Virginia ham biscuits combine salty country ham with a fluffy, buttery biscuit — a Southern classic with deep roots in Virginia. These bite-size sandwiches are a favorite at tailgates, steeplechase events and family gatherings across the state. It’s the perfect accompaniment to a delicious tailgate spread at an equestrian event. Try a platter of these ham biscuits served with our recommended spreads below for an exciting tailgating experience while you wait for the event to begin.
How to Bake the Best Buttermilk Biscuits
Making biscuits from scratch can be intimidating. With the right tips, though, buttermilk biscuits can be your go-to side dish to impress for any occasion. Below we have some tips and tricks to create that perfectly flaky accessory to your Virginia Ham Biscuit.
- Do not overwork the dough; this can make biscuits tough.
- Make sure everything is chilled beforehand. Some bakers even advise chilling the mixing bowl before starting your dough.
- Don’t twist the biscuit cutter when you are cutting out the biscuits.
- Create fluffy layers by folding over the dough several times, rolling out between folds.
Where Can I Find the Best Virginia Ham?
In Virginia, the land, its farmers and local makers play a vital role in crafting the cherished Virginia staple. The origins of Virginia ham go back to the colonial era, when the Jamestown settlers began using a mixture of European and Indigenous techniques to cure their pork. Among many Virginia artisans, Edwards Virginia Smokehouse showcases this tradition in a big way. They make country ham from local pork using time-honored techniques. The result? A salty, smoky flavor that defines Virginia country ham. Turner Hams are another well-known and respected traditional Virginia country ham producer.
The origins of Virginia ham go back to the colonial era, when the Jamestown settlers began using a mixture of European and Indigenous techniques to cure their pork.
JM Stock Provisions, Charlottesville’s only whole-animal butcher shop, keeps the tradition of a salty and smoky flavor. They use their house-made Tasso ham to create their incredible C-Ville Ham Biscuit. Sustainably produced and glistening with butter, these ham biscuits are a perfect balance of traditional ham biscuit elements: fat, salt, sugar and spice. The crew handmakes biscuits every morning with buttermilk and lard. The biscuits sandwich their award-winning Tasso ham and a generous helping of wildflower honey and hot sauce.
Cheddar-Chive Biscuits with Virginia Ham & Fig Mustard
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 lb unsalted butter almost frozen
- 1 cup buttermilk cold
- 1 cup cheddar grated
- 1/2 cup chives thinly sliced
- 1 1/2 lbs Virginia ham thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup fig mustard
Instructions
- Place the dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, salt) in a large bowl.2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tbsp baking powder, 1/4 tsp kosher salt
- Mince the super-cold butter into tiny pieces and add to the dry ingredients. Using your hands mix the butter into the dry ingredients until the butter is evenly distributed, and make sure there are no large pieces.1/4 lb unsalted butter
- Add the cheddar and chives, and again, evenly distribute by hand.1 cup cheddar, 1/2 cup chives
- Pour the cold buttermilk over the dry ingredient mixture and mix by hand just until the buttermilk is incorporated. Do not over mix, as the dough should be very delicate and just coming together unlike bread dough.1 cup buttermilk
- Roll the biscuit dough out on a floured surface to one-inch thickness. Cut into two-inch squares.
- Bake at 425 degrees until lightly brown.
- Cut biscuits in half, lightly spread the mustard on one side and fill with 1 ½ ounces of ham. Serve warm or room temperature!1 1/2 lbs Virginia ham, 1/2 cup fig mustard
Tailgate Dips to Serve with Ham Biscuits
Tailgating in Virginia is a longstanding local tradition. Whether at equestrian events such as the Foxfield Races, the Montpelier Hunt Races or the International Gold Cup, or cheering on your favorite team at a college football game, no tailgate is complete without the most essential tailgating element: dips and spreads. Below are three recipes for spreads to kick up your tailgating season and highlight the already delicious flavors of a classic Virginia ham biscuit recipe.
The first recipe for a sweet onion jam will balance the saltiness of the ham and bring a fruity, sweet note to your biscuit. The second recipe is an herb butter, which plays on the less traditional Jambon-Beurre (ham and butter) sandwich popular in France. Take this dish from Southern classic to Southern staple with our third recipe for a pimiento cheese spread. Feel free to double dip here as this recipe can either be served as a spread for biscuits or as a side dip for your favorite veggies.
Sweet Onion Jam Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp grapeseed oil
- 2 whole vidalia onions sliced 1/4 of inch thick
- 2 whole red onions sliced 1/4 of inch thick
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup dry red wine
- 2/3 cup golden balsamic vinegar
- 1 cup water
- thyme sprigs
Instructions
- Heat oil in dutch oven over medium-low heat. Add all onions and sauté until onions are soft and starting to caramelize, about 25-30 minutes.2 whole vidalia onions, 2 whole red onions, 3 tbsp grapeseed oil
- Add garlic and thyme sprigs and sauté for a minute or two.3 cloves garlic, thyme sprigs
- Add red wine, scraping the bottom of the pot.1/2 cup dry red wine
- Sprinkle sugar over the simmering onions and mix in the vinegar. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer gently until onions are jammy and liquid is reduced, 35-40 minutes. Stir often and add more water by the tablespoon to prevent sticking.1 cup sugar, 2/3 cup golden balsamic vinegar, 1 cup water
Herb Butter Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 sticks unsalted butter
- 1 handful fresh, chopped herbs such as basil, parsley, thyme and oregano
- 1 pinch salt kosher or sea salt
- freshly ground black pepper
- 1 squeeze fresh lemon or lime juice (optional)
Instructions
- Let butter soften at room temperature.2 sticks unsalted butter
- Mix or blend in herbs, salt, pepper and citrus juice until evenly combined.1 handful fresh, chopped herbs, 1 pinch salt, 1 squeeze fresh lemon or lime juice, freshly ground black pepper
- Roll in parchment paper and chill in the fridge until hardened.
- Assemble slices of butter on biscuits with ham.
Pimento Cheese Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup mayonnaise preferably Duke's
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 2-3 scallions roughly chopped
- 1 head roasted garlic
- 1 small jar chopped pimentos with brine
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp white pepper
- 1 splash tabasco or to taste
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- freshly ground black pepper
- chopped chives for garnishing
Instructions
- For the roasted garlic - Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Cut ¼ of an inch off the top of a whole head of garlic. Wrap in foil and slather with 1-2 tablespoons olive oil. Roast for 35-40 minutes until fragrant and soft. Once cooled, squeeze out cloves. Set aside.1 head roasted garlic
- In a food processor or by hand, blend the mayo and cream cheese with the scallions and the roasted garlic until well mixed.1 cup mayonnaise, 8 oz cream cheese, 2-3 scallions
- Fold in the rest of the ingredients until combined, tasting as you go. Add more salt or a splash more of tabasco if needed and garnish with chopped chives.1 small jar chopped pimentos, 1 tbsp honey, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp white pepper, 1 splash tabasco, 1/2 tsp kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, chopped chives
Drink Pairings for Ham Biscuits
Salty, savory Virginia ham biscuits pair beautifully with wines that offer bright acidity or a touch of sweetness to balance the richness of country ham. Sparkling wines—especially Virginia-made Brut styles—are a classic choice, as their crisp bubbles cut through the salt and butter. Off-dry whites like Virginia Viognier or Riesling complement the ham’s intensity, particularly when serving biscuits with honey butter or jam. High-acid whites such as Albariño or unoaked Chardonnay provide a clean, refreshing contrast. For a red wine option, light-bodied, low-tannin styles like Pinot Noir, served slightly chilled, make an unexpectedly elegant match for this beloved Southern staple.
If you’re looking for a non-alcoholic option, look no further than a tried and true cup of coffee! Coffee and biscuits, what more can you ask for as you prepare for a full day of fun? If you’re prepping for a Virginia steeplechase tailgate and looking for more pairing suggestions, read our wine & cheese pairings article to help you plan the perfect tailgate.
We can’t wait to hear how your ham biscuits turned out—tag us on social or leave a comment with your favorite twist! No matter what dip, spread or drink you plan to serve them with, this Virginia Ham Biscuit Recipe will quickly become a staple in your home. For more Wine Country Recipes utilizing the best local ingredients of the area, check out the Food & Drink section of our website. If preparing for tailgate season, read our Tailgate Like a Winner article for expert tips to perfecting your perfect tailgate spread. ~
A former chef, FRANCESCA BLACK is an avid culinarian and Wine & Country content creator. She’s on a mission to create quality copy that helps to bring new perspectives to the food and culture of Virginia’s farm-to-table scene.
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