Dolly Parton’s Country Ham and Biscuits is more than just a recipe; it’s a heartfelt celebration of Southern heritage and comfort food. This dish encapsulates the essence of traditional Southern cuisine, featuring the savory flavors of country ham paired with homemade biscuits that are so flaky they almost melt in your mouth. Growing up in the Smoky Mountains, Dolly Parton often reminisces about the meals that brought families together, and this dish perfectly represents that spirit. With its rich flavors and satisfying textures, it’s a dish that warms the heart and soul, making it perfect for breakfast, brunch, or any gathering with loved ones. Every bite of this dish is steeped in nostalgia, evoking memories of family gatherings around the table, where laughter and joy abound. For those seeking to connect with Southern culinary traditions, this recipe stands out as a beacon of comfort and flavor. The combination of the savory ham and the buttery, flaky biscuits creates a symphony of textures and tastes that is hard to resist, making it a timeless classic that can bring a smile to anyone’s face. Whether it’s a cozy family breakfast or a festive brunch with friends, Dolly Parton’s Country Ham and Biscuits serves as a reminder of the simple joys in life, bringing people together over a shared love of good food.

Ingredients

• For the Homemade Biscuits:
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • 3/4 cup buttermilk, cold
• For the Country Ham:
  • 8 ounces country ham, thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for frying)
• For Serving:
  • Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
  • Honey or syrup, optional, for drizzling, which adds a lovely sweet contrast to the savory ham

Ensure your ingredients are fresh and high-quality, as this will significantly impact the flavor profiles of your country ham and biscuits. For the best experience, consider using locally sourced ingredients or artisanal country ham from a reputable butcher. The quality of your flour can also make a difference, so opting for a good brand can elevate the taste of your biscuits. You can learn more about this topic and its roots in Southern culture, where meals are often a labor of love and tradition. Remember, the love and care you put into selecting your ingredients shine through in the final dish. This attention to detail transforms a simple meal into a cherished experience, reflecting the hospitality and warmth that defines Southern cooking.

Steps / Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) to ensure your biscuits bake perfectly and achieve that golden-brown color. This high temperature is crucial for creating that classic flaky texture we all love. A properly preheated oven guarantees even baking and helps the biscuits rise beautifully, resulting in a delightful end product that is both visually appealing and delicious.
2. Prepare the Biscuit Dough: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. These dry ingredients are essential for the rise and structure of the biscuits, contributing to their lightness and fluffiness. Add the cold, cubed butter into the mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, with some pea-sized pieces remaining. This technique is key to achieving those beautiful layers, which are essential for the perfect biscuit.
3. Add Buttermilk: Pour the cold buttermilk into the flour mixture. Stir gently with a fork until the dough comes together, being mindful not to overmix; it should be slightly sticky but manageable. The buttermilk not only adds flavor but also reacts with the baking soda to provide lift, ensuring a tender biscuit. If you don’t have buttermilk, a quick substitute is to mix regular milk with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for a few minutes. This simple trick helps mimic that tangy flavor and acidity found in buttermilk, ensuring your biscuits still rise beautifully.
4. Roll Out the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a well-floured surface. Gently pat it into a rectangle about 1-inch thick. Be careful not to press down too hard, as this can inhibit the biscuit’s rise. Fold the dough over onto itself a few times to create layers, which will ensure your biscuits are flaky and light. This folding technique is crucial, as it helps to incorporate air into the dough, giving the biscuits an airy quality.
5. Cut the Biscuits: Use a round cutter to cut out biscuits from the dough, pressing straight down without twisting to maintain the layers. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they are close together but not touching to allow them to rise evenly. The closer they are, the softer the edges will be, while allowing the tops to develop a nice crust. This method helps create those signature fluffy edges that are so satisfying.
6. Bake the Biscuits: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown on top. Keep an eye on them to prevent over-baking; the perfect biscuit should be golden and puffed, exuding a delightful aroma that fills your kitchen with the scent of comfort. To ensure even baking, rotate the baking sheet halfway through the baking time. This small action promotes uniform browning and helps all the biscuits achieve that perfect golden finish.
7. Cook the Country Ham: While the biscuits are baking, heat a skillet over medium heat. If desired, add olive oil for extra flavor, which can enhance the richness of the ham. Add the sliced country ham and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until heated through and slightly crispy, allowing the edges to caramelize for added texture. The ham should have a nice caramelized finish, enhancing its savory profile and offering a delightful contrast to the soft biscuits.
8. Assemble the Dish: Once the biscuits are done, remove them from the oven. Slice them in half, layer in some warm country ham, and top with freshly cracked black pepper. Drizzle with honey or syrup if desired for added sweetness, which beautifully contrasts the savory ham and elevates the overall flavor experience. This final presentation not only maximizes flavor but also creates a beautiful dish that looks as good as it tastes.

Tips & Tricks

• For Flakier Biscuits: Use cold butter and buttermilk, and handle the dough as little as possible to ensure a light, flaky texture. The colder the ingredients, the better the result! For an even flakier biscuit, consider grating the butter instead of cubing it, as this allows for quicker incorporation into the flour, resulting in even more layers and a delightful texture.
• Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the biscuit dough a few hours in advance and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. This helps in developing flavor and makes for a quicker meal when you’re hungry, perfect for busy mornings or unexpected guests! Just remember to allow the dough to come to room temperature for a few minutes before rolling it out.
• Storage: If you have leftover biscuits, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven before serving to restore their flakiness, giving them a second life as a delightful snack. You can also freeze them for longer storage; just wrap tightly and they can last up to 3 months. This makes for a convenient option to have on hand for last-minute breakfasts or snacks!
• Common Mistakes to Avoid: Overworking the dough can lead to tough biscuits. Remember to mix just until combined; less is often more in the world of biscuit-making! Also, make sure to measure your flour correctly; too much can lead to dense biscuits, while too little can prevent them from rising. Always use the spoon and level method for accurate measurement, ensuring your biscuits turn out just right.
• Expert Advice: For a flavor boost, consider brushing the tops of the biscuits with melted butter right after they come out of the oven. This not only adds richness but also gives them a beautiful shine. Additionally, experiment with adding fresh herbs or cheese to the dough for a unique twist that can elevate the dish even further, showcasing your creativity in the kitchen.

Conclusion

Try Dolly Parton’s Country Ham and Biscuits for a taste of Southern comfort that’s sure to impress your family and friends. The combination of savory ham and fluffy biscuits creates a delicious breakfast or brunch option that embodies the heartwarming spirit of traditional Southern cuisine. Don’t forget to share your experience and let us know how it turned out! Check out our related guide for more tips and techniques to elevate your cooking experience. Embrace the love and tradition that goes into this dish, and enjoy making it a part of your own family gatherings.

Dolly Parton’s Country Ham and Biscuits

★★★★★ 5 from 1 vote

Course: Breakfast Cuisine: Southern Difficulty: Easy

🍽️

Servings

4-6

⏱️

Prep Time

20 min

🍳

Cook Time

15 min

🔥

Calories

400

PIN PRINT SHARE

A heartfelt celebration of Southern heritage and comfort food, featuring the savory flavors of country ham paired with homemade biscuits.

Cook Mode Keep the screen of your device on

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 3/4 cup buttermilk, cold
• 8 ounces country ham, thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for frying)
• Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
• Honey or syrup, optional, for drizzling

Directions

1.

Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).

2.

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

3.

Add the cold, cubed butter into the mixture and cut it into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs.

4.

Pour the cold buttermilk into the flour mixture and stir gently until the dough comes together.

5.

Turn the dough out onto a well-floured surface and pat it into a rectangle about 1-inch thick.

6.

Fold the dough over onto itself a few times to create layers.

7.

Use a round cutter to cut out biscuits from the dough and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

8.

Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown on top.

9.

While the biscuits are baking, heat a skillet over medium heat and add olive oil if desired.

10.

Add the sliced country ham and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until heated through.

11.

Once the biscuits are done, slice them in half, layer in some warm country ham, and top with freshly cracked black pepper. Drizzle with honey or syrup if desired.

Nutrition Facts