness and adds unique taste notes.