- Savory Cheese Scones

$- 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 tablespoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper - 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese - 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese - 1/2 cup buttermilk (cold) - 1 large egg (lightly beaten) - Fresh chives, finely chopped (for garnish) To make savory cheese scones, you will need simple ingredients. First, gather your flour. This gives the scones their structure. Next, baking powder helps them rise and become fluffy. Salt adds flavor, while black pepper gives a slight kick. Cold butter is key. It creates flaky layers. Cut the butter into small cubes for easy mixing. The cheese adds rich taste. Sharp cheddar gives a bold flavor. Parmesan brings a nutty note. Buttermilk is important for moisture and tenderness. The egg binds everything together. Finally, fresh chives make a lovely garnish. They add a pop of color and flavor. You can find the full recipe to guide you through the process. Each ingredient plays a role in the end result, creating delightful, savory cheese scones that are perfect for any meal. - Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). - Prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper. - Combine flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. - Whisk until everything mixes well. - Add cold butter to the flour mixture. - Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to work in the butter. - Stop when it looks like coarse crumbs with some larger bits. - Fold in shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheese. - Make sure the cheese spreads evenly in the mix. - In a different bowl, mix cold buttermilk and the beaten egg. - Whisk until they are smooth and well combined. - Make a well in the center of the dry mix. - Pour the wet ingredients into the well. - Gently mix until just combined. Don't overwork the dough. - Lightly flour a clean surface. - Pat the dough into a rectangle about 1 inch thick. - Cut the dough into squares or triangles. - Place scones on the prepared baking sheet. - Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown. - A toothpick should come out clean when inserted. For the full recipe, check the main article. To get the best texture in your savory cheese scones, start with cold butter. When the butter is cold, it creates little pockets of steam as it melts. This makes scones light and fluffy. Cut the cold butter into small cubes before adding it to the flour mix. Avoid overmixing the dough. Mix just until the wet and dry ingredients are combined. Overmixing can make your scones tough. You want the dough to stay tender and airy. Adding herbs or spices can jazz up your scones. Try mixing in fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme. You can also add some garlic powder or onion powder for extra flavor. A pinch of cayenne can give a nice kick too! Experiment with different cheese blends. Mixing in some blue cheese or gouda can enhance the taste. Get creative and find what flavors you love! Bake your scones on the middle rack of the oven. This ensures even heat distribution. If you place them too high or too low, they may bake unevenly. Check the scones after 15 minutes. They should be puffed and golden brown. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean. This means they are ready to enjoy! For a detailed guide, check out the Full Recipe. {{image_4}} You can use different cheeses for your savory cheese scones. Sharp cheddar gives a bold taste. You might also try gouda for a creamy flavor. Parmesan adds a nice salty touch. For a milder flavor, use mozzarella. If you like blue cheese, it adds a strong punch. Mix and match cheeses to find your favorite combo. You can boost flavor by adding vegetables or meats. Chopped green onions give a fresh taste. Spinach adds color and nutrition. Diced ham or crispy bacon brings a savory touch. Sun-dried tomatoes bring a sweet and tangy flavor. Just chop them small so they mix well into the dough. Be careful not to add too much, or your scones may get soggy. If you need a gluten-free option, use gluten-free flour. Look for blends made for baking. These blends usually contain rice flour or almond flour. You can also try oat flour for a nutty taste. Just remember, gluten-free dough may need more liquid. Adjust the buttermilk to get the right texture. Enjoy your gluten-free scones just as much as the classic version. For the full recipe, check the previous section. To store your savory cheese scones at room temperature, place them in an airtight container. Make sure the container is not too big to avoid air getting in. Store them for up to three days. If you notice any moisture, add a paper towel inside the container to absorb it. This keeps your scones fresh and fluffy. For long-term storage, freezing is a great option. First, allow your scones to cool completely after baking. Then, wrap each scone in plastic wrap to keep them safe from freezer burn. Place the wrapped scones in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can stay frozen for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy them, just pull out how many you need. Reheating your scones properly helps maintain their flavor and texture. The best method is to use an oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the scones on a baking sheet and warm them for about 10-12 minutes. This method revives their fluffy texture. You can also reheat them in a microwave, but be cautious. Heat them for 10-15 seconds at a time to prevent them from getting tough. Enjoy your scones warm and fresh! Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time. Just follow these steps: - Make the dough and shape it into a rectangle. - Cut the scones and place them on a baking sheet. - Cover the scones with plastic wrap. - Refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake them straight from the fridge. This helps keep them fluffy. These scones pair well with a variety of dishes. Here are some ideas: - Serve with a warm bowl of soup. - Enjoy with a fresh garden salad. - Spread butter or your favorite jam on top. - Try them alongside scrambled eggs for breakfast. Enhancing flavors is easy. Consider these tips: - Add herbs like rosemary or thyme to the dough. - Mix in sun-dried tomatoes or olives for a Mediterranean twist. - Use different cheeses, like feta or blue cheese, for a unique taste. - Sprinkle some garlic powder for extra zest. Buttermilk adds flavor and moisture, but it’s not a must. Here are alternatives: - Replace it with regular milk mixed with lemon juice or vinegar. - Use yogurt thinned with water to match the consistency. - Try sour cream as a substitute; it also adds richness. Look for these signs of perfectly baked scones: - They should be golden brown on top. - A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean. - The scones will feel light and airy when touched. - They should have risen nicely and not look flat. For a detailed guide, check out the Full Recipe for savory cheese scones. You learned how to make savory cheese scones step by step. From gathering ingredients to baking, you can create a delicious treat. Don’t forget tips for texture and flavor too. You can even adapt the recipe with different cheeses or vegetables. Storing and reheating your scones correctly keeps them fresh. With these easy methods, you can impress your family and friends. Now it’s time to bake and enjoy your homemade scones!$

Discover the joy of baking Savory Cheese Scones with this easy recipe that guarantees fluffy, flavorful treats! Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or brunch, these scones are packed with cheddar and Parmesan, and can be customized with your favorite herbs and spices. Follow the simple steps outlined in the article to impress your family and friends. Click through now to explore the full recipe and start creating your delicious scones today!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 tablespoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes

1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 cup buttermilk (cold)

1 large egg (lightly beaten)

Fresh chives, finely chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and black pepper. Whisk together until all dry ingredients are thoroughly mixed.

Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, with some larger pea-sized pieces remaining for flakiness.

Gently fold in the shredded sharp cheddar and grated Parmesan cheese, ensuring the cheeses are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the cold buttermilk and lightly beaten egg until they are well combined and smooth.

Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour the wet mixture into it. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, gently mix until just combined, being careful not to overwork the dough to maintain tenderness.

Lightly flour a clean surface and turn the dough out. With your hands, gently pat the dough into a rectangle about 1 inch thick, avoiding excessive kneading.

Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to cut the dough into squares or triangles. Carefully place the cut scones onto the prepared baking sheet, ensuring there is space between each piece to allow for rising.

Bake the scones in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they are puffed and golden brown on top, and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Once baked, remove the scones from the oven and allow them to cool slightly on the baking sheet. Garnish with finely chopped fresh chives just before serving to add color and flavor.

Prep Time: 15 min | Total Time: 35 min | Servings: 12 scones

- Serving Suggestions: These savory cheese scones are perfect served warm, either plain or alongside a dollop of butter or your favorite spread. Pair them with a fresh salad or soup for a delightful meal!