Protein Biscuits with Cottage Cheese, Cheddar, Ham, and Chives Recipe
If you’re on the hunt for a savory, protein-packed snack that feels like a cozy hug in biscuit form, you’re going to love this Protein Biscuits with Cottage Cheese, Cheddar, Ham, and Chives Recipe. These biscuits strike the perfect balance between fluffy and hearty, with a wonderful blend of flavors that make every bite satisfying. The cottage cheese adds moisture and protein without weighing them down, while the cheddar, ham, and chives bring that savory punch that keeps you coming back for more.
I first stumbled upon a version of these biscuits when I wanted something beyond the usual breakfast routine, and I was amazed at how quickly they came together without sacrificing taste. Whether you need a grab-and-go breakfast, a protein-rich snack, or something fun to serve at brunch with friends, this Protein Biscuits with Cottage Cheese, Cheddar, Ham, and Chives Recipe fits the bill perfectly. Plus, they’re flexible enough to tweak depending on what you have on hand, which is always a win in my book.
Why This Recipe Works
- Balanced Protein Boost: Cottage cheese and ham provide plenty of protein while keeping the biscuits moist and flavorful.
- Simple, Minimal Prep: With just a few pantry staples, you can whip these up quickly without complicated steps or ingredients.
- Perfect Texture: The baking powder gives a nice rise while the cheeses create a tender, slightly crumbly bite that’s not dry.
- Versatile and Delicious: These biscuits are great on their own or split open for sandwiches, making them ideal any time of day.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Every ingredient in this Protein Biscuits with Cottage Cheese, Cheddar, Ham, and Chives Recipe plays a role in both flavor and texture, ensuring your biscuits come out tender, savory, and satisfying. Here’s what I love about the combination and some tips for picking quality ingredients the first time to get the best results.
- Flour: Whether you choose all-purpose or whole wheat, the flour forms the sturdy base; I often like a mix to keep some heartiness without sacrificing tenderness.
- Onion Powder: Adds subtle savory depth without overpowering the other flavors.
- Garlic Powder: Just a touch to round out the flavors and make the biscuits feel more complex.
- Baking Powder: The rising agent that ensures your biscuits have that light, fluffy texture.
- Salt: Essential for balancing the flavors, especially with the cheeses and ham.
- Cottage Cheese: The star protein ingredient — it keeps the dough wonderfully moist while boosting protein content.
- Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar is my favorite here; its tangy richness complements the ham perfectly.
- Eggs: They bind everything together and add structure without heaviness.
- Ham: Use diced ham for a smoky, meaty punch — turkey works great too if you want a lighter option.
- Chives: Fresh chives add a mild oniony note and a pop of green, making the biscuits look and taste fresher.
Make It Your Way
I love how easy it is to adjust the Protein Biscuits with Cottage Cheese, Cheddar, Ham, and Chives Recipe to suit your mood or pantry. You can swap out ingredients without losing that comforting biscuit vibe, making this a recipe you’ll want to revisit again and again.
- Variation: Try swapping ham for cooked bacon or sausage for a different smoky flavor. I especially enjoy bacon in the cooler months for that added richness.
- Dairy-free Option: Use a dairy-free cottage cheese alternative and vegan cheese – the texture changes slightly but the biscuits still come out tasty.
- Herb Twists: Beyond chives, parsley, thyme, or rosemary can bring fresh new twists I’ve experimented with and loved when entertaining guests.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika to the dry ingredients if you want something with a little heat — it wakes up the flavors nicely.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Protein Biscuits with Cottage Cheese, Cheddar, Ham, and Chives Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. Lightly flour the parchment paper so the biscuits don’t stick — this little step saves you from struggling to peel them off later. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, onion powder, garlic powder, baking powder, and salt until everything’s well combined. This ensures your rising agent and seasonings are evenly distributed for perfect texture and flavor.
Step 2: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, mix together the cottage cheese, shredded cheddar, whisked eggs, diced ham, and fresh chives. I like to use a fork to help break up the cottage cheese so it integrates smoothly into the mixture. Make sure the ham pieces are fairly small for even distribution throughout the dough — you don’t want any giant chunks overpowering a bite.
Step 3: Bring It All Together
Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with your dry mix and stir with a wooden spoon or silicone spatula. When the dough starts to come together, switch to clean, floured hands to knead and shape it into a large dough ball. The dough will be a bit sticky — that’s normal! Just sprinkle on a little more flour if it’s too sticky to handle, but don’t overdo it, or the biscuits might turn out dry. The goal is a slightly tacky, pliable dough.
Step 4: Shape and Cut the Biscuits
Place your dough ball on the prepared baking sheet and press it gently with your hands into a rough rectangle about 7 by 10 inches. It doesn’t have to be perfect — rustic shapes add charm! Use a knife or bench scraper to cut the dough into 12 equal squares. Space them out evenly on the sheet, so they bake uniformly and get those beautiful golden edges.
Step 5: Bake and Enjoy
Bake for 22 to 25 minutes, until the tops look lightly golden and the bottoms have a nice brown crust. I like to let them cool just a bit before digging in — slicing them open while warm makes the cheese melty and the flavors even more magical. Whether you enjoy these biscuits as they are or sliced in half for breakfast sandwiches, they’re sure to brighten your day.
Tips from My Kitchen
- Don’t Overmix: Stir just until combined to keep biscuits tender and avoid developing too much gluten.
- Adjust Flour Carefully: Dough should be sticky but manageable; adding too much flour can dry out your biscuits.
- Sharp Cheddar Works Best: I find sharp cheddar balances the richness of the cottage cheese and ham perfectly.
- Even Cuts for Even Baking: Use a ruler or eyeball the spacing to cut biscuits evenly; that way, they all bake through at the same time.
How to Serve Protein Biscuits with Cottage Cheese, Cheddar, Ham, and Chives Recipe
Garnishes
I love topping these biscuits with a dab of butter or a smear of homemade herb cream cheese, especially when they’re still warm. Fresh chive tops sprinkled over just before serving add brightness and a nice pop of color. Sometimes, I also like a drizzle of honey for a sweet-and-savory twist that my family surprisingly adores.
Side Dishes
Pair these protein biscuits with scrambled eggs and a side of roasted veggies or a fresh green salad for balanced meals at any time. For brunch, I often serve them alongside fresh fruit or a light tomato cucumber salad to cut through the richness. They also work beautifully with a cup of soup or chili for an easy dinner option.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun brunch or party twist, slice the biscuits in half, layer with avocado, sliced hard-boiled eggs, and a touch of hot sauce for a colorful breakfast slider. I’ve also arranged them on a platter surrounded by fresh herbs and small bowls of mustard and chutney to let guests customize their snack. A sprinkle of edible flowers on top can make them feel extra special too!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover protein biscuits keep well in an airtight container at room temperature for a day or two, but I usually pop mine in the fridge to keep them fresh longer — up to 5 days. To prevent sogginess, I place parchment paper between layers if stacking. This recipe makes a good batch, so you’re likely to have some leftovers ready for quick snacks.
Freezing
I’ve frozen these biscuits multiple times with excellent results. After baking, let them cool completely, then wrap each biscuit tightly in plastic wrap followed by foil, or place in a freezer-safe bag. When you want one, thaw overnight in the fridge or gently defrost in the microwave — they almost taste freshly baked every time!
Reheating
To reheat, I prefer the oven or toaster oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to restore that just-baked texture and crispy edges. Microwaving works in a pinch but can make them a little chewy. If you’re serving as breakfast sandwiches, a quick reheat under the broiler also melts the cheese beautifully.
FAQs
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Can I use low-fat or non-fat cottage cheese in the Protein Biscuits with Cottage Cheese, Cheddar, Ham, and Chives Recipe?
Yes! Low-fat or non-fat cottage cheese works just fine and will reduce the overall richness and calories. The texture might be a bit drier, so you can add a teaspoon or two of milk to keep the dough moist. Just be sure not to add too much liquid, or the dough could become too sticky.
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Can I make these biscuits gluten-free?
You can experiment with gluten-free all-purpose flour blends, but the texture may be slightly different—less fluffy and more crumbly. Adding a binder like xanthan gum (if not already in your blend) can help. For best results, try a tested gluten-free biscuit recipe or substitute carefully.
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How do I know when the biscuits are done baking?
Look for biscuits with lightly golden tops and a crisp, golden-brown bottom. You can gently lift one up to peek underneath. They should feel firm to the touch but still tender inside. If unsure, an extra minute or two in the oven won’t hurt.
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Can I prepare the dough ahead and bake later?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough, shape and cut the biscuits, then cover the baking sheet tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes a great option for busy mornings when you want fresh biscuits without the extra prep time.
Final Thoughts
This Protein Biscuits with Cottage Cheese, Cheddar, Ham, and Chives Recipe has become a little staple for me, especially on busy mornings when I crave something both quick and nourishing. They’re so satisfying, and knowing they pack a good protein punch means I’m fueled up for hours. I truly think you’ll enjoy how easy they are to customize and how well they hold up as leftovers or frozen snacks. Give them a try — you might just find your new favorite biscuit!
PrintProtein Biscuits with Cottage Cheese, Cheddar, Ham, and Chives Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 biscuits
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delicious and savory protein biscuits packed with cottage cheese, cheddar, and diced ham or turkey. These hearty biscuits make a perfect breakfast or snack, with a flavorful blend of spices and fresh chives for added zest. Baked to a golden brown, they’re great enjoyed on their own or sliced for sandwiches.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2.5 cups flour or whole wheat flour
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- 16 oz cottage cheese
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 eggs, whisked
- 6 oz ham or turkey, diced
- 1/3 cup chives, finely chopped
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Lightly flour the parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, onion powder, garlic powder, baking powder, and salt until fully combined.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a medium bowl, mix the cottage cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, whisked eggs, diced ham or turkey, and chopped chives until fully incorporated.
- Form the Dough: Add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients and stir with a wooden spoon or silicone spatula. When the dough starts to come together, switch to using clean, floured hands to knead and form a large dough ball. If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle with a little more flour as needed. The dough should be slightly sticky but manageable.
- Shape Biscuits: Place the dough ball onto the prepared baking sheet and flatten it with your hands into a roughly 7 inch by 10 inch rectangle. It does not have to be perfectly shaped.
- Cut Biscuits: Using a knife or bench scraper, divide the dough evenly into 12 biscuit-sized pieces. Space them apart evenly on the baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake the biscuits in the preheated oven for 25 minutes until the tops are lightly golden and the bottoms are golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the biscuits to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them as is or slice in half to make delicious breakfast sandwiches.
Notes
- Use whole wheat flour for a heartier, more fiber-rich biscuit.
- Add an extra sprinkle of flour when kneading if the dough is too sticky to handle.
- Substitute ham with turkey or a plant-based alternative to suit dietary needs.
- Chives can be replaced with green onions or fresh parsley for a different herb flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container to keep biscuits fresh for 2-3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 biscuit
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg