Get ready to transport your taste buds straight to the heart of the Southern United States with a mouthwatering classic that'll make your breakfast dreams come true! Southern Biscuits with Country Ham and Red Eye Gravy isn't just a meal—it's a culinary experience that combines flaky, buttery biscuits, savory country ham, and a rich coffee-infused gravy that'll have you craving seconds before you've even finished your first bite. Whether you're a Southern food enthusiast or a curious foodie looking to explore traditional American cuisine, this recipe promises to deliver comfort, flavor, and a touch of Southern hospitality right to your plate.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Southern
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup cold butter, cubed
- 3/4 cup buttermilk
- 8 ounces country ham
- 1 cup brewed coffee
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). This high temperature is essential for achieving the perfect rise and flaky texture in your biscuits.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Whisk the dry ingredients together until they are evenly mixed.
- Add the 1/2 cup of cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Be careful not to overwork the dough; you want to see small bits of butter throughout.
- Pour in the 3/4 cup of buttermilk. Stir gently with a fork or spatula until the dough just comes together. It should be slightly sticky but manageable.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently knead the dough about 5 to 6 times, just until it holds together. Pat the dough into a rectangle about 1-inch thick.
- Using a biscuit cutter or a floured glass, cut out biscuits from the dough. Place the biscuits on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, making sure they are touching slightly to help them rise.
- Bake the biscuits in the preheated oven for about 12 to 15 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top. Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly.
- While the biscuits are baking, prepare the country ham. In a large skillet over medium heat, add the 8 ounces of country ham. Cook the ham slices for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side, or until they are nicely browned and heated through. Remove the ham from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to low and add the 1 cup of brewed coffee. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet with a wooden spoon. Allow the coffee to simmer for a few minutes until it reduces slightly and thickens into a gravy.
- To serve, split the warm biscuits in half and layer with the cooked country ham. Drizzle the red eye gravy over the ham and biscuits. Enjoy your Southern Biscuits Country Ham and Red Eye Gravy!
Tips
- Keep your butter ice-cold: The secret to perfectly flaky biscuits is using cold butter and handling the dough minimally to prevent the butter from melting.
- Don't twist the biscuit cutter: When cutting biscuits, press straight down without twisting. Twisting seals the edges and prevents the biscuits from rising evenly.
- Use fresh coffee for the red eye gravy: The quality of your coffee will directly impact the flavor of the gravy, so choose a robust, freshly brewed coffee.
- Let the ham rest: After cooking the country ham, let it rest for a minute before slicing to help retain its juices.
- Serve immediately: These biscuits are best enjoyed warm, right out of the oven, so time your cooking to serve them fresh.
- For extra richness, brush the biscuit tops with melted butter right after baking for a golden, glossy finish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Cholesterol: 95mg
