Cooking with Ham and Biscuits
Ham and biscuits are a culinary pairing that offers both comfort and versatility. The salty, savory depth of ham finds an ideal counterpart in the buttery, flaky texture of a well-made biscuit, creating a satisfying combination for any meal.
Get More Recipes →Why These Ingredients Work Together
The inherent saltiness and rich, cured flavor of ham perfectly balance the tender, slightly sweet, and buttery profile of a biscuit. Texturally, the firm yet yielding ham contrasts with the soft, layered interior and crisp exterior of the biscuit, providing a satisfying bite.
Recipe Ideas
Classic Ham Biscuits
Warm, thinly sliced ham tucked into fresh-baked biscuits, often with a touch of mustard.
Ham and Biscuit Breakfast Casserole
A hearty layered casserole combining diced ham, torn biscuits, eggs, and cheese, baked until golden.
Biscuits and Ham Gravy
Fluffy biscuits smothered in a rich, savory gravy made with finely diced ham and ham drippings.
Ham and Cheese Stuffed Biscuits
Individual biscuits baked with a savory filling of diced ham and sharp cheddar cheese inside.
Biscuit-Topped Ham Pot Pie
A comforting pot pie with a creamy ham and vegetable filling, crowned with tender biscuit dough and baked.
Ham and Biscuit Skewers with Maple Glaze
Bite-sized ham and biscuit pieces threaded onto skewers and brushed with a sweet-savory maple-Dijon glaze.
Pro Tips
- For classic ham biscuits, slice your cooked ham thinly, about 1/16-inch thick. Warm the ham gently in a pan with a tablespoon of water or broth for 2-3 minutes to prevent drying.
- When making ham gravy, utilize any rendered fat from cooking the ham. This fat provides a foundational flavor; whisk in flour to create a roux, then gradually add milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
- If using leftover holiday ham, dice or shred it to incorporate into casseroles or gravies. For optimal texture, avoid overcooking pre-cooked ham; add it towards the end of a dish's cooking time, or simply heat through.
- For light, flaky biscuits, handle the dough minimally. Overworking develops gluten, resulting in a tough biscuit. Cut biscuits with a sharp cutter, pressing straight down without twisting.