Country Ham Biscuits

Virginia Country Ham Biscuits are a delightful staple of Southern cuisine, bringing together fluffy layers of homemade biscuits with the savory goodness of thinly sliced country ham. There’s just something incredibly satisfying about biting into a warm biscuit that practically melts in your mouth while the rich, salty ham brings a burst of flavor that dances on your taste buds. Perfect for breakfast or brunch, these biscuits can elevate any gathering, filling your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of freshly baked goodness.

Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!

My fondest memories of these country ham biscuits take me back to family brunches where laughter blended seamlessly with the unmistakable scent of baking. The first time I made them, I was pleasantly surprised at how easy they were to whip up, transforming a few simple ingredients into something truly special. Whether you’re enjoying them on lazy weekends or serving them at a holiday gathering, these biscuits are sure to impress everyone at the table. Trust me—once you try making them, you’ll be hooked!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple & Quick: It’s a straightforward process that takes just 20 minutes to prep and 12 minutes to bake.
• Irresistible Flavor: Fluffy biscuits paired with the savory richness of country ham create an unforgettable taste experience.
• Eye-Catching Appeal: Their golden-brown tops are not just delicious but look wonderful on any serving platter.
• Flexible Serving: Perfect for breakfast, snack time, or even as a delightful appetizer at gatherings.
• Diet-Friendly Options: You can customize the condiments on these biscuits to match dietary preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 2 cups all-purpose flour: Use a high-quality brand like White Lily for the best texture in your biscuits.
• 4 teaspoons baking powder: This is crucial for achieving that light and fluffy biscuit texture.
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda: Helps balance the acidity of the buttermilk, creating a tender biscuit.
• ¾ teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances the flavor of the biscuits and complements the ham.
• 1 teaspoon sugar: Adds a slight sweetness that balances the savory components.
• 2 tablespoons salted butter: Using chilled, diced butter creates flaky layers. You can substitute with unsalted for a less salty bite.
• 2 tablespoons shortening: Chill this as well for best results, or use lard as an alternative for a richer flavor.
• ¾ to 1 cup cold buttermilk: The cold temperature helps the biscuits rise. You can replace it with milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar if you run out.
• ½ lb. country ham: Look for high-quality, thinly sliced country ham for optimal flavor.
• Optional condiments: Butter, honey butter, dijon mustard, honey mustard, spicy mustard, fig preserves, peach jam, or pimento cheese offer delightful pairing options.

How to Make Country Ham Biscuits

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 450°F. Prepare a baking sheet or round cake pan by lining it with parchment paper.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, sift together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 4 teaspoons of baking powder, ¼ teaspoon of baking soda, ¾ teaspoon of kosher salt, and 1 teaspoon of sugar. Whisk these until they are well combined.
3. Cut in the Butter and Shortening: Take your chilled butter (2 tablespoons) and shortening (2 tablespoons), and cut them into the flour mixture using a pastry cutter or two forks. The mixture should resemble coarse meal, with visible flakes of butter and shortening.
4. Add the Buttermilk: Gradually add in ¾ to 1 cup of cold buttermilk, stirring with a wooden spoon until you have a pretty wet and sticky dough.
5. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead gently for about 1 minute, adding additional flour if necessary to avoid sticking. Pat the dough to a thickness of ¾ inch.
6. Cut and Arrange the Biscuits: Use a small biscuit cutter (2 inches or smaller) to cut out rounds from the dough. Remember to press the cutter straight down without twisting. Arrange the biscuits so that they touch on the prepared baking sheet or round pan.
7. Brush with Melted Butter: Brush the tops of the biscuits with melted butter, then let them chill in the refrigerator for about 5 minutes.
8. Bake the Biscuits: Place in the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown. Brush them again with melted butter before transferring to a wire rack to cool slightly.
9. Prepare for Serving: Once the biscuits are cool enough to handle, split each one in half. Use the tines of a fork to poke holes around the edge and gently pull apart, instead of slicing with a knife.
10. Add the Ham and Condiments: Spread your favorite condiment on each side of the biscuit, then add a few slices of country ham. Close it up and enjoy!

Storing & Reheating

To store your country ham biscuits, keep them at room temperature for up to 2 days in an airtight container. If you want them to last longer, pop them in the fridge for up to a week. For maximum freshness, freeze them in a resealable bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through. Do note that while reheating may slightly alter their texture, a brush of melted butter will refresh their taste and softness.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

• Be careful not to over-knead the dough; you want it to remain light and airy.
• Ensure that your butter and shortening are very cold to achieve flaky layers in your biscuits.
• If the dough feels too wet, add a bit more flour, but try to avoid overworking it.
• Allowing the biscuits to chill in the refrigerator before baking can help them rise better in the oven.
• Feel free to experiment with different condiments—each adds a unique twist!

Virginia Country Ham Biscuits bring that warm, Southern comfort you crave right to your table. Their fluffy texture and savory fillings are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or anytime a craving strikes. Not only are they accessible to make, but they also invite you to indulge in the flavors of Southern hospitality. So why not gather your family or friends and dive into creating these delicious bites? You might just find yourself making them a regular on your menu!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use regular ham instead of country ham?

Absolutely! While country ham adds a distinctive flavor, regular ham can still work beautifully in this recipe. Just keep in mind it may have a different taste and saltiness.

What can I serve with these biscuits?

These biscuits are delightful on their own, but you can serve them with eggs, fresh fruit, or even a side salad for a more balanced meal.

Can I make these biscuits ahead of time?

Yes, you can roll out and cut the biscuits ahead of time. Keep them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking, or freeze them for future enjoyment.

How can I tell when my biscuits are done baking?

Look for a golden-brown color on the tops of the biscuits, usually achieved in about 10 to 12 minutes. The texture should be firm to the touch but soft when you bite into them.

Print