Chef Mitchell preparing Savory Ham Herb Biscuits
👨‍🍳 Expert Chef

Recipe by Mitchell

🎓 10+ Years Experience ⏰ 1000+ Recipes Created 🍽️ Culinary School Graduate

❤️ My Recipe Story

"I stumbled upon the idea of combining ham and herbs while experimenting with traditional biscuit recipes. After several attempts, I perfected a blend that balances savory and fresh flavors. These biscuits quickly became a staple in my household, especially during the holidays when entertaining guests."

With over a decade of experience in the culinary world, I specialize in American cuisine and have a passion for crafting breakfast recipes. My time in culinary school helped refine my techniques, allowing me to create dishes that are both delicious and approachable.

View All Mitchell's Recipes →
Delicious Savory Ham Herb Biscuits served on a plate

Why This Savory Ham Herb Biscuits Recipe Works

This recipe stands out because it utilizes fresh herbs and quality ham, giving the biscuits a unique flavor profile that elevates breakfast. The combination of textures from the flaky biscuit and tender meat creates a delightful eating experience.

The technique of cutting in cold butter ensures a flaky texture, while the addition of buttermilk adds richness and tenderness to the dough. Baking at a high temperature gives the biscuits a beautiful golden crust while keeping the inside soft and fluffy.

💡 Professional Tip

For the best results, make sure your butter is very cold before cutting it into the flour mixture. This helps create flaky layers. Also, avoid overworking the dough to keep the biscuits tender.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for a few hours or overnight. Just cut out the biscuits and store them in the fridge until you're ready to bake. This will save time in the morning.

If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can make a quick substitute by mixing 3/4 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about 5 minutes before using it in the recipe.

The biscuits are done when they are golden brown on the top and bottom, and you can insert a toothpick in the center that comes out clean. They should also feel firm to the touch.

Yes, these biscuits freeze well. After baking, allow them to cool completely, then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months.

These biscuits can be served with a variety of accompaniments such as gravy, scrambled eggs, or a light salad. They also pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or tea.

When stored in an airtight container, these biscuits will last for about 3-4 days in the fridge. Reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving for the best taste.

Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and keep it refrigerated. They bake up fresh when you’re ready to serve them, making them a convenient option for brunch gatherings.

The best way to reheat these biscuits is in the oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the biscuits on a baking sheet for about 10-15 minutes until heated through. This will help maintain their texture.

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Not Crispy Enough

Problem: Biscuits might not be crispy if baked at a low temperature or if too much moisture is in the dough.

Solution: Ensure your oven is preheated to the right temperature and consider adding a bit of extra flour if the dough is too sticky.

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Overcooked

Problem: Biscuits can become hard if left in the oven for too long.

Prevention: Watch the baking time closely and start checking for doneness a few minutes before the timer goes off.

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Undercooked Center

Problem: If the biscuits are golden on the outside but doughy inside, they may be undercooked.

Recovery: Try baking them a little longer, but cover them with foil to prevent the tops from burning while the center cooks through.

✅

Burnt Exterior

Problem: The exterior may burn while the inside remains undercooked.

Prevention: Check your oven temperature with an oven thermometer and consider lowering the temperature slightly while increasing baking time.

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Flavor Balance

Too Sweet: If the biscuits are too sweet, reduce the amount of honey or sugar next time.

Too Salty: If too salty, ensure to measure salt accurately and consider using low-sodium ham.

Bland: If the biscuits are bland, increase the herbs or add more cheese next time for additional flavor.

Fresh ingredients for Savory Ham Herb Biscuits

Essential Ingredients for Savory Ham Herb Biscuits

The key ingredients for these biscuits include high-quality ham, fresh herbs, and butter. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in delivering a delightful taste and texture. Ensure to use fresh herbs to enhance the flavor profile.

Using cold, unsalted butter is essential for achieving the perfect biscuit texture. The quality of ham will also impact the overall flavor, so opt for a good-quality, flavorful ham.

Essential Ingredient Notes

  • All-Purpose Flour: Using all-purpose flour provides the right balance of protein for structure without making the biscuits too dense. Avoid using too much flour by measuring accurately.
  • Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs like chives or parsley add brightness and depth to the flavor. Experiment with different herbs to find your favorite combination.
  • Cold Butter: Cold butter is key to creating flaky layers in the biscuits. Cut it into the flour mixture quickly to prevent it from warming up.
Cooking process for Savory Ham Herb Biscuits

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

The cooking process for these biscuits is straightforward, making it an approachable recipe for all skill levels. Begin by mixing the dry ingredients and cutting in the cold butter, which is crucial for achieving the desired texture.

Once the dough is mixed, gently handle it to form the biscuits without overworking the dough. This will ensure a light and fluffy biscuit that is perfect for any breakfast table.

Key Technique for Perfect Savory Ham Herb Biscuits

The most important technique for perfect biscuits is to handle the dough as little as possible. Overworking will lead to tough biscuits. Use cold ingredients and a light hand to create a fluffy, tender result.

Savory Ham Herb Biscuits

Prep 15 min
Cook 45 min
Serves 6 servings
Level Easy

📋 Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup butter
    Room temperature
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
    For flavor
  • 1 tablespoon fresh herbs
    Chopped
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
    For brightness
  • Salt and pepper to taste
    Seasoning

For the Sauce

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
    For structure
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
    Leavening agent
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
    Leavening agent
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
    For flavor
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
    Cold and cubed
  • 1 cup cooked ham
    Diced
  • 1/4 cup fresh herbs
    Chopped
  • 3/4 cup buttermilk
    For moisture
  • 1 large egg
    For binding
  • 1 tablespoon honey
    For sweetness
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheese
    Optional
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
    Optional
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
    For seasoning
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
    Optional
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
    For topping

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven

    Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

  2. Mix Dry Ingredients

    In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and black pepper.

  3. Cut in Butter

    Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

  4. Add Ham and Herbs

    Stir in the diced ham and chopped herbs, ensuring they are evenly distributed.

  5. Combine Wet Ingredients

    In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, egg, honey, and optional Dijon mustard.

  6. Mix Wet and Dry

    Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix just until combined; do not overmix.

  7. Shape Biscuits

    Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and gently pat it into a rectangle about 1 inch thick. Cut out biscuits using a round cutter.

  8. Bake Biscuits

    Place the biscuits on the prepared baking sheet, brush with melted butter, and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.

  9. Serve

    Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly before serving warm.

Recipe Notes & Tips

Storage Tips

To store Savory Ham Herb Biscuits, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Serving Suggestions

These biscuits can be served plain, with butter, or alongside a savory gravy. They pair wonderfully with scrambled eggs or a light fruit salad for a balanced breakfast.

Recipe Variations

You can customize these biscuits by adding different types of cheese, swapping out the ham for bacon or sausage, or incorporating various herbs to suit your taste.