Junior Rasmussen
Ham biscuits are a popular dish at wedding receptions, especially in the South. They are versatile and can be served in a variety of ways, making them a perfect choice for bridal teas, holiday brunches, or even as a midday snack for guests. The preparation is simple and can be made more convenient by preparing the biscuit dough ahead of time and baking it fresh before serving. When it comes to fillings and spreads, the options are endless, ranging from sweet to tangy to spicy, including Creole mayonnaise, herby compound butter, fruit butter, and pimiento cheese. Ham biscuits are not only delicious but also hold cultural significance, dating back hundreds of years in Southern food culture.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Occasions | Brunch, bridal tea, breakfast, cocktail party, holiday party, wedding reception |
| Preparation | Bake fresh, prepare biscuit dough in advance, freeze unbaked biscuits |
| Ingredients | Flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, baking soda, butter, buttermilk, ham, mustard, mayonnaise, jam |
| Recipe | Cut butter into flour mixture, add buttermilk, roll dough, cut biscuits, bake, brush with butter, fill with ham and spread |
| Serving style | Buffet, station with ham, biscuits, spreads, and toppings |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Ham biscuits are a Southern party staple
The key to a delicious ham biscuit is in the preparation and the quality of the ingredients. A good-quality ham is essential, and the ham can be cooked and sliced in advance, making assembly on the day quick and easy. The biscuits themselves can be made in a variety of sizes, from larger breakfast-sized biscuits to smaller, cocktail-sized biscuits, perfect for snacking. The dough is rolled out and cut into rounds, with a simple combination of flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and baking soda, with butter and buttermilk, creating a flaky, delicate biscuit.
When it comes to serving, the options are endless. Ham biscuits can be served with a variety of sweet, tangy, or spicy spreads, allowing guests to customize their biscuits to their tastes. Traditional spreads include Creole mayonnaise, herby compound butter, fruit butter, and pimiento cheese, but you can also offer a selection of jams, jellies, mustards, or chutneys. The versatility of the ham biscuit means it can be served as a savoury or sweet dish, and paired with sides such as coleslaw, fruit salad, potato salad, or grilled corn on the cob.
Ham biscuits are a timeless classic, with a long history in Southern food culture, and their simplicity and versatility ensure they remain a staple for parties and celebrations in the region. They are a comforting dish, perfect for any gathering, and their popularity is such that they are often the anchor of a buffet table, a simple, crowd-pleasing dish that is hard to beat.
Researching Wedding Venues: Tips for Your Dream Location
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Ham biscuits are versatile
Ham biscuits are a timeless classic that can be prepared in advance and frozen for up to two months, making them a convenient choice for busy hosts. The dough can be prepared and cut into desired shapes using a biscuit cutter, and the unbaked biscuits can be frozen to be baked at a later time. This makes them an excellent option for those who want to plan ahead and have a stress-free hosting experience.
The beauty of ham biscuits lies in their versatility when it comes to fillings and toppings. While the warm biscuits with sliced ham are a delicious combination, the hosts can provide a variety of spreads and compounds butter to elevate the flavor. Some popular options include Creole mayonnaise, herby compound butter, fruit butter, pimiento cheese, jelly, jam, mustard, or even a simple slather of butter. Guests can choose their desired spread, making it an interactive and personalized dining experience.
The size of the biscuits can also vary depending on the occasion. Cocktail-size biscuits are smaller and more buttery, making them perfect for light snacks or appetizers. On the other hand, larger biscuits can be served for a more substantial meal, such as breakfast or brunch. The baking time and thickness of the dough can be adjusted to achieve the desired size.
Additionally, ham biscuits can be paired with various sides depending on the time of day and the occasion. For brunch, they can be served with favorite brunch dishes, while for a later gathering, sides such as coleslaw, fruit salad, potato salad, roasted vegetables, or grilled corn on the cob can be offered. Ham biscuits provide a satisfying and hearty option that can be tailored to different tastes and preferences.
Boutique Wedding Venues: Intimate, Unique, and Yours
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Ham biscuit recipes
Ham biscuits are a popular choice for wedding receptions, especially for morning or brunch ceremonies. They are also a great way to use up leftover ham. Here are some delicious ham biscuit recipes that you can serve at your wedding reception or any other occasion.
Betsy's Buttermilk Ham Biscuits
This recipe is perfect for cocktail-sized biscuits, which are buttery and light. Here are the steps to make them:
- Dust the top of the dough with flour and roll it out into a rectangle, about a third longer than it is wide.
- Lift and fold the top third of the rectangle down over the middle of the dough, and then bring up the bottom third, so the pastry is folded in three like a letter.
- Turn the dough so the open edges are facing you, and roll it out into a rectangle again. Repeat the folding process.
- Roll and fold the dough a total of three times.
- Roll out the final folded dough to a half-inch thickness for breakfast-sized biscuits or a little thinner for smaller, cocktail-sized biscuits.
- Dip your cutter into flour and cut out the biscuits using a straight up-and-down motion (no twisting).
- While the biscuits are still warm, split them in half, spread butter on both halves, and fill with sliced ham.
Honey Ham Biscuits
This recipe adds a touch of sweetness to the savoury ham biscuits. Here's how to make them:
- Separate your biscuits into two layers and place the bottom halves on a prepared baking sheet.
- Top with Swiss cheese, sliced ham, and then more cheese.
- Place the top half of the biscuit on top.
- Brush the tops with melted butter and bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
- Warm some honey in the microwave until it becomes liquid.
- Brush the honey on top of the biscuits as soon as they come out of the oven and serve hot.
Poppy Seed Ham Biscuits
This is a retro recipe that has been gaining popularity on social media. Here's how to make it:
- Slice a tray of Hawaiian rolls (such as King's Hawaiian Savory Butter Rolls) horizontally.
- Spread each cut side with a mixture of butter and poppy seeds.
- Layer on Swiss cheese, followed by ham, and then more cheese.
- Place the top half of the rolls back on.
- Cut between the individual rolls to separate them and bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes.
- If the cheese in the centre needs more time to melt, cover the rolls loosely with foil to prevent the tops from burning.
Classic Ham Biscuits
This is a simple and timeless recipe for ham biscuits that you can serve with a variety of spreads. Here's how to make them:
- Preheat your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and baking soda.
- Cut in cold butter until the mixture is crumbly.
- Add whole buttermilk and stir until a ball forms.
- Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead it 3-4 times.
- Roll the dough into a rectangle and fold it in half so that the short ends meet. Roll and fold once more.
- Roll the dough out to a 1/2-inch thickness and cut out 2-inch rounds.
- Place the biscuits on a parchment-lined baking sheet, about 1 inch apart, and bake until golden brown, about 10 minutes.
- Brush the biscuits with melted butter and serve with thinly sliced ham and your choice of spreads.
Wedding Vows: Repeat or Personalize?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$42.95
![Hamentaschen Cookies Individually Wrapped [12 Count] Filled with Apricot, Prune & Raspberry Jam | Purim Gift Basket | Mishloach Manot for Mom, Dad & Friends | Kosher & Nut Free | Stern’s Bakery](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81H-NmdnRsL._AC_UL320_.jpg)
Ham biscuit toppings
Ham biscuits are a popular dish at weddings, especially for morning or brunch receptions. They are also a great way to use up leftover ham. You can serve them as a snack or appetiser, or as part of a meal with sides such as coleslaw, fruit salad, potato salad, roasted vegetables, or grilled corn on the cob.
There are many different ways to prepare and serve ham biscuits, and a variety of toppings and condiments that can be used. Here are some ideas for ham biscuit toppings:
Butter
A layer of butter is a classic choice for ham biscuits. It can be spread directly onto the biscuit, or brushed on top for a buttery flavour.
Cheese
Cheese is a popular topping for ham biscuits. Cheddar, pepper Jack, Gruyère, Brie, or Swiss cheese can be added for extra flavour.
Pickles
Pickles, such as sliced dill pickles or pickled red onions, add a tangy crunch to the biscuits.
Jams and Jellies
Sweet or spicy jams and jellies, such as fig, apricot, or pepper jelly, can be spread on the biscuits for a touch of sweetness.
Mustard
A schmear of mustard is a simple condiment that can be added to the biscuit to enhance the flavour and prevent dryness.
Herbs
Fresh herbs such as basil, cilantro, or parsley can be added to the biscuits for a bright, fresh flavour.
Other Toppings
Other possible toppings include crispy bacon, a fried egg, deli meats, or thinly sliced apples or pears.
When preparing ham biscuits, it is important to use high-quality ingredients, including good-quality ham, for the best flavour. The biscuits can be made in advance and frozen, and then reheated before serving to ensure they are warm and flaky.
Weddings: A Time to Celebrate Our Values
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Ham biscuit preparation tips
Ham biscuits are a perfect snack for any occasion, be it a wedding reception, a holiday brunch, or a simple breakfast. Here are some tips to help you prepare these delicious treats:
Ingredients
To make ham biscuits, you will need the following ingredients:
- All-purpose flour: This gives the biscuits a hearty crumb. You can substitute it with pastry flour for a softer texture.
- Granulated sugar: A small amount of sugar enhances the flavour of the biscuits.
- Baking powder: This gives the biscuits a lift, resulting in a tender, fluffy crumb.
- Kosher salt: Salt enhances the overall flavour of the biscuits.
- Baking soda: Baking soda reacts with buttermilk to give the biscuits additional rise.
- Butter: Cut cold butter into the biscuit dough for a flaky, delicate result. Brush melted butter over the biscuits for extra buttery flavour.
- Buttermilk: Buttermilk gives the biscuits moisture, tenderness, and a mild tanginess.
- Thinly sliced ham: Stacked into the biscuits for a savoury filling. You can use leftover ham or buy sliced ham from your local deli counter.
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 450°F.
- Whisk together dry ingredients: flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and baking soda.
- Cut in cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add buttermilk and stir to form a ball of dough.
- Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead it a few times.
- Roll the dough into a rectangle and fold it in half so that the short ends meet. Roll and fold again.
- Roll the dough to your desired thickness. For thicker biscuits, roll it to about half an inch thick. For thinner, cocktail-size biscuits, roll it a little thinner.
- Cut out the biscuits using a biscuit cutter or a sharp-edged glass. Dip the cutter into flour before cutting to prevent the dough from sticking. Cut the biscuits close together to minimise waste.
- Place the cut biscuits on a baking sheet, leaving about an inch of space between them.
- Bake the biscuits until they are golden brown. This should take around 8 to 12 minutes, depending on your oven.
- While the biscuits are still warm, split them in half, spread butter on the halves, and fill them with sliced ham.
- Serve the ham biscuits with a variety of spreads such as Creole mayonnaise, herby compound butter, fruit butter, pimiento cheese, or mustard.
Make-Ahead Tips
Ham biscuits can be prepared in advance and stored for later use:
- Prepare the biscuit dough and cut out the biscuits.
- Refrigerate the unbaked biscuits in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- You can also freeze the unbaked biscuits for up to 2 months. Place them on a baking sheet and freeze them solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag.
- When ready to serve, bake the biscuits straight from the refrigerator or freezer, adding a few minutes to the baking time.
Venue Questions: Your Wedding, Your Way
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Yes, ham biscuits are a good choice for wedding receptions. They are versatile, can be made in advance, and are well-liked by guests.
It is best to use high-quality ham for the tastiest bites. You can use thinly sliced Virginia ham or substitute it with other types of deli meats.
You can offer a variety of sweet, tangy, or spicy spreads. Some recommended spreads include Creole mayonnaise, herby compound butter, fruit butter, pimiento cheese, jelly, jam, mustard, or mayo.
Yes, ham biscuits can be prepared in advance. You can prepare the biscuit dough, cut it out, and refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to 2 days. You can also freeze the unbaked biscuits for up to 2 months or freeze the dough for up to 2 weeks.
