Country Ham and Biscuits

Dolly Parton and Rachel Parton George’s famous biscuit recipe is the perfect addition to any party. Just don’t skimp on the bacon grease!

Preparation Details

Prep Time: Not available

Cook Time: Not available

Total Time: 45 mins

Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup shortening , plus more for greasing
• 3 cups flour , plus more for dusting
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 1/2 cup cold butter , cut into 1/2-inch pieces
• 1 1/4 cups whole buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon bacon grease or shortening
• 3 slices country ham
• softened butter, for serving

Steps

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). Grease an 8-inch cast-iron skillet with shortening.
2. In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a food processor, sift together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cream of tartar. Mix or pulse a few times to combine.
3. Cut butter and 1/4 cup shortening into flour mixture just until you get a crumbly consistency. Add buttermilk to flour mixture. Gently stir until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
4. Turn out dough onto a floured surface. With floured hands, pat dough to approximately 2-inch thickness. Using a 2 1/2-inch biscuit cutter, cut out 6 to 8 biscuits. Transfer to greased skillet. Bake until golden brown, about 30 minutes. Remove biscuits from oven and let cool 5 minutes.
5. While biscuits are baking, cook ham: Add bacon grease to a cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Add ham slices and fry until edges are brown, a few minutes per side. Remove ham from skillet and place on a paper towel–lined plate to drain. Cut each slice in half.
6. To serve, split each biscuit in half, spread with softened butter, and sandwich with a piece of ham.