Have you ever craved a warm, flaky treat that fills your kitchen with a mouthwatering aroma? Imagine biting into a freshly baked savory ham and cheese scone, where the rich flavors of sharp cheddar mingle perfectly with smoky ham. This delightful combination offers an irresistible texture that’s golden on the outside and soft inside.
These scones are not just delicious; they’re versatile too! Perfect for brunch gatherings or cozy breakfasts at home, they promise to satisfy your taste buds while being easy to whip up. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this amazing flavor experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Why You’ll Love This Savory Ham & Cheese Scones
Quick and Easy Preparation: These savory ham and cheese scones come together in just under 30 minutes, making them a perfect choice for busy mornings or last-minute guests. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can enjoy homemade goodness without spending hours in the kitchen.
Perfectly Flaky Texture: The blend of cold butter and flour creates a light and flaky texture that elevates these scones from ordinary to extraordinary. Each bite melts in your mouth, leaving you craving more of their deliciousness.
Versatile Serving Options: Whether served warm straight from the oven or cooled with a dollop of butter, these scones adapt beautifully to various occasions. They make great appetizers or snacks for gatherings, and you can even pack them for picnics or lunchboxes!
Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses or add herbs like chives or rosemary for extra flavor. This recipe invites creativity while ensuring that you’ll always have an equally tasty outcome.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- All-Purpose Flour: Use about 2 cups of all-purpose flour for the base of your scone dough; it provides the necessary structure.
- Baking Powder: A couple of tablespoons help your scones rise beautifully while adding lightness.
- Salt: Just a pinch enhances flavor; don’t skip this important ingredient!
- Cold Butter: Use about half a cup of cold butter cut into cubes; it ensures flakiness when mixed into the flour.
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese: About one cup grated adds rich flavor; choose high-quality cheese for best results.
- Diced Ham: Use around one cup of diced smoked ham; it brings in that savory goodness.
- Milk: About three-quarters of a cup is needed to bind everything together; whole milk works best.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Savory Ham & Cheese Scones
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or use a nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt until combined. This step is crucial as it ensures even distribution of baking powder throughout the dough.
Add Cold Butter: Incorporate the cold butter cubes into the flour mixture using a pastry cutter or your fingers until it resembles coarse crumbs. The cold butter contributes to that desired flaky texture.
Add Cheese and Ham: Gently fold in the grated sharp cheddar cheese and diced ham into the flour mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix as this could toughen your scones.
Add Milk Gradually: Pour in the milk gradually while stirring gently until a soft dough forms. You may not need all the milk depending on humidity levels; aim for moist but manageable dough.
Bake Your Scones: Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet about two inches apart. Bake in preheated oven for around 15-20 minutes until golden brown on top. Transfer to a cooling rack before serving!
Transfer to plates and enjoy them fresh out of the oven!
Tips and Tricks
Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:
Use Cold Ingredients: Ensure all ingredients are cold before starting—especially butter—as this helps achieve maximum flakiness in your scones.
Avoid Overmixing: Mix gently when combining wet and dry ingredients; overmixing can result in tough scones instead of tender ones.
Add Extra Flavorings: Experiment by incorporating herbs like thyme or chives for added depth—this small change can make a big difference!
Store Properly: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, freeze them individually wrapped; they reheat well!
Mistakes to avoid
Using cold ingredients
Using cold ingredients can lead to dense and dry scones. Always ensure your butter and milk are at room temperature before mixing. This allows for better incorporation into the dough, resulting in a flaky texture. For best results, take out the butter and milk at least 30 minutes before starting your recipe.
Overmixing the dough
Overmixing your scone dough can make them tough instead of light and fluffy. Mix just until the ingredients come together. A few lumps are perfectly fine; they will create a delightful texture in your savory ham & cheese scones. Aim for gentle folding rather than vigorous stirring.
Neglecting to preheat the oven
Always preheat your oven before baking savory ham & cheese scones. An adequately heated oven ensures even cooking and browning. Preheating usually takes about 10-15 minutes. If you skip this step, you might end up with undercooked centers or uneven textures.
Skipping the egg wash
An egg wash adds a beautiful golden color and shine to your scones. If you skip this step, your savory ham & cheese scones may look pale and unappetizing. Whisk one egg with a tablespoon of water, then brush it over the tops just before baking for that perfect finish.
Ignoring ingredient freshness
Using stale or expired ingredients can ruin the flavor of your scones. Always check the freshness of flour, baking powder, ham, and cheese before using them. Fresh ingredients provide better flavor and texture, ensuring that every bite of your savory ham & cheese scones is delightful.
Serving Suggestions
This Savory Ham & Cheese Scones recipe is versatile and pairs wonderfully with a variety of accompaniments. Serve these delightful scones warm, alongside a fresh garden salad for a light lunch or brunch option. The crisp greens and tangy vinaigrette complement the rich flavors of the ham and cheese, creating a balanced meal that satisfies.
Another great way to enjoy your Savory Ham & Cheese Scones is by pairing them with a bowl of soup. A creamy tomato basil or hearty vegetable soup contrasts nicely with the flaky texture of the scones, making it an ideal choice for a cozy dinner on a chilly evening.
For breakfast, consider serving these scones with a dollop of tangy cream cheese spread or herbed butter. This addition enhances the flavor profile and adds a creamy element that elevates your morning routine. The combination makes for an indulgent yet simple start to your day.
Lastly, these savory treats can be enjoyed as an appetizer at gatherings. Slice them into bite-sized pieces and serve with a selection of dips, such as mustard or hummus. This creates an appealing platter that invites guests to indulge in the delicious flavors of ham and cheese.
FAQs
What ingredients do I need for Savory Ham & Cheese Scones?
To make Savory Ham & Cheese Scones, you will need all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, butter, shredded cheese (like cheddar), diced ham, and milk. These ingredients come together to create light and fluffy scones that are perfect for any occasion.
Can I freeze Savory Ham & Cheese Scones?
Yes, you can freeze Savory Ham & Cheese Scones! After baking them, allow them to cool completely before placing them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to three months. Simply reheat in the oven when you’re ready to enjoy them again.
How long do Savory Ham & Cheese Scones last?
Savory Ham & Cheese Scones will stay fresh for about 2-3 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for several months without losing flavor.
Can I substitute ingredients in Savory Ham & Cheese Scones?
Absolutely! You can customize your Savory Ham & Cheese Scones by using different types of cheese or meats. Feel free to experiment with ingredients like cooked bacon or veggies such as chives or bell peppers for added flavor and variety.
Savory Ham & Cheese Scones
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
Savory Ham & Cheese Scones are a delightful treat that combines rich, cheesy flavor with the savory goodness of ham. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a snack, these scones are easy to make and sure to impress. With their flaky texture and mouthwatering aroma, they are a wonderful addition to any meal.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ cup cold butter (cubed)
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese (grated)
- 1 cup diced smoked ham
- ¾ cup whole milk
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gently fold in the cheddar cheese and diced ham.
- Gradually add the milk while stirring until a soft dough forms.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spaced about two inches apart.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown on top. Allow to cool on a wire rack before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 scone (75g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: For extra flavor, mix in fresh herbs like chives or thyme. Substitute different cheeses such as Gruyère or mozzarella for variety. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or freeze for longer storage.
