There’s something so comforting about fresh, warm biscuits straight from the oven. When I’m short on time but still want to make something homemade for breakfast or dinner, these Bisquick ham and cheese biscuits are my go-to solution. I started making these years ago when I needed a quick side dish for soup, and they’ve become a family favorite ever since.
The best part about these biscuits is how simple they are to throw together. Using Bisquick as the base means less measuring and fewer ingredients to pull out of the pantry. Plus, they’re perfect for using up leftover ham from holiday dinners or Sunday roasts. Sometimes I’ll even make a double batch and freeze half for busy weeknights.
If you’re looking for an easy recipe that combines the classic flavors of ham and cheese in a warm, flaky biscuit, you’re in the right place. These biscuits disappear fast at my house, and I bet they will at yours too.
Why You’ll Love These Ham and Cheese Biscuits
- Quick preparation – These biscuits come together in just 20-30 minutes, making them perfect for busy mornings or last-minute dinner sides.
- Simple ingredients – Using Bisquick as your base means less measuring and fewer ingredients to keep track of – just mix, drop, and bake!
- Kid-friendly recipe – The combination of ham and cheese in a warm, fluffy biscuit is something the whole family will enjoy, and they’re great for lunch boxes too.
- Make-ahead friendly – You can easily make a batch and reheat them throughout the week for quick breakfasts or snacks.
- Customizable recipe – These biscuits work great with different types of cheese, meats, or even adding herbs to match your taste preferences.
What Kind of Ham Should I Use?
For these biscuits, you’ve got several good ham options that will work nicely. Leftover holiday ham is perfect if you have it, but a good quality deli ham like Black Forest or Virginia ham works great too. Just make sure to dice it finely so it distributes evenly throughout your biscuits. If you’re buying ham specifically for this recipe, ask the deli counter to cut you a thick slice (about 1/4 inch) – it’s easier to dice than thin-sliced ham and gives you better texture in the finished biscuits. Try to avoid using processed ham products as they can be too salty and watery for baking.
Options for Substitutions
Need to make some swaps? Here are some handy substitutions for this biscuit recipe:
- Baking mix: If you’re out of Bisquick, you can make your own by mixing 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 6 tablespoons cold butter cut into small pieces.
- Sharp cheddar cheese: Feel free to use mild cheddar, monterey jack, or even pepper jack for a kick. Just make sure to use a good melting cheese – avoid hard cheeses like parmesan as the main cheese.
- Ham: Cooked bacon, diced turkey, or even pepperoni can work instead of ham. If using bacon, make sure it’s crispy and crumbled well.
- Full-fat milk: You can use 2% milk, but the biscuits won’t be quite as rich. In a pinch, buttermilk works too – just reduce the amount to 1/2 cup since it’s thicker.
- Garlic powder: Onion powder works well too, or you can skip it altogether. If using fresh garlic, use just one small, finely minced clove.
Watch Out for These Mistakes While Baking
The biggest mistake when making these biscuits is overworking the dough – mixing too much will develop the gluten and result in tough, dense biscuits instead of light and fluffy ones.
Temperature matters more than you might think – using cold milk and room temperature Bisquick mix can prevent proper rising, so make sure your milk is at room temperature before mixing it into your dry ingredients.
For the best cheese flavor distribution, avoid using pre-shredded cheese which often contains anti-caking agents – instead, grate your own cheese right before mixing it into the dough, and make sure your ham pieces are evenly diced to prevent large chunks from disrupting the biscuit’s texture.
When placing the biscuits on your baking sheet, keep them close together (about 1/2 inch apart) as this helps them rise higher and develop softer sides, and don’t forget to brush the tops with melted butter before AND after baking for that perfect golden-brown finish.
What to Serve With Ham and Cheese Biscuits?
These savory biscuits are perfect for breakfast or brunch, but they’re just as good for lunch or dinner too! For breakfast, I like to serve them alongside scrambled eggs and fresh fruit, or with a drizzle of honey for a sweet and salty combo. If you’re making these for lunch or dinner, try them with a bowl of tomato soup or your favorite chowder – the biscuits are perfect for dunking. You can also pair them with a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance out the richness of the biscuits.
Storage Instructions
Keep Fresh: These cheesy ham biscuits stay good at room temperature for about a day when wrapped in foil or stored in an airtight container. For longer storage, pop them in the fridge where they’ll keep for up to 5 days. Just make sure they’ve cooled completely before storing to keep that perfect texture!
Freeze: These biscuits are perfect for freezing! Once they’re completely cool, place them in a freezer bag or container and they’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months. I like to wrap them individually in foil first – it makes it super easy to grab just one or two when needed.
Warm Up: To enjoy your stored biscuits, warm them up in the oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes, or pop them in the microwave for 15-20 seconds. If they’re frozen, let them thaw overnight in the fridge first. They taste almost as good as fresh-baked!
| Preparation Time | 10-15 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 10-15 minutes |
| Total Time | 20-30 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Easy |
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 1000-1100
- Protein: 40-50 g
- Fat: 60-70 g
- Carbohydrates: 80-90 g
Ingredients
For the biscuits:
- 1/3 cup diced ham (finely diced, about 1/4-inch pieces)
- 2 cups baking mix (I use Bisquick Original)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2/3 cup whole milk
For the garlic butter:
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 3 tbsp melted butter
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet
Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C).
While the oven is heating up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure that the biscuits do not stick during baking.
Step 2: Mix the Biscuit Ingredients
In a medium bowl, stir together the Bisquick mix, cheese, and ham.
Once those ingredients are combined, stir in the milk.
Mix just until everything is combined; do not overmix as this can make the biscuits tough.
Step 3: Form the Biscuits
Spray a 1/4 cup measuring cup with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Use the greased cup to scoop out dough mounds that are just under 1/4 cup each.
As you do this, arrange the mounds on the prepared baking sheet.
You should aim for about 7 to 8 biscuits in total.
Step 4: Bake the Biscuits
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 10 minutes, or until the biscuits are cooked through and slightly golden on top.
Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking.
Step 5: Add the Finishing Touches
In a small bowl, stir together melted butter and garlic powder.
Once the biscuits are done baking, remove them from the oven and immediately brush the tops with the garlic butter mixture.
This will add extra flavor and a deliciously shiny finish to your biscuits.
Step 6: Serve the Biscuits
Allow the biscuits to cool for a few minutes before serving.
Enjoy them warm as a savory snack or alongside your favorite meal!
