Southern 3-Ingredient Country Ham Biscuits That Disappear Fast
How to Make Southern 3-Ingredient Country Ham Biscuits
1. Heat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. Prepare the Ham
Finely chop the cooked country ham.
Small pieces are ideal because they spread throughout the dough, giving you a little savory ham in nearly every bite.
3. Start the Biscuit Dough
Place the self-rising biscuit mix into a medium bowl.
Make a well in the center and pour in 3/4 cup cold buttermilk.
Gently stir with a fork or your hands until the dough begins coming together.
If the mixture still looks dry, add more buttermilk a tablespoon at a time.
You’re looking for a soft, shaggy dough—not a wet or soupy one.
4. Add the Ham
Scatter the chopped country ham over the dough.
Gently fold it through until the ham is distributed evenly.
Try not to overwork the dough. The less you handle it, the more tender your biscuits will be.
5. Give the Dough a Simple Fold
Lightly dust your work surface with biscuit mix.
Turn out the dough and gently pat it into a rectangle about 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick.
Fold the dough in half, then gently pat it back to the same thickness.
This easy fold helps create those lovely biscuit layers.
6. Cut the Biscuits
Use a floured biscuit cutter about 1 1/2 to 2 inches wide.
Press straight down rather than twisting the cutter. This helps the biscuits rise properly.
Gather the scraps and gently press them together to cut additional biscuits.
7. Arrange on the Baking Sheet
Place the biscuits on the prepared baking sheet so they’re just barely touching.
This encourages them to rise upward while helping keep the sides tender.
8. Bake
Bake for approximately 10–14 minutes, or until the biscuits are puffed and beautifully golden.
Keep an eye on them toward the end because oven temperatures can vary.
9. Rest and Serve
Remove the biscuits from the oven and let them rest on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes.
Then transfer them to a serving plate and serve warm.
And now comes the hard part: trying not to eat one before everyone else gets a chance!
What to Serve With Country Ham Biscuits
These biscuits are incredibly versatile.
For breakfast or brunch, serve them alongside:
- Soft scrambled eggs
- Fresh fruit salad
- Hash browns
- Grits
- Yogurt and berries
For a Southern-inspired meal, they’re wonderful with:
- Collard greens
- Beans
- Cheesy grits
- A crisp green salad
- Roasted vegetables
And for drinks? Hot coffee and sweet tea are natural partners. A refreshing sparkling drink can also provide a nice contrast to the salty ham.
Tips for the Best Country Ham Biscuits
Keep the Buttermilk Cold
Cold buttermilk helps keep the dough from becoming overly soft while you work with it.
Don’t Overmix
This is probably the biggest biscuit rule to remember. Mix just until the dough comes together.
Too much handling can produce dense biscuits.
Chop the Ham Finely
Large chunks can make the biscuits harder to cut and can cause the filling to distribute unevenly.
Small pieces give you better flavor in every bite.
Don’t Twist the Cutter
Press the cutter straight down and lift it straight back up.
Twisting can compress the dough around the edges and interfere with a nice rise.
Bake Until Golden
Look for puffed biscuits with golden tops and lightly browned edges.
That’s when you know they’re ready to make their grand entrance onto the serving platter!
How to Store Country Ham Biscuits
Allow leftover biscuits to cool completely before storing.
Place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for 3–4 days.
To rewarm, place them in a low oven at about 300°F (150°C) until heated through.
Because these biscuits contain cooked ham, don’t leave them sitting at room temperature for extended periods, particularly when serving them at a buffet or potluck.
Can You Make These Biscuits Ahead?
Yes!
You can prepare the dough shortly before baking, making these a convenient option when you’re entertaining.
For the freshest texture, baking close to serving time is ideal. If you’re taking them to a gathering, keep the freshly baked biscuits covered with a clean kitchen towel for a short period to help retain their warmth.
General Recipe Information
Recipe: Southern 3-Ingredient Country Ham Biscuits
Prep time: About 15 minutes
Bake time: 10–14 minutes
Oven temperature: 425°F (220°C)
Yield: Approximately 18–24 small biscuits
Best served: Warm
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use regular ham instead of country ham?
Yes. Regular cooked ham can work, although country ham provides the distinctive salty, savory flavor associated with traditional Southern ham biscuits.
Why is my biscuit dough too sticky?
You may have added more buttermilk than necessary. Add a small amount of biscuit mix to your work surface and handle the dough gently. Avoid adding lots of extra flour, which can make the finished biscuits heavier.
Why did my biscuits turn out tough?
Overmixing is a common culprit. Biscuit dough should be handled gently and only until the ingredients come together.
Can I make smaller biscuits?
Absolutely! Smaller biscuits are especially handy for parties, brunch buffets, and potlucks.
Just keep an eye on the baking time because smaller biscuits may finish sooner.
Can I use homemade biscuit mix?
Of course. A homemade self-rising-style biscuit mixture can be substituted, but you’ll need additional ingredients such as flour, baking powder, and salt.
Are these good for breakfast sandwiches?
Definitely. Make slightly larger biscuits and split them once cooled. Add scrambled eggs or another favorite breakfast filling for an easy Southern-inspired breakfast sandwich.
Conclusion
Sometimes the simplest recipes really are the ones people remember.
These 3-ingredient country ham biscuits combine tender golden biscuit dough with savory country ham to create a bite-sized Southern favorite that’s easy enough for an ordinary morning and special enough for a holiday table.
There’s no complicated technique, no long grocery list, and no reason to wait for a special occasion.
Make a tray for your next potluck, brunch, family breakfast, or weekend gathering—and don’t be surprised if that tray empties faster than you expected!
More Peach Recipes to Try
If you’re building a Southern-inspired menu and love sweet summer flavors, peaches are a wonderful place to go next. Try adding recipes such as:
- Fresh peach cobbler
- Southern peach crisp
- Easy peach upside-down cake
- Homemade peach muffins
- Peach and cream dessert
- Fresh peach pie
Sweet peaches make a particularly delicious contrast to savory Southern dishes.
Share Your Results!
Did you make these country ham biscuits?
I’d love to know how they turned out! Leave a review and share a photo of your finished biscuits on Pinterest so other home cooks can see your creation, too.
There’s nothing better than seeing a simple family-style recipe make its way into another kitchen!
Nutrition Information
Approximate values will vary depending on the specific biscuit mix, buttermilk, and country ham used.
Estimated per small biscuit:
- Calories: approximately 75–95
- Protein: approximately 3–4 g
- Carbohydrates: approximately 8–10 g
- Fat: approximately 3–5 g
- Sodium: approximately 250–400 mg
Because country ham can be quite salty, sodium levels may vary significantly between brands and preparations.

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