Preheat oven to 450F degrees. Spray an (oven safe) glass or ceramic 9×9-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.

In a medium bowl, mix together 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour, 1 Tablespoon granulated sugar and 1 Tablespoon aluminum free baking powder.

Pour in 1 ¾ cups buttermilk. Stir until a sticky batter forms. If the batter still seems too dry add a tad bit more buttermilk until the batter is thick and sticky.

Gently stir in 2 cups small diced ham and 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese until combined well.

In a microwave-safe bowl, melt ½ cup (1 stick) salted butter in the microwave. Pour melted butter into prepared baking dish.

Pour biscuit dough into baking dish (right on top of the melted butter). Some of the butter will run over the top of the dough.

Cut the dough into 9 squares. This will help with cutting later when the biscuits are baked.

Bake (on the middle oven rack) for about 25-30 minutes, rotating dish once during baking.

If biscuits browning too quickly, cover with foil for the rest of the baking time.

Insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean with no batter, they are done! Slice and serve!