Savory Ham & Cheese Scones
Discover the rich, savory flavors and flaky texture of Savory Ham & Cheese Scones. These delicious scones combine tender, buttery dough with hearty diced ham and melted sharp cheese, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a light snack. Easy to prepare with simple ingredients, they offer a flaky, tender crumb with a golden crust that keeps everyone coming back for more.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
- Total Time: 30-33 minutes
- Yield: 8-10 scones 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Butter
- 6 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cubed
Cheese and Ham
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (or choice of gouda, Swiss, or pepper jack)
- 3/4 cup diced cooked ham
Wet Ingredients
- 3/4 cup milk or buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and black pepper to distribute the leavening and seasoning evenly throughout the dough.
- Cut in the Butter: Add the cold unsalted butter cubes to the dry mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, which is key to creating flaky layers.
- Incorporate Ham and Cheese: Gently fold the diced ham and shredded cheese into the crumb mixture, ensuring an even distribution without overworking the dough.
- Add Wet Ingredients and Form Dough: In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk (or buttermilk) and egg. Pour this into the dry ingredients, stirring just until combined to keep the dough tender.
- Shape and Cut the Scones: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently pat it into a 1-inch thick circle. Cut into desired shapes such as triangles or rounds.
- Bake Until Golden: Place scones on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-18 minutes, or until puffed and golden brown on top.
Notes
- Keep ingredients cold, especially butter and liquids, for flaky scones.
- Do not overmix the dough to avoid tough scones.
- Use sharp, aged cheese for enhanced flavor.
- Allow dough to rest briefly chilled before baking to improve texture.
- Brush scones with an egg wash before baking for a shiny, golden crust.
- Use pre-cooked ham diced finely for even distribution.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Freeze unbaked scones on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag; bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to baking time.
- Reheat scones at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to restore crispness and melty cheese texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 scone
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: savory scones, ham and cheese scones, breakfast scones, brunch recipe, flaky scones, easy scones, cheese scones, ham scones