Ham Biscuit with Fried Egg and Cheese
A quintessential Southern breakfast! Flaky, buttery buttermilk biscuits are piled high with savory fried country ham, a perfectly cooked egg, and a slice of melted cheese. The ultimate comfort food to start your day.
For 6 servings
10 steps. 10 minutes total.
- 1
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C)
- a.Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- 2
Step 2
- a.In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt.
- 3
Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture
- a.Using a pastry blender or your fingertips, quickly cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces of butter remaining. Work quickly to keep the butter cold.
- 4
Pour in the cold buttermilk all at once
- a.Use a fork to stir until a shaggy, slightly sticky dough forms. Do not overmix.
- 5
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface
- a.Gently bring it together and pat it into a rectangle. Fold the dough in half like a book, then rotate it 90 degrees. Repeat this folding and rotating process 3-4 times to create flaky layers.
- 6
Pat the dough to a 1/2-inch thickness
- a.Using a 2.5-inch round cutter, press straight down to cut out 6 biscuits. Do not twist the cutter. Arrange the biscuits on the prepared baking sheet so they are just touching, which helps them rise taller.
- 7
Step 7
- a.Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the biscuits are tall and golden brown on top.
- 8
While the biscuits bake, cook the ham and eggs
- a.Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a large cast-iron or non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add the ham slices and cook for 1-2 minutes per side until heated through and slightly crisped at the edges. Remove and set aside.
- 9
In the same skillet, melt the remaining tablespoon of butter
- a.Crack the eggs into the skillet, being careful not to overcrowd. Cook for 2-3 minutes for a runny yolk (sunny-side up or over-easy) or longer for a firmer yolk. Season with black pepper.
- 10
To assemble, split the warm biscuits in half
- a.Place a slice of ham on the bottom half, top with a slice of cheese, then the fried egg. The heat will melt the cheese. Cover with the biscuit top and serve immediately.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the flakiest biscuits, ensure your butter and buttermilk are extremely cold. You can even freeze the cubed butter for 15 minutes before using.
- 2Do not twist the biscuit cutter when cutting the dough. Pushing straight down and pulling straight up ensures the biscuits rise evenly.
- 3Avoid overworking the biscuit dough at all stages. A light, gentle touch is key to tender biscuits.
- 4A cast-iron skillet is perfect for getting a great sear on the country ham and frying the eggs.
- 5If your country ham is very salty, you can soak it in water for 30 minutes before frying to draw out some of the saltiness.
- 6For perfectly melted cheese, place the cheese slice on the ham in the skillet for the last 30 seconds of cooking, then transfer both to the biscuit.
Adapt it for your goals.
Cheese
Swap the cheddar for American, Swiss, provolone, or pepper jack cheese for a different flavor profile.
MeatMeat
Instead of country ham, use a savory breakfast sausage patty, thick-cut bacon, or Canadian bacon.
Biscuit FlavorBiscuit Flavor
Add 1/4 cup of shredded sharp cheddar and 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh chives to the dry ingredients for cheesy herb biscuits.
Add a SauceAdd a Sauce
Elevate your sandwich with a smear of apple butter, a drizzle of hot honey, or a dollop of Southern-style sausage gravy.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
The combination of ham and egg provides a substantial amount of high-quality protein, which is crucial for muscle repair, immune function, and keeping you feeling full and satisfied for hours.
Sustained Energy Release
With a balance of carbohydrates from the biscuit, and protein and fats from the fillings, this sandwich offers a dense source of calories for sustained energy, making it an ideal start to a busy day.
Rich in B Vitamins
Both ham and eggs are good sources of essential B vitamins, including B12 and B6. These vitamins play a vital role in energy metabolism, brain function, and the formation of red blood cells.
Frequently asked questions
A single Ham Biscuit with Fried Egg and Cheese contains approximately 550-650 calories, depending on the thickness of the ham and the exact size of the biscuit.