Ham and Cheese Drop Biscuits are a quick, easy, and incredibly delicious way to enjoy homemade biscuits. These fluffy, buttery biscuits are filled with ham, sharp cheddar cheese, and fresh parsley, making them the perfect snack, side, or even breakfast. The best part? They require minimal prep time, with no need for kneading or shaping. Just drop the dough onto a baking sheet and bake for perfect results in just 20 minutes.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
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3 cups all-purpose flour
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1 cup shredded extra-sharp cheddar cheese
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¾ cup diced ham
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¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
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1 tablespoon baking powder
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1 teaspoon baking soda
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1 teaspoon kosher salt
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½ teaspoon garlic powder
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¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
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¾ cup unsalted butter (frozen)
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1 ¾ cups buttermilk
Directions
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Preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C) and line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
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In a large bowl, combine the flour, cheese, ham, parsley, baking powder, baking soda, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper.
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Grate the frozen butter using the large holes of a box grater and stir it into the flour mixture.
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Add the buttermilk and stir with a rubber spatula until a soft dough forms.
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Drop 24 large mounds of dough (about 3 tablespoons each) onto the prepared baking sheets.
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Bake for 14-18 minutes, or until golden brown, rotating the pans halfway through baking.
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Serve warm and enjoy!
Nutrients
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Calories: Approximately 160 per biscuit
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Carbohydrates: 19g
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Protein: 6g
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Fat: 8g
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Saturated Fat: 5g
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Sodium: 470mg
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Fiber: 1g
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Sugar: 1g
Why Choose Ham and Cheese Drop Biscuits?
Ham and Cheese Drop Biscuits are a fantastic option when you want something homemade but don’t have time for complicated recipes. With just a few basic ingredients and no need for kneading, they are incredibly easy to make while still offering that homemade biscuit experience. The combination of cheese and ham adds both richness and a savory bite, while the parsley gives a burst of freshness.
These biscuits are great for breakfast with a cup of coffee, as a savory side to soups or salads, or even as a snack throughout the day. Their versatility makes them perfect for any occasion, and since they bake quickly, they’re a great option when you’re short on time but still want something homemade.
The Key Ingredients for Ham and Cheese Drop Biscuits
This recipe uses simple pantry staples that come together to create the perfect biscuit texture and flavor:
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All-Purpose Flour: Provides the structure for the biscuits, giving them that tender yet slightly crumbly texture.
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Extra-Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Adds a rich, tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with the ham and makes these biscuits extra savory.
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Diced Ham: Provides a salty, meaty component that complements the sharp cheddar cheese and adds heartiness to the biscuits.
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Fresh Parsley: A bit of fresh parsley adds a burst of color and a refreshing flavor, cutting through the richness of the cheese and ham.
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Baking Powder and Baking Soda: These leavening agents ensure the biscuits rise and become light and fluffy.
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Unsalted Butter (Frozen): Grated frozen butter creates flakiness in the biscuits as it melts during baking, giving them that perfect buttery texture.
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Buttermilk: The buttermilk adds moisture and a slight tang to the dough, helping to tenderize the biscuits and create that melt-in-your-mouth softness.
How to Make Ham and Cheese Drop Biscuits
These biscuits come together in just a few simple steps, and there’s no need for any special tools—just a bowl and a baking sheet!
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating the oven to 475°F (245°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent the biscuits from sticking.
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the flour, shredded cheese, diced ham, chopped parsley, baking powder, baking soda, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir to mix everything together evenly.
Step 3: Grate the Butter
Grate the frozen butter using the large holes of a box grater. Grating the butter ensures that it will melt evenly and create flakiness in the biscuits. Stir the grated butter into the dry ingredients until it’s well combined.
Step 4: Add the Buttermilk
Pour in the buttermilk and stir with a rubber spatula until the dough comes together. It should be soft and slightly sticky but not overly wet. Avoid overmixing the dough to keep the biscuits tender.
Step 5: Drop the Dough
Use a spoon or a cookie scoop to drop 24 mounds of dough (about 3 tablespoons each) onto the prepared baking sheets. Make sure to space them out evenly.
Step 6: Bake
Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 14-18 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown. Rotate the pans halfway through baking for even browning.
Step 7: Serve
Once the biscuits are golden and cooked through, remove them from the oven. Serve them warm for the best flavor and texture. You can enjoy them as-is or with a pat of butter or a drizzle of honey.
Nutritional Benefits of Ham and Cheese Drop Biscuits
These biscuits are indulgent but still provide a good balance of nutrients. With about 160 calories per biscuit, they offer a satisfying snack or side without being overly heavy. Each biscuit contains 6 grams of protein from the ham and cheese, helping to keep you full and satisfied. The fat content is 8 grams per biscuit, with 5 grams coming from saturated fat, mostly from the butter and cheese, giving them a rich flavor.
The biscuits also provide 19 grams of carbohydrates, with 1 gram of fiber, which comes from the flour. The sodium content is 470mg per biscuit, so you may want to adjust the salt based on your dietary preferences. These biscuits also contain 4 grams of sugar, which comes naturally from the ingredients like the buttermilk.
Customizing Your Ham and Cheese Drop Biscuits
This recipe is versatile and can be customized based on your preferences or what you have on hand:
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Cheese: While sharp cheddar is the classic choice, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like gouda, mozzarella, or a blend of cheeses for a different flavor.
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Meat: You can substitute the ham with cooked bacon, sausage, or even turkey for a lighter option.
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Herbs: If you don’t have parsley, you can use other herbs like chives, thyme, or rosemary to add a unique flavor to the biscuits.
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Spices: Try adding a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for a little extra kick if you like a spicier biscuit.
Serving Suggestions for Ham and Cheese Drop Biscuits
These biscuits are delicious on their own but can also be paired with other dishes for a more substantial meal:
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Soup or Stew: Ham and Cheese Drop Biscuits make an excellent side to soups like tomato, vegetable, or chicken noodle.
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Salads: Pair these biscuits with a fresh green salad or a simple side salad for a light but filling meal.
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Eggs: Enjoy these biscuits with scrambled eggs, a fried egg, or as a breakfast sandwich with egg and cheese.
Conclusion
Ham and Cheese Drop Biscuits are the perfect combination of savory, cheesy goodness with the heartiness of ham, all encased in a buttery, fluffy biscuit. They come together in no time and are incredibly easy to make—just drop the dough on a baking sheet and bake! Whether you’re enjoying them as a snack, side dish, or breakfast, they’re sure to become a favorite in your household. With endless possibilities for customization, you can make these biscuits your own while still enjoying the comforting, delicious flavor that makes them so irresistible.