Skillet-Fried Country Ham with Buttermilk Biscuits

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender buttermilk biscuits paired with skillet-fried country ham create a hearty Southern breakfast classic with rich, savory flavors. This Southern American-inspired recipe, ready in about 35 minutes, combines all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda into a breakfast that fuels the morning without the midday crash — make-ahead-friendly and balanced enough to anchor the first meal of the day. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 4, so it sits comfortably in a weekly breakfast rotation alongside fruit, yogurt, or coffee. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Southern American cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 450°F. In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tbsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp baking soda, and 1 tsp salt until evenly combined.
  2. Step 2: Add 6 tbsp cold, cubed unsalted butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized pieces of butter.
  3. Step 3: Pour in 3/4 cup cold buttermilk and gently stir with a fork until just combined; the dough will be sticky but cohesive.
  4. Step 4: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and fold it over itself 3-4 times to develop layers, then pat it into a 1-inch thick round. Use a 2.5-inch biscuit cutter to cut out 8 biscuits, placing them on a baking sheet.
  5. Step 5: Bake the biscuits in the preheated 450°F oven for 12-15 minutes until golden brown on top.
  6. Step 6: While biscuits bake, heat 2 tbsp unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 6 slices of country ham and fry for 3-4 minutes per side until edges are crispy and ham is heated through. Season with black pepper to taste.
  7. Step 7: Serve hot ham slices alongside freshly baked buttermilk biscuits for a satisfying breakfast.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Skillet-Fried Country Ham with Buttermilk Biscuits take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a busy morning; prep components the night before to save active time.

How do I store leftover Skillet-Fried Country Ham with Buttermilk Biscuits?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven; egg- or grain-based items may need a splash of milk or water to refresh texture. Cold-served items (overnight oats, smoothies) keep 2–3 days in the fridge.

Can I substitute ingredients in Skillet-Fried Country Ham with Buttermilk Biscuits?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Skillet-Fried Country Ham with Buttermilk Biscuits for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Skillet-Fried Country Ham with Buttermilk Biscuits?

Southern American breakfast like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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