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Party Ham Biscuits: A Southern Classic Reimagined

The aroma of baking biscuits, sweet butter, and savory ham… it instantly transports me back to Christmases spent at my grandmother’s house in South Carolina. The entire family would gather, and her famous ham biscuits were always the star of the brunch spread. There was something magical about those little bites – the perfect blend of sweet and salty, the comforting warmth of the biscuit, and the joyous feeling of being surrounded by loved ones. This recipe is my homage to those cherished memories, bringing a taste of Southern hospitality to your table.

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 36
Yield: 3 trays of biscuits
Dietary Type: Not specified (contains gluten, dairy, and meat)

Ingredients

1 lb country ham, shaved
3 packages Sister Schubert’s Yeast Rolls
1/2 cup butter, unsalted
1 cup brown sugar

Equipment Needed

3 baking pans (typically the trays that come with Sister Schubert’s rolls)
Small saucepan
Pastry brush (optional)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Ensure the oven rack is positioned in the center for even baking.
Partially thaw the Sister Schubert’s Yeast Rolls. You want them thawed enough to be able to flip them out of the tray, but still firm enough to handle easily. About 20-30 minutes at room temperature should suffice.
Once the rolls are partially thawed, carefully flip them out of each tray. Using a sharp knife or serrated bread knife, cut each entire sheet of rolls horizontally in half, creating a top and bottom layer.
Return the bottom halves of the rolls to their original trays, nestling them back into place.
In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the butter and brown sugar. Stir constantly until the butter is melted and the brown sugar is completely dissolved. Continue to heat until the mixture is caramel in color. Be careful not to burn the mixture; lower the heat if necessary. This creates a luscious, sweet glaze that will soak into the biscuits.
Using a pastry brush or spoon, generously brush the butter/brown sugar mixture over the bottom halves of the rolls in each tray. Make sure each roll receives a good coating.
Evenly distribute the shaved country ham among the three trays. Tear the ham into smaller pieces and arrange them on top of the buttered roll bottoms.
Carefully place the top halves of the rolls back onto the ham-covered bottoms, creating mini ham sandwiches.
Brush the remaining butter/brown sugar mixture over the tops of the rolls in each tray. This will give them a beautiful golden-brown color and add another layer of sweet flavor.
Bake for 15 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and cooked through. The biscuits should be puffy and lightly browned. The internal temperature of the rolls should reach 190-200°F (88-93°C) for optimal doneness.
Freezing Option: If you are not serving the biscuits immediately, bake for only 10 minutes. Then, remove from the oven, allow to cool slightly, wrap each tray tightly in foil, and place them in a large resealable freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to serve, thaw the biscuits completely and reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for another 8-10 minutes, or until heated through and golden brown.
Once baked, let the biscuits cool slightly before cutting into individual rolls. Serve warm and enjoy!

Expert Tips & Tricks

Don’t Overbake: Overbaking will result in dry, hard biscuits. Keep a close eye on them during the last few minutes of baking.
Ham Prep: If your shaved ham is very salty, consider soaking it in milk or water for 30 minutes before using to reduce the saltiness. Pat it dry before adding it to the biscuits.
Brown Sugar Consistency: Use packed brown sugar for the most consistent results.
Even Browning: Rotate the baking sheets halfway through the baking time to ensure even browning.
Caramel Caution: The butter and sugar mixture can burn quickly. Watch it carefully and stir constantly while melting.
Make-Ahead Glaze: The butter and sugar glaze can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before using.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve these delectable ham biscuits warm as an appetizer, a brunch item, or a snack. They are perfect for parties, holidays, or any special occasion. For an elegant presentation, arrange the biscuits on a platter lined with parchment paper or a linen napkin. Garnish with fresh herbs such as parsley or thyme for a pop of color.

Leftover biscuits can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, wrap the biscuits loosely in foil and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5-7 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave them for a few seconds, but be careful not to overcook them, as they can become tough. For longer storage, freeze the baked biscuits in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw completely before reheating.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	230 kcal	12%
Total Fat	15g	19%
Saturated Fat	7g	35%
Cholesterol	42mg	14%
Sodium	547mg	23%
Total Carbohydrate	18g	6%
Dietary Fiber	0g	0%
Sugars	18g	36%
Protein	7g	14%

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

Variations & Substitutions

Sweet & Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the butter/brown sugar mixture for a touch of heat.
Honey Glaze: Substitute honey for some or all of the brown sugar for a different flavor profile.
Mustard Glaze: Mix a tablespoon of Dijon mustard into the butter/brown sugar mixture for a tangy twist.
Different Ham: While country ham is traditional, you can substitute with other types of ham, such as prosciutto or Black Forest ham.
Cheese Addition: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese or Gruyere cheese on top of the ham before adding the top biscuit layer.
Herb Infusion: Add fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to the butter/brown sugar mixture for an aromatic boost.
Garlic Ham Biscuits: Mix garlic powder with the butter.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use regular biscuit dough instead of Sister Schubert’s?
A: Yes, you can use your favorite homemade or store-bought biscuit dough. Just make sure the biscuits are approximately the same size as the Sister Schubert’s rolls.

Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can assemble the biscuits and freeze them before baking. When ready to bake, thaw completely and then bake as directed. Or, bake them partially (as described in the instructions) and freeze for even faster preparation later.

Q: My butter/brown sugar mixture is grainy. What did I do wrong?
A: This can happen if the sugar doesn’t fully dissolve. Make sure you are using low heat and stirring constantly. If it still seems grainy, you can add a tablespoon of water to the mixture and stir until smooth.

Q: How do I prevent the bottoms of the biscuits from burning?
A: Make sure your oven temperature is accurate. You can also try placing a baking sheet on the rack below the biscuits to deflect some of the heat.

Q: Can I use a different type of sugar?
A: Brown sugar provides a rich, caramel-like flavor that complements the ham. While you can substitute with granulated sugar, the flavor will be different. Consider using turbinado sugar for a slightly more complex flavor.

Final Thoughts

These Party Ham Biscuits are more than just a recipe; they’re a slice of Southern comfort, perfect for sharing with loved ones. Whether you’re hosting a holiday brunch or simply craving a savory treat, these biscuits are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create a batch of these irresistible little bites. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations and make them your own! I would love to hear how your ham biscuits turned out – share your photos and feedback! These pair wonderfully with a mimosa or a light fruit salad.

Party Ham Biscuits Recipe