Virginia Country Ham with Biscuits & Honey Butter

Introduction

There’s nothing quite like the deep, smoky flavor of Virginia country ham paired with flaky homemade biscuits and sweet honey butter. This recipe is all about maximizing flavor and presentation using the Arteflame Grill. Thanks to its center grill grate that reaches over 1,000°F, you’ll get that perfect high-heat sear, then finish everything to precision on the surrounding flat cooktop griddle. No need for pots, pans, or ovens – the Arteflame handles it all while keeping clean-up easy and fast. This is Southern comfort food elevated for the grill.

Ingredients

• 8 slices of thin-cut Virginia country ham
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 6 tbsp unsalted butter, cold (plus extra for griddle)
• 3/4 cup buttermilk
• 1/4 cup honey
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened (for honey butter)

Instructions

Step 1: Fire up the Arteflame Grill

1. Place 3 paper napkins in the center of your Arteflame grill.
2. Pour vegetable oil over the napkins until slightly soaked.
3. Stack hardwood firewood over the napkins.
4. Light the napkins with a long match or grill lighter.
5. Wait about 20 minutes for the grill center to reach over 1,000°F and the outer ring to heat evenly.

Step 2: Make the Honey Butter

1. In a small bowl, mix 4 tbsp softened butter with 1/4 cup honey.
2. Stir until fully combined and creamy. Set aside (no refrigeration needed).

Step 3: Prepare the Biscuit Dough

1. In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
2. Cut in the 6 tbsp of cold butter using your fingers until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Pour in the buttermilk and stir until just combined.
4. Lightly flour your counter and gently knead the dough 5-6 times.
5. Pat into a 1-inch thick round, then cut out biscuits using a biscuit cutter or glass.

Step 4: Cook the Biscuits on the Flat Top

1. Add a dab of butter onto the Arteflame flat griddle near the outer edge (lower heat zone).
2. Place biscuits on the buttered surface and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked.

Step 5: Sear and Finish the Virginia Ham

1. Place the ham slices directly on the center grill grate for a quick sear – about 30-60 seconds per side.
2. Move them to the surrounding flat cooktop to finish heating thoroughly without drying out.
3. Remove the ham from the grill when internal temperature is 15°F below final target temp, letting carryover cooking finish the job.

Step 6: Assemble and Serve

1. Slice a biscuit, layer with hot country ham, and top with a generous spread of honey butter.
2. Serve immediately with extra honey butter on the side.

Tips

• Use the outer flat top to keep biscuits warm while you finish grilling ham.
• Rotate your biscuits on the flat top for even browning.
• The ham is already cured and salty, so a little honey butter goes a long way for balance.
• Use thicker biscuits for sandwich-style serving, thinner ones for sides.
• Add extra melted butter on the flat top for crispier biscuit bottoms.

Variations

1. Spicy Maple Ham Biscuits: Add red pepper flakes to the honey butter and use maple syrup instead of honey for a spicy-sweet twist.
2. Pimento Cheese & Ham Biscuit: Add a dollop of pimento cheese inside your biscuit for a creamy, tangy Southern flair.
3. Herb Biscuit Delight: Incorporate chopped rosemary and thyme into the biscuit dough for a savory herbal undertone.
4. Applewood Bacon & Ham Bliss: Add grilled applewood-smoked bacon along with the ham for extra smokiness and texture.
5. Garlic Butter Biscuit Hamwich: Brush grilled biscuits with garlic butter just before serving for a bold, aromatic bite.

Best pairings

• Sweet tea or bourbon lemonade
• Grilled peaches brushed with butter
• Fresh coleslaw with apple cider vinaigrette
• Stone-ground grits on the flat top with cheese
• Smoked gouda mac & cheese cooked in cast iron on the griddle edge

Conclusion

This Virginia Country Ham with Biscuits & Honey Butter recipe is the ultimate way to showcase Southern comfort food with gourmet grilling techniques. The Arteflame Grill brings it all together with precision, flavor, and ease. Whether you're feeding a family or impressing guests, this delicious combo never disappoints.