Cheesy Ham & Biscuit Casserole
This Cheesy Ham & Biscuit Casserole is the perfect comfort-food dinner when you want something warm, creamy, cheesy, and incredibly easy to prepare. Tender pieces of cooked ham are combined with a rich, creamy sauce, plenty of melted cheese, and fluffy biscuit pieces baked right on top.
The combination of creamy chicken or mushroom soup, sour cream, cheddar, and mozzarella creates a deliciously rich filling, while the biscuit topping becomes golden brown and fluffy in the oven.
It is an excellent option for a quick family dinner, weekend brunch, or an easy way to use leftover cooked meat.
Recipe Overview
| Category | Details |
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 25–30 minutes |
| Cooling Time | 5 minutes |
| Total Time | About 45–50 minutes |
| Servings | 6–8 |
| Oven Temperature | 375°F (190°C) |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Cuisine | American-inspired comfort food |
| Main Ingredients | Biscuits, cooked ham, cheddar, mozzarella, creamy soup |
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This casserole is incredibly easy to assemble and requires only a handful of everyday ingredients.
The creamy filling is rich and flavorful without requiring a complicated homemade sauce.
The combination of cheddar and mozzarella gives the casserole both a sharp cheesy flavor and plenty of delicious cheese pull.
The biscuit topping makes this dish especially satisfying because it becomes golden, fluffy, and slightly crisp on top while soaking up some of the creamy sauce underneath.
It is also a practical recipe for using leftover cooked ham or chicken.
Ingredients
For the Casserole
| Ingredient | Amount |
| Refrigerated biscuit dough | 1 can (16 oz / about 450 g) |
| Cooked ham, diced | 2 cups |
| Shredded cheddar cheese | 1½ cups, divided |
| Shredded mozzarella cheese | 1 cup |
| Condensed cream of chicken or mushroom soup | 1 can (10.5 oz / about 298 g) |
| Sour cream or heavy cream | ½ cup |
| Milk | ½ cup |
| Garlic powder | ½ teaspoon |
| Onion powder | ½ teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Black pepper | To taste |
| Fresh parsley | 2 tablespoons, finely chopped |
Best Meat Options
For the classic version, use cooked diced ham.
You can also use cooked shredded chicken if you prefer a milder flavor. Leftover roasted chicken or rotisserie-style chicken works particularly well.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Lightly grease a deep baking dish with cooking spray or a small amount of butter.
A deep 9 × 13-inch baking dish works well for this recipe.
2. Make the Creamy Sauce
Add the condensed cream of chicken or mushroom soup to a large mixing bowl.
Add the sour cream or heavy cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
Whisk everything together until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
3. Add the Meat and Cheese
Add the diced cooked ham, shredded mozzarella, and ½ cup of the cheddar cheese to the creamy mixture.
Gently fold everything together until the ham and cheese are evenly coated.
4. Assemble the Casserole
Pour the creamy ham mixture into the prepared baking dish.
Spread it evenly so the filling reaches all corners of the dish.
5. Prepare the Biscuit Topping
Open the refrigerated biscuit dough and separate the biscuits.
Cut each biscuit into four smaller pieces.
Arrange the biscuit pieces evenly over the surface of the casserole.
Try not to completely cover every space because the biscuits will expand as they bake.
6. Add More Cheese
Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the biscuit pieces.
This creates a delicious golden, cheesy topping as the casserole bakes.
7. Bake
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes.
The biscuits should be fully cooked, puffed, and deep golden brown.
The cheese should be melted and bubbling around the edges.
If the biscuits are browning too quickly before they are fully cooked inside, loosely cover the dish with aluminum foil for the remaining baking time.
8. Rest and Garnish
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes.
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top.
Serve warm while the cheese and creamy filling are still hot.
Best Tips
Cutting the biscuits into smaller pieces helps them cook more evenly and makes every serving easier to scoop.
Do not overcrowd the biscuit pieces on top. Leaving small spaces between them allows hot air to circulate and helps the dough cook properly.
Use freshly shredded cheddar when possible because it melts smoothly and gives the casserole a better texture.
If your ham is already quite salty, taste the creamy mixture before adding additional salt.
Allowing the casserole to rest for five minutes after baking helps the creamy filling thicken slightly and makes serving easier.
For the best texture, bake the casserole uncovered so the biscuit topping has a chance to become golden brown.
Best Ingredient Options
Cheddar: Sharp cheddar gives the casserole a stronger cheese flavor, while mild cheddar creates a softer and creamier taste.
Mozzarella: Low-moisture mozzarella melts beautifully and gives the dish a stretchy texture.
Cream: Sour cream adds a slight tang, while heavy cream creates a richer and more luxurious filling.
Soup: Cream of chicken provides a savory flavor that pairs naturally with ham or chicken. Cream of mushroom gives the casserole a deeper, earthier flavor.
Biscuits: Refrigerated biscuit dough makes this recipe extremely convenient, but homemade biscuit dough can also be used.
Recipe Variations
For a vegetable version, stir in cooked broccoli, peas, corn, or diced carrots before baking.
For extra cheesiness, add a little Monterey Jack, Colby, or Parmesan along with the cheddar.
For a chicken version, replace the diced ham with approximately 2 cups of cooked shredded chicken.
For a garlic-cheese topping, mix a small amount of melted butter with garlic powder and brush it lightly over the baked biscuits before serving.
For a spicy variation, add diced jalapeños or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the creamy filling.
What to Serve With
Serve this casserole with a simple green salad for a fresh contrast to the creamy filling.
Steamed broccoli or green beans make an easy vegetable side dish.
Roasted carrots, peas, or corn also pair nicely with the cheesy casserole.
For brunch, serve smaller portions alongside scrambled eggs and fresh fruit.
Make-Ahead Instructions
You can prepare the creamy filling several hours in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator.
For the best biscuit texture, add the biscuit pieces shortly before baking rather than leaving the raw dough sitting on the wet filling for several hours.
When ready to bake, assemble the casserole, add the biscuit topping and cheese, then bake according to the recipe instructions.
If the casserole is very cold from the refrigerator, it may require a few additional minutes in the oven.
Storage
Allow leftover casserole to cool before transferring it to an airtight container.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
Keep the casserole refrigerated rather than leaving it at room temperature for an extended period.
Reheating
For individual portions, microwave for about 1–2 minutes, checking and stirring the filling halfway through if necessary.
For the best biscuit texture, reheat portions in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through.
You can also use an air fryer for individual portions, reheating at approximately 325°F (165°C) until hot.
Freezing
This casserole can be frozen, although the biscuit topping may have a slightly different texture after thawing.
For best results, freeze leftover portions in airtight, freezer-safe containers.
Freeze for up to 2–3 months for the best quality.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Do not bake the casserole at a lower temperature than recommended because the biscuit dough needs enough heat to cook and brown properly.
Avoid using very large biscuit pieces because the centers may remain undercooked while the tops become golden.
Do not add too much salt before tasting the filling, especially if your cooked ham and condensed soup are already salty.
Avoid completely covering the casserole with cheese before placing the biscuits because too much cheese can prevent the biscuit dough from browning properly.
Do not skip the short resting period after baking. It allows the creamy filling to settle and makes the casserole easier to serve.
Nutrition Estimate
Nutrition will vary depending on the biscuit dough, soup, cheese, and type of meat used.
| Nutrient | Estimated Amount Per Serving |
| Calories | 450–550 kcal |
| Protein | 20–25 g |
| Carbohydrates | 30–40 g |
| Fat | 25–32 g |
| Saturated Fat | 12–17 g |
| Fiber | 1–2 g |
| Sodium | 900–1,300 mg |
| Calcium | 250–350 mg |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken instead of ham?
Yes. Cooked shredded or diced chicken is an excellent substitute and works especially well with cream of chicken soup.
Can I use homemade biscuits?
Absolutely. Homemade biscuit dough can be cut into small pieces and arranged over the casserole before baking.
Can I use only cheddar cheese?
Yes. You can replace the mozzarella with additional cheddar. The final casserole will have a stronger cheddar flavor and slightly less stretchiness.
Why are my biscuits not cooked in the center?
This can happen if the biscuit pieces are too large or if the casserole is too deep. Cut the dough into smaller pieces and make sure your oven is fully preheated before baking.
Can I add vegetables?
Yes. Cooked broccoli, peas, corn, mushrooms, or carrots are all good additions. Make sure vegetables are not excessively watery.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, but for the best biscuit texture, prepare the creamy filling ahead and add the biscuit dough shortly before baking.
How long does it last in the refrigerator?
Properly stored leftovers can generally be kept refrigerated for 3–4 days.
Can I freeze it?
Yes. Freeze cooled portions in airtight freezer-safe containers for up to 2–3 months for best quality.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Ham & Biscuit Casserole is a simple, comforting meal that combines a creamy savory filling with tender meat, melted cheese, and a golden biscuit topping.
It is easy enough for a busy weeknight but hearty enough for a family weekend meal. With simple substitutions such as cooked chicken, extra vegetables, or different cheeses, you can easily adapt the recipe to whatever ingredients you have available.