There’s nothing quite as satisfying as biting into a warm, buttery biscuit filled with savory ham and melted cheese. These Easy Ham and Cheese Biscuits are soft, flaky, and packed with flavor, making them the perfect choice for breakfast, brunch, lunchboxes, or an afternoon snack. Best of all, they’re simple to prepare with everyday ingredients and come together in under 40 minutes.
Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, meal-prepping for the week, or looking for a grab-and-go breakfast, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. The combination of tender biscuits, smoky ham, and gooey cheddar cheese creates a comforting treat that’s delicious fresh from the oven or reheated the next day.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ready in about 35–40 minutes
Soft, flaky, buttery biscuits
Loaded with savory ham and melted cheese
Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or brunch
Great for meal prep and freezing
Kid-friendly and easy to customize
Made with simple pantry ingredients
Ingredients
For the Biscuit Dough
2½ cups (315 g) all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon sugar
½ cup (115 g) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
1 cup (240 ml) buttermilk
1 tablespoon melted butter (for brushing)
For the Filling
1½ cups diced cooked ham
1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives (optional)
½ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon onion powder
Kitchen Equipment
Large mixing bowl
Pastry cutter or fork
Rolling pin
Biscuit cutter or drinking glass
Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Pastry brush
Cooling rack
Step 1: Prepare the Oven
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with butter.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl combine:
Flour
Baking powder
Baking soda
Salt
Sugar
Whisk until evenly mixed.
These ingredients create light, fluffy biscuits with a beautiful rise.
Step 3: Cut in the Butter
Add the cold butter cubes.
Using a pastry cutter, two forks, or your fingertips, work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with small pea-sized pieces of butter remaining.
These small pockets of butter melt during baking, creating flaky layers.
Step 4: Add the Buttermilk
Pour the buttermilk into the flour mixture.
Stir gently until a shaggy dough forms.
Avoid overmixing, as this can make the biscuits dense instead of tender.
If the dough seems too dry, add one tablespoon of buttermilk at a time until it just comes together.
Step 5: Prepare the Filling
In another bowl combine:
Diced ham
Shredded cheddar cheese
Black pepper
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Chopped chives
Mix well.
The cheese melts beautifully while the ham adds a savory, smoky flavor to every bite.
Step 6: Shape the Dough
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface.
Gently pat it into a rectangle about ¾ inch thick.
Sprinkle the ham and cheese mixture evenly over half of the dough.
Fold the other half over the filling, then gently press the edges together.
Pat the dough back to about 1 inch thick.
Using a biscuit cutter, cut out biscuits without twisting the cutter, which helps them rise evenly.
Gather the scraps, gently reshape, and cut additional biscuits.
Step 7: Bake
Arrange the biscuits on the prepared baking sheet so they are just touching. This encourages them to rise higher and stay soft on the sides.
Brush the tops with melted butter.
Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the cheese is bubbling slightly around the edges.
Remove from the oven and let the biscuits cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Serving Suggestions
These biscuits are delicious on their own, but they also pair well with:
Scrambled eggs
Fried eggs
Fresh fruit salad
Yogurt with berries
Tomato soup
Potato soup
Green salad
Crispy hash browns
Roasted vegetables
For an extra indulgent breakfast, slice a biscuit in half and add a fried egg for a hearty breakfast sandwich.
Tips for Perfect Ham and Cheese Biscuits
Use very cold butter to create flaky layers.
Measure the flour accurately by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off.
Do not overwork the dough; gentle handling keeps the biscuits light and tender.
Freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese.
Let the biscuits rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow the cheese to set slightly.
Delicious Variations
Bacon and Cheese
Replace the ham with cooked, crumbled bacon for a smoky twist.
Turkey and Swiss
Use diced cooked turkey and shredded Swiss cheese for a lighter version that’s perfect after the holidays.
Spicy Jalapeño
Mix chopped pickled or fresh jalapeños into the filling and use pepper jack cheese for extra heat.
Herb Lover’s Biscuits
Add chopped parsley, thyme, rosemary, or dill to the dough for fresh herbal flavor.
Mediterranean Style
Use diced cooked chicken, mozzarella, spinach, and a pinch of Italian seasoning for a delicious variation.
Storage
Store cooled biscuits in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Keep parchment paper between layers if stacking to prevent sticking.
Freezing Instructions
These biscuits freeze beautifully.
After baking and cooling completely, wrap each biscuit individually in plastic wrap or foil.
Store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or reheat directly from frozen.
Reheating
For the best texture:
Oven: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes.
Air Fryer: Heat at 325°F (160°C) for 4–5 minutes.
Microwave: Warm for 20–30 seconds, though the biscuits will be softer rather than crisp.
Make-Ahead Tips
Prepare the dough and shape the biscuits the night before.
Place them on a baking sheet, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight.
Bake fresh in the morning, adding 2–3 extra minutes to the baking time if needed.
You can also prepare the filling a day ahead and store it separately in the refrigerator.
Nutrition Information (Approximate Per Biscuit)
Calories: 320
Protein: 12 g
Carbohydrates: 24 g
Fat: 19 g
Saturated Fat: 10 g
Fiber: 1 g
Sugar: 2 g
Sodium: 620 mg
Nutritional values will vary depending on the size of the biscuits and the specific ingredients used.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use store-bought biscuit dough?
Yes. Refrigerated biscuit dough is a convenient shortcut. Simply flatten each biscuit slightly, add the ham and cheese filling, seal the edges, and bake according to the package instructions.
What cheese works best?
Sharp cheddar provides bold flavor and melts beautifully. Other excellent choices include Monterey Jack, mozzarella, Colby, Gouda, Swiss, or pepper jack for a spicy kick.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Absolutely. Substitute a good-quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that contains xanthan gum. The texture may be slightly different but still tender and flavorful.
Can I add vegetables?
Yes. Finely diced bell peppers, sautéed onions, spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli are great additions. Be sure to cook and drain vegetables first to avoid adding excess moisture to the dough.
Are these good for meal prep?
Definitely. These biscuits store and reheat well, making them an excellent option for busy mornings, packed lunches, or quick snacks throughout the week.
Final Thoughts
These Easy Ham and Cheese Biscuits are the perfect combination of buttery, flaky pastry and a savory filling of smoky ham and melted cheddar cheese. Quick to prepare and wonderfully versatile, they fit just as well on a breakfast table as they do in a lunchbox or alongside a comforting bowl of soup. With simple ingredients, easy preparation, and endless customization options, this recipe is one you’ll return to again and again. Serve them warm from the oven with your favorite breakfast sides, enjoy them as an afternoon snack, or freeze a batch for busy days—either way, these homemade biscuits are guaranteed to satisfy with every delicious bite.
