Savory Cheddar Ham & Chive Protein Biscuits Recipe
Introduction
These Protein Biscuits are a savory twist on traditional biscuits, packed with cheddar, ham, and cottage cheese for extra flavor and nutrition. They offer flaky layers and a delightful honey butter glaze that makes them perfect for breakfast or a hearty snack.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 Tablespoon baking powder (aluminum-free)
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup cooked diced ham
- 1/3 cup finely diced chives
- 2 Tablespoons avocado oil (or melted coconut oil)
- 1 cup cottage cheese (blended smooth)
- 1/4 cup milk (plus more for brushing)
- 2 teaspoons honey
- Topping: 2 Tablespoons melted butter + 1 Tablespoon honey (or hot honey), and flaky salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, garlic powder, and salt. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, diced ham, and chives until they are coated with the flour mixture.
- Step 3: Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients. Add the avocado oil, blended cottage cheese, milk, and honey. Fold everything together gently with a large spoon until the dough just starts to come together, leaving it a bit shaggy and wet. Avoid overmixing.
- Step 4: Turn the dough and any loose bits onto a floured surface. With floured hands, gather the dough and flatten it into a 3/4-inch thick rectangle. Fold one side into the center, then fold the other side over it like a book. Flatten again to 3/4 inch thick and repeat the fold one more time to create flaky layers.
- Step 5: Using a 3-inch biscuit cutter, cut straight down and up without twisting to preserve the layers. Re-roll the scraps and cut more biscuits until you have about 10 in total.
- Step 6: Arrange the biscuits close together in a 10-inch cast-iron skillet or on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush the tops lightly with milk.
- Step 7: Bake for 15 to 17 minutes, until the biscuits are risen and golden on top.
- Step 8: While baking, whisk the melted butter with honey or hot honey. Brush this mixture generously over the warm biscuits and sprinkle with flaky salt. Serve immediately.
Tips & Variations
- For a spicier option, replace regular honey with hot honey and add a pinch of cayenne to the dough.
- Try swapping ham with cooked bacon or sausage for different flavor profiles.
- Make sure not to twist the biscuit cutter to ensure the biscuits rise with flaky layers.
- If you prefer a dairy-free version, substitute the cottage cheese and milk with full-fat coconut yogurt and coconut milk.
Storage
Store leftover biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat gently in a warm oven or microwave to enjoy their flaky texture. They also freeze well—wrap individually and thaw before reheating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make these biscuits ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and cut the biscuits, then refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. This can help develop flavor and save time on the day you want to serve them.
What can I use instead of cheddar cheese?
Feel free to use other flavorful cheeses such as Monterey Jack, Gruyère, or a spicy pepper jack to suit your taste preferences.
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Savory Cheddar Ham & Chive Protein Biscuits Recipe
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 10 biscuits 1x
Description
These Protein Biscuits are a savory, flaky, and protein-packed twist on classic buttermilk biscuits. Made with shredded cheddar, diced ham, cottage cheese, and fresh chives, they offer a deliciously rich flavor and tender crumb. Easy to prepare and baked to a golden brown, these biscuits make a perfect breakfast, snack, or accompaniment to any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 Tablespoon baking powder (aluminum-free)
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
Cheese and Meat
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup cooked diced ham
- 1/3 cup finely diced chives
Wet Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons avocado oil (or melted coconut oil)
- 1 cup cottage cheese (blended smooth)
- 1/4 cup milk (plus more for brushing)
- 2 teaspoons honey
Topping
- 2 Tablespoons melted butter
- 1 Tablespoon honey (or hot honey)
- Flaky salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking the biscuits. A hot oven helps create a beautiful rise and golden crust.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, garlic powder, and kosher salt. Then stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, diced ham, and chopped chives until they are evenly coated with the flour mixture.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and add the avocado oil, blended cottage cheese, 1/4 cup milk, and honey. Fold everything gently with a large spoon just until the dough starts to come together. It should be shaggy and slightly wet in places—do not overmix to maintain flaky texture.
- Form Dough and Fold: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and use floured hands to gently bring it together. Pat the dough into a 3/4-inch thick rectangle. Fold one side in toward the center, then fold the other side on top like closing a book. Flatten again into a 3/4-inch rectangle and repeat the folding once more. This folding technique creates flaky layers within the biscuits.
- Cut Biscuits: Using a 3-inch round biscuit cutter, cut straight down into the dough without twisting to help the biscuits rise evenly. Gather and re-roll dough scraps as needed to cut out a total of 10 biscuits.
- Bake Biscuits: Arrange the biscuits close together so they are just touching in a 10-inch cast-iron skillet or on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush the tops lightly with milk for a golden finish. Bake for 15-17 minutes, or until the biscuits have risen and are golden brown on top.
- Prepare Topping and Finish: While the biscuits bake, whisk melted butter with honey or hot honey. When the biscuits come out of the oven, generously brush the warm tops with the honey butter mixture and sprinkle with flaky salt for a perfect finishing touch. Serve warm.
Notes
- Do not twist the biscuit cutter when cutting to help biscuits rise evenly.
- If you don’t have a cast-iron skillet, a parchment-lined baking sheet works perfectly.
- You can substitute cooked bacon for the ham for a different flavor profile.
- For dairy-free, try coconut oil in the dough and vegan cheese, but texture may vary.
- These biscuits are best served warm and fresh but can be reheated gently.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 17 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: protein biscuits, cheddar biscuits, ham biscuits, savory biscuits, flaky biscuits, breakfast biscuits
