A pride of Virginia culture, country ham is a Southern tradition that has been loved for centuries. Country Ham Biscuits combine the salty, cured smoked meat with fluffy buttermilk biscuits. You can eat them for breakfast with eggs and grits, as an hors d’oeuvre at a party, as a snack at a tailgate, or make them ahead of time for quick snacks between meals. Enjoy a delicious bite at any time of day!.
Country ham biscuits are a quintessential Southern treat. The savory and salty country ham combined with warm fluffy biscuits is simply heavenly. But a great main dish needs great side dishes to truly round out the meal. So what should you serve alongside your country ham biscuits to take the experience to the next level?
At my house, country ham biscuits are a staple They’re easy to throw together, satisfying, and never disappoint Over the years, I’ve experimented with different sides to find the best complements that enhance the biscuits without overpowering them. Here are my top recommendations for what to serve with country ham biscuits based on decades of experience as well as guidance from renowned chefs and food experts.
Potatoes and Vegetables
Potatoes are a classic choice to serve with country ham that can’t be beat. The starchiness provides a neutral canvas for the salty and savory flavors. Simply prepared potatoes allow the ham and biscuits to shine. Some easy options include:
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Baked potatoes: Russets baked until tender and fluffy, ready to be loaded with butter, cheese, bacon, and other favorite toppings.
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Mashed potatoes: Yukon golds mashed with butter, cream, and seasoning for rich and creamy comfort.
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Roasted potatoes: Diced potatoes tossed in oil and roasted until crispy and golden brown.
In addition to potatoes, roasted vegetables like carrots, Brussels sprouts, and broccoli are excellent with country ham biscuits. The oven roasting concentrates their natural sweetness, contrasting the saltiness of the ham. They add nutrients, colors, and varied textures.
Fresh Salads and Greens
For something lighter, salads and greens can balance out the heavier biscuits and ham. The crunch and brightness cut through the richness wonderfully. Ideas include:
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A simple garden salad of mixed greens, cucumbers, tomatoes, carrots, and a light vinaigrette dressing.
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A spinach salad topped with fresh berries, feta cheese, and candied pecans.
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A kale Caesar salad with shaved Parmesan and homemade croutons.
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A wedge salad of iceberg lettuce, crumbled bacon, diced tomatoes, and blue cheese dressing.
The key is to not overload the greens with heavy dressings or ingredients that would overtake the biscuit flavors. Allow the freshness of the produce to shine through.
Eggs and Breakfast Sides
Since biscuits and ham are breakfast staples, don’t be afraid to serve them for breakfast or brunch alongside classic morning favorites like:
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Scrambled or fried eggs
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Crispy bacon or sausage
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Hashbrowns or home fries
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Fresh fruit like berries
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Yogurt or cottage cheese
Breakfast sides complement the biscuits beautifully. And country ham has enough flavor to stand up to the richness of eggs and breakfast meats.
Beans, Grains, and Legumes
Hearty beans, grains, and legumes pair nicely with country ham biscuits by providing layers of texture and earthy flavors. Options like baked beans, grits, rice, quinoa, or lentils give your meal staying power. Some ideas:
- Baked beans seasoned Memphis-style with molasses and brown sugar
- Cheesy grits with scallions
- Herb roasted sweet potatoes or butternut squash
- Quinoa salad with corn, black beans, and tangy vinaigrette
These plant-based sides act as the perfect foil for the indulgence of the biscuits and ham. The combinations may seem unlikely, but the contrast of flavors and textures just works wonderfully.
Buttery Vegetables
You can’t go wrong pairing simple southern-style vegetables cooked low and slow with plenty of butter. Favorites like:
- Buttered sweet corn off the cob
- Slow cooked green beans with bacon pieces
- Buttery glazed carrots with a touch of cinnamon and brown sugar
- Stewed squash and zucchini smothered in butter
The butter and gentle cooking gives these classic veggies rich depth that enhances the biscuits. Don’t be afraid to lay on the dairy with these sides! Bonus points if you prepare them in the same cast iron skillet you used to fry the country ham for the biscuits.
Saucy Sides
For something decadent, try biscuits and ham alongside saucy sides like mac and cheese, collard greens, or chow chow. The luxuriously rich and flavorful sauces take the meal over the top. Ideas include:
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Ooey gooey baked macaroni and cheese. Go heavy on the cheese!
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Southern-style collard greens stewed with ham hocks and vinegar.
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Chow chow, a tangy pickled veggie relish with cabbage, peppers, and spices. Spoon it over the biscuits.
The key is finding sauces and condiments with big flavors that don’t clash with the prominence of the ham. Let the sauces complement rather than compete.
And Don’t Forget the Gravy!
No biscuits and ham would be complete without gravy! You can keep it simple with creamy sawmill gravy made from the ham drippings and a basic roux. Or kick it up a notch with gourmet gravy incorporating ingredients like:
- Sauteed mushrooms
- Fresh herbs
- A splash of bourbon
- Minced country ham pieces
Get creative and make your gravy memorable. Biscuits are the perfect vehicle for sopping up every last drop!
With so many options, there’s no shortage of routes for taking your country ham biscuits to the next level. From down home classics like mashed potatoes to unexpected elegance like fresh greens, the sides you choose can make all the difference. Play around and find your ideal flavor combinations to build a meal that’s comforting and crave-worthy. Just be sure to save me a biscuit!
What to serve with Country Ham Biscuits
Here are a few sides that go well with ham biscuits:
The cookies can be baked up to two days ahead of time and kept on the counter in an airtight container. You can also freeze the biscuits for up to 3 months, then thaw on the counter before using. When ready to assemble the sandwiches, warm the biscuits in the oven.
How to Keep Ham Biscuits Warm
You can serve cocktail ham biscuits at room temperature or warm if you’re having a party or making a holiday brunch spread. Place the biscuits on a baking sheet, cover them loosely with foil, and heat them in a 350-degree oven until they’re warm all the way through. This should only take a few minutes, as you don’t want the biscuits to get too dry or toasted.
Country Ham Biscuits Tutorial
FAQ
What goes well with ham biscuits for dinner?
What pairs well with biscuits?
What is a good side dish to eat with ham?
What goes well with a ham biscuit?
Sweet and spicy Jezebel Sauce also makes a perfect pair with salty ham. A great ham biscuit is just as much about the biscuit as it is about the ham, so don’t over-stuff the biscuit. Two or three slices of thick-cut ham is just the right amount. If you want more ham, that’s a perfectly good reason to make yourself another sandwich.
Is ham gluten free?
Ham naturally by itself is gluten-free. Although, many companies made their ham with gluten-containing ingredients like broth, spices, and glazes. So, you must prefer brands that indicate they are gluten-free on the packaging.
Are ham biscuits good for sandwiches?
The ham biscuits are delicious served warm or at room temperature. Start with a really great biscuit, and cut them fairly small (2-inches or less) to make smaller, manageable sandwiches. You can use the Southern Buttermilk Biscuits included here, or try angel biscuits or drop biscuits.
What is a country ham biscuit?
A pride of Virginia culture, country ham is a Southern tradition that has been loved for centuries. Country Ham Biscuits combine the salty, cured smoked meat with fluffy buttermilk biscuits. They’re perfect for breakfast with eggs and grits, served as cocktail hors d’oeuvres or tailgating snacks, or prepared for grab-and-go munchies between meals.