Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Gather all your ingredients for smoother preparation.

In a 9x13 inch baking dish, pour in ½ cup of melted unsalted butter to coat the bottom.

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, ½ teaspoon of baking soda, and 1 teaspoon of salt until well combined.

In a separate bowl, mix together 1 cup of buttermilk and ¼ cup of the remaining melted butter. Stir gently until combined.

Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and fold together lightly with a spatula until just mixed.

Carefully fold in 1 cup of diced ham and 1 cup of shredded cheese along with fresh chives if desired.

Using a large spoon or scoop, drop spoonfuls of dough into the prepared baking dish, leaving space between each mound.

Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the edges are bubbling.

Allow the biscuits to cool slightly before serving warm.