
Ham and Cheese Biscuit Muffins: A Deliciously Easy Recipe
These Ham and Cheese Biscuit Muffins are the perfect quick and easy breakfast, brunch, or snack! They’re packed with savory ham and cheddar cheese, baked in a flaky biscuit base, and ready in under 30 minutes. This recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize it with your favorite cheeses, herbs, and vegetables. Perfect for busy mornings, potlucks, or a simple weeknight dinner side dish, these muffins are sure to become a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love These Ham and Cheese Biscuit Muffins
* **Quick and Easy:** From start to finish, these muffins are ready in under 30 minutes, making them ideal for busy mornings or last-minute gatherings.
* **Versatile:** Customize them with your favorite cheeses, herbs, and vegetables to create endless variations.
* **Kid-Friendly:** Kids love the savory flavors and fun muffin shape, making them a great way to sneak in some extra protein and cheese.
* **Portable:** These muffins are easy to transport, making them perfect for picnics, road trips, or lunchboxes.
* **Freezer-Friendly:** Make a batch ahead of time and freeze them for a quick and easy breakfast or snack any time.
## Ingredients You’ll Need
* **All-Purpose Flour:** The base of our biscuit dough.
* **Baking Powder:** Provides the lift and creates a light and fluffy texture.
* **Salt:** Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
* **Cold Butter:** Cold butter is crucial for creating flaky layers in the biscuits. Make sure it’s very cold!
* **Milk:** Adds moisture and helps bind the dough together. You can also use buttermilk for a tangier flavor.
* **Cooked Ham:** Diced into small pieces. You can use leftover ham, deli ham, or any other type of cooked ham you prefer.
* **Cheddar Cheese:** Shredded. Sharp cheddar provides a nice, bold flavor, but you can use any cheese you like. Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack would be delicious.
* **Optional Add-Ins:** Fresh herbs (chives, parsley, thyme), chopped vegetables (onions, bell peppers, spinach), spices (garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper).
## Equipment You’ll Need
* **Muffin Tin:** A standard 12-cup muffin tin.
* **Mixing Bowls:** For mixing the dry and wet ingredients.
* **Pastry Blender or Food Processor:** To cut the cold butter into the flour.
* **Measuring Cups and Spoons:** For accurate measurements.
* **Rubber Spatula:** For folding the ingredients together.
## Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create perfect Ham and Cheese Biscuit Muffins every time:
**Step 1: Preheat and Prepare**
* Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
* Grease a 12-cup muffin tin or line it with paper liners. Greasing the tin ensures the muffins release easily.
**Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients**
* In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Make sure the baking powder is evenly distributed to ensure the muffins rise properly.
**Step 3: Cut in the Butter**
* Cut the cold butter into small cubes.
* Add the cold butter to the dry ingredients and use a pastry blender or your fingertips to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. You can also use a food processor, but be careful not to over-process.
**Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients**
* Pour the milk into the flour mixture.
* Gently stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can result in tough muffins. The dough will be shaggy and slightly sticky.
**Step 5: Add Ham and Cheese**
* Fold in the diced ham and shredded cheddar cheese (and any optional add-ins) until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
* Make sure the ham and cheese are well incorporated for maximum flavor in every bite.
**Step 6: Fill the Muffin Tin**
* Use a spoon or ice cream scoop to evenly divide the dough among the prepared muffin cups. Fill each cup about ¾ full.
**Step 7: Bake**
* Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the muffins are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
**Step 8: Cool and Serve**
* Let the muffins cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
* Serve warm and enjoy!
## Tips for Perfect Ham and Cheese Biscuit Muffins
* **Use Cold Butter:** Cold butter is essential for creating flaky layers in the biscuits. Make sure your butter is very cold before you start. You can even freeze it for a few minutes before cutting it into the flour.
* **Don’t Overmix the Dough:** Overmixing the dough will develop the gluten and result in tough muffins. Stir the ingredients together until just combined.
* **Use Buttermilk for Extra Tang:** Substitute buttermilk for the milk in the recipe for a tangier flavor.
* **Add Optional Herbs and Spices:** Experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor of the muffins. Fresh chives, parsley, thyme, garlic powder, and onion powder are all great options.
* **Get Creative with Cheese:** Use your favorite cheeses! Gruyere, Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even a blend of cheeses would be delicious.
* **Add Vegetables:** Finely chopped onions, bell peppers, or spinach can be added to the dough for extra flavor and nutrients.
* **Make it Spicy:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the dough for a spicy kick.
* **Freezing Instructions:** Let the muffins cool completely before wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator or at room temperature, then warm in the oven or microwave.
## Variations
* **Spinach and Feta Muffins:** Add chopped spinach and crumbled feta cheese to the dough.
* **Jalapeño and Cheddar Muffins:** Add diced jalapeños and shredded cheddar cheese to the dough for a spicy kick.
* **Everything Bagel Muffins:** Sprinkle everything bagel seasoning on top of the muffins before baking.
* **Pizza Muffins:** Add pepperoni, mozzarella cheese, and pizza sauce to the dough.
* **Bacon and Cheese Muffins:** Substitute cooked and crumbled bacon for the ham.
## Serving Suggestions
These Ham and Cheese Biscuit Muffins are delicious on their own, but they can also be served with a variety of sides:
* **Eggs:** Scrambled eggs, fried eggs, or an omelet.
* **Fruit:** Fresh fruit salad, berries, or sliced melon.
* **Yogurt:** Greek yogurt or regular yogurt with granola and honey.
* **Soup:** Tomato soup, vegetable soup, or cream of mushroom soup.
* **Salad:** A simple green salad with vinaigrette dressing.
## Nutritional Information (Approximate, per muffin)
* Calories: 200-250
* Protein: 8-10g
* Fat: 12-15g
* Carbohydrates: 15-20g
*Note: Nutritional information may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.*
## Make-Ahead Instructions
These muffins can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator or freezer.
* **Refrigerate:** Prepare the dough as directed, but do not bake. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, preheat the oven and continue with the recipe.
* **Freeze:** Bake the muffins as directed and let them cool completely. Wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator or at room temperature, then warm in the oven or microwave.
## Recipe Card
**Ham and Cheese Biscuit Muffins**
**Yields:** 12 muffins
**Prep time:** 10 minutes
**Cook time:** 20 minutes
**Ingredients:**
* 2 cups all-purpose flour
* 4 teaspoons baking powder
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
* 3/4 cup milk
* 1 cup cooked ham, diced
* 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
* Optional add-ins: fresh herbs, chopped vegetables, spices
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 12-cup muffin tin or line with paper liners.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Pour in the milk and gently stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. Fold in the diced ham, shredded cheddar cheese, and any optional add-ins.
6. Evenly divide the dough among the prepared muffin cups, filling each cup about ¾ full.
7. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Let cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Serve warm and enjoy!
Enjoy these delicious and easy Ham and Cheese Biscuit Muffins! They’re sure to be a hit with the whole family. This recipe is simple enough for beginner bakers, and the savory flavor makes it a crowd-pleaser at any event. Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast, a portable snack, or a simple side dish, these muffins are the perfect solution. And with so many variations possible, you can easily customize them to your liking. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy these warm, cheesy, and delicious muffins!