Introduction

These protein biscuits combine savory ham, cheddar cheese, and a touch of sweetness for a satisfying snack or breakfast treat. Flaky and flavorful, they’re perfect served warm with a drizzle of honey butter.

Protein Biscuits with Cheddar, Ham, and Chives Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder (aluminum-free)
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup cooked diced ham
1/3 cup finely diced chives
2 tablespoons avocado oil (or melted coconut oil)
1 cup cottage cheese (blended smooth)
1/4 cup milk (plus more for brushing)
2 teaspoons honey
Topping: 2 tablespoons melted butter + 1 tablespoon honey (or hot honey) and flaky salt

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, garlic powder, and kosher salt. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, diced ham, and chives until they are well coated with the flour mixture.
Step 3: Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients. Add the avocado oil, blended cottage cheese, milk, and honey. Fold everything gently with a large spoon until the dough just starts to come together, leaving it shaggy and slightly wet—be careful not to overmix.
Step 4: Turn the dough and any loose bits onto a floured surface. Using floured hands, gently bring the dough together and flatten into a 3/4-inch thick rectangle. Fold one side into the center and then the other side over it, like closing a book. Flatten again to 3/4-inch thick and repeat the folding one more time to create flaky layers.
Step 5: Cut out biscuits with a 3-inch round cutter by pressing straight down and lifting without twisting. Gather and re-roll the scraps to make about 10 biscuits total.
Step 6: Arrange the biscuits tightly in a 10-inch cast-iron skillet or place them close together on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush the tops lightly with milk.
Step 7: Bake for 15–17 minutes until the biscuits have risen and are golden brown on top.
Step 8: While baking, whisk together the melted butter and honey (use hot honey for a spicy kick if desired). Brush this mixture generously onto the warm biscuits and sprinkle with flaky salt. Serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

For a dairy-free option, substitute the butter topping with olive oil and omit the cheese and cottage cheese, adding extra herbs instead.
Use smoked ham for a deeper flavor or swap ham for cooked bacon or sausage.
Try mixing in chopped jalapeños or cayenne pepper for a spicy variation.
Make sure not to twist the biscuit cutter to maintain light, flaky layers.

Storage

Store leftover biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a warm oven or toaster oven to maintain flakiness. These biscuits can also be frozen; wrap tightly and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw and reheat before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different cheese instead of cheddar?

Yes, you can substitute cheddar with other flavorful cheeses like Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or gouda for a different but delicious taste.

What if I don’t have cottage cheese?

You can substitute the blended cottage cheese with Greek yogurt or ricotta cheese for a similar texture and moisture.

Protein Biscuits with Cheddar, Ham, and Chives Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 83 reviews

Deliciously flaky and protein-packed biscuits loaded with shredded cheddar, diced ham, and fresh chives. These savory biscuits are enriched with cottage cheese and a touch of honey for subtle sweetness, then brushed with a buttery honey glaze for a perfect golden finish. Ideal as a hearty breakfast treat or a flavorful side for any meal.

Author: Tara
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 17 minutes
Total Time: 32 minutes
Yield: 10 biscuits 1x
Category: Breakfast, Snack, Side Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 Tablespoon baking powder (aluminum-free)
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon kosher salt

Mix-ins

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup cooked diced ham
1/3 cup finely diced chives

Wet Ingredients

2 Tablespoons avocado oil (or melted coconut oil)
1 cup cottage cheese (blended smooth)
1/4 cup milk (plus more for brushing)
2 teaspoons honey

Topping

2 Tablespoons melted butter
1 Tablespoon honey (or hot honey)
Flaky salt for sprinkling

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F to prepare for baking the biscuits perfectly.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, garlic powder, and kosher salt. This creates the base for the biscuit dough.
Add Mix-ins: Stir in shredded cheddar cheese, diced ham, and finely diced chives, coating them evenly with the dry flour mixture to distribute flavor.
Mix Wet Ingredients: Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and add avocado oil, blended cottage cheese, milk, and honey. Fold these ingredients into the dry mix with a large spoon just until combined; the dough should remain slightly shaggy and wet in spots without overworking.
Shape Dough: Turn the dough onto a generously floured surface and, using floured hands, bring it together gently. Flatten it into a 3/4-inch thick rectangle. Fold one side into the center and then fold the other side on top like a book, flattening again to 3/4-inch thickness. Repeat this folding one more time to create flaky layers.
Cut Biscuits: Use a 3-inch round biscuit cutter to cut biscuits straight down (no twisting) from the rectangle. Re-roll the remaining dough and continue cutting until you have about 10 biscuits.
Arrange & Bake: Place the biscuits close together in a 10-inch cast-iron skillet or arrange them touching on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush the tops with additional milk. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-17 minutes until risen and golden brown.
Prepare Topping & Serve: While the biscuits bake, whisk together melted butter and honey (or hot honey). Generously brush this mixture on the warm biscuits as soon as they come out of the oven and sprinkle flaky salt on top. Serve warm for best flavor and texture.