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Country Ham on Biscuits: A Southern Classic

I can almost smell the salty, smoky aroma right now. Growing up in rural Virginia, country ham biscuits were a staple at every family gathering. My grandmother, bless her heart, would always have a platter piled high, the flaky biscuits practically melting in your mouth, the salty ham offering that irresistible savory punch. The memory of those biscuits, shared with loved ones amidst laughter and storytelling, is a taste of home I carry with me wherever I go. They’re more than just food; they’re a tangible connection to my heritage and a reminder of the simple joys in life.

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 32 minutes
Servings: 12 biscuits
Yield: 12 biscuits
Dietary Type: Not Gluten-Free

Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup whole wheat flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
⅛ teaspoon fresh ground pepper
10 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold
1 cup buttermilk
¼ cup Dijon mustard
¼ cup butter, room temperature
24 slices country ham (about 1 lb.) or 24 slices baked ham (about 1 lb.)

Equipment Needed

Mixing Bowl
Pastry Blender or 2 Knives
Fork
Lightly Floured Surface
Rolling Pin (Optional)
2 ½” Biscuit Cutter or Rim of Glass
Baking Sheet
Oven

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure your oven rack is positioned in the center for even baking.
Make the Buttermilk Biscuits: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and fresh ground pepper. Whisk the dry ingredients together to ensure they are well incorporated.
Cut 6 tablespoons of the cold unsalted butter into small pieces. Add the cubed butter to the flour mixture.
Using a pastry blender or two knives, cut in the butter into the flour mixture. Work quickly to prevent the butter from melting. The mixture should resemble a coarse meal with some pea-sized pieces of butter remaining. These little butter chunks are crucial for creating flaky layers in your biscuits.
Melt the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter and set aside. This melted butter will be brushed on the biscuits before baking to give them a beautiful golden-brown crust.
Make a well in the center of the flour mixture. Pour in the buttermilk.
Using a fork, gradually work the flour mixture into the buttermilk, starting from the center and moving outwards. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this will develop the gluten and result in tough biscuits. The dough will be shaggy and slightly sticky.
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface.
Gently roll or pat the dough evenly to ½-inch thickness. If you’re using a rolling pin, avoid pressing down too hard, as this can flatten the layers.
Using a 2 ½-inch biscuit cutter or the rim of a glass, cut out 12 biscuits. Press straight down without twisting the cutter, as twisting can seal the edges and prevent them from rising properly.
Brush both sides of each biscuit with the melted butter. This step is essential for achieving a rich flavor and a crispy, golden-brown crust.
Place the biscuits on an ungreased baking sheet, leaving a little space between each biscuit to allow for even baking.
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown on top. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning, as oven temperatures can vary.
Let the biscuits cool on the baking sheet for at least 5 minutes before splitting. This allows them to firm up slightly and prevents them from crumbling when you split them.
While the biscuits are cooling, prepare the spread. In a small bowl, combine the Dijon mustard and the room temperature butter. Mix well until fully combined.
Split the warm biscuits in half horizontally. Spread the bottom half of each biscuit with the mustard butter.
Place 2 slices of country ham (or baked ham) on each bottom half of the biscuit.
Cover with the top half of the biscuit.
Serve warm and enjoy the delightful combination of flaky biscuit, tangy mustard butter, and salty ham!

Expert Tips & Tricks

For extra flaky biscuits, make sure your butter is very cold. You can even freeze the butter for 15 minutes before cutting it in.
Don’t overmix the dough. Overmixing develops the gluten and results in tough biscuits. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to a measuring cup and then filling the cup with milk to reach 1 cup. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
To make ahead, you can prepare the biscuit dough, cut out the biscuits, and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
For a sweeter biscuit, add a tablespoon of honey to the buttermilk.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

These country ham biscuits are best served warm, straight from the oven. They make a delicious breakfast, brunch, or snack. They are also perfect for serving at parties or potlucks.

Leftover biscuits can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, wrap the biscuits in foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but they may become slightly softer.

The mustard butter spread can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	405 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	255 kcal	63%
Total Fat	28.4 g	43%
Saturated Fat	17.4 g	86%
Cholesterol	72.8 mg	24%
Sodium	695.7 mg	28%
Total Carbohydrate	33 g	11%
Dietary Fiber	3.1 g	12%
Sugars	2.2 g	N/A
Protein	6.9 g	13%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Variations & Substitutions

Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the biscuit dough for a subtle heat.
Herbaceous Twist: Incorporate fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme into the biscuit dough for an aromatic flavor.
Cheese Please: Add shredded cheddar cheese to the biscuit dough for a cheesy, savory treat.
Sweet and Savory: Drizzle a little honey over the ham after placing it on the biscuit for a sweet and salty combination.
Ham Alternative: Substitute the country ham with thinly sliced prosciutto or even vegetarian ham slices for a different flavor profile.
Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking and follow the recipe as directed. Be aware that gluten-free biscuits may have a slightly different texture.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: What is country ham?
A: Country ham is a dry-cured ham that is heavily salted and smoked, resulting in a very salty and intensely flavored meat. It’s a staple in Southern cuisine.

Q: Can I use regular baked ham instead of country ham?
A: Yes, you can substitute with regular baked ham if you prefer a less salty flavor. However, the distinctive salty flavor of country ham is part of what makes this dish special.

Q: Why are my biscuits not rising properly?
A: This could be due to several factors: using old baking powder/soda, overmixing the dough, or not having the oven hot enough. Ensure your baking powder and soda are fresh, mix the dough gently, and preheat your oven thoroughly.

Q: Can I make the biscuits ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make the biscuit dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for a few hours before baking. You can also freeze the unbaked biscuits and bake them later.

Q: How do I prevent the biscuits from drying out?
A: Brushing the biscuits with melted butter before baking helps to create a golden crust and prevent them from drying out. Avoid overbaking them and store leftovers in an airtight container.

Final Thoughts

Country ham biscuits are more than just a recipe; they’re a piece of Southern history and a symbol of comforting home cooking. Don’t be intimidated by the few steps involved—each one contributes to the incredible texture and flavor that makes this dish so beloved. I encourage you to try this recipe and create your own memories with these delicious biscuits. Feel free to experiment with variations and let me know what you think! Pair them with a cup of coffee or a glass of sweet tea for the perfect Southern experience. Happy baking!

Country Ham on Biscuits Recipe