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Savory Ham & Cheese Scones Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 73 reviews

These Savory Ham & Cheese Scones are a delicious, flaky treat perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a savory snack. Made with sharp cheddar cheese, chopped ham, fresh chives, and buttermilk, these scones bake up golden and tender with a buttery crumb. The combination of ham and cheese adds a satisfying savory depth, while the fresh chives bring a mild onion flavor. Whether served warm with butter or as a quick grab-and-go snack, these scones are sure to delight.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled), plus more for hands and work surface
  • 1 Tablespoon (12g) granulated sugar
  • 2 and 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 3 Tablespoons chopped fresh chives

Cheese and Meat

  • 1 cup (about 100g or 3.5 oz) shredded cheddar cheese
  • 3/4 cup (about 110g or 3 oz) finely chopped ham

Fats

  • 1/2 cup (8 Tbsp; 113g) unsalted butter, frozen

Wet Ingredients

  • 2/3 cup (160ml) cold buttermilk, plus 1 Tablespoon for brushing
  • 1 large egg, separated

Optional Topping

  • Flaky sea salt

Instructions

  1. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir in the chopped fresh chives and shredded cheddar cheese until evenly distributed.
  2. Incorporate butter: Grate the frozen butter using a box grater and add it to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter, two forks, or your fingers to combine the ingredients until the mixture resembles pea-sized crumbs. To keep the mixture cold, place it in the refrigerator or freezer while preparing the wet ingredients.
  3. Combine wet ingredients and add ham: Whisk together the cold buttermilk and egg yolk in a separate bowl, reserving the egg white for later. Pour this wet mixture over the flour and cheese mixture, then add the finely chopped ham. Mix until the dough starts to clump together.
  4. Shape the dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured work surface. With floured hands, work the dough into a sticky ball, adjusting with more flour if too sticky or a tablespoon or two of cold buttermilk if too dry. Press dough into an 8-inch disc.
  5. Cut into scones: Using a sharp knife or bench scraper, cut the disc into 8 wedges for triangle scones. Alternatively, for smaller drop scones, continue mixing the dough until combined, then drop about 1/4 cup portions 3 inches apart on a lined baking sheet.
  6. Brush and add topping: Whisk together 1 tablespoon buttermilk with the reserved egg white and lightly brush this over the scones. Optionally, sprinkle flaky sea salt on top. You can do this before or after refrigerating.
  7. Chill scones: Place the scones on a plate or lined baking sheet and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to chill and help them hold shape during baking.
  8. Preheat oven: While chilling the dough, preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C).
  9. Prepare baking sheets: Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. If making mini or drop scones, use two baking sheets. After chilling, arrange scones 2–3 inches apart on the prepared sheets.
  10. Bake: Bake the scones for 22–25 minutes or until golden brown around the edges and lightly browned on top. Remove from oven and let cool on baking sheets for a few minutes before serving.
  11. Storage: Leftover scones can be kept at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days. Note that scones become softer by the second day.

Notes

  • Using frozen butter helps create a flaky texture by preventing it from melting too quickly during mixing.
  • If the dough is too sticky to handle, add a bit more flour; if it’s too dry and crumbly, add a little more buttermilk.
  • For smaller, drop-style scones, drop dough by 1/4 cup portions spaced apart on a baking sheet.
  • Flaky sea salt on top adds a pleasant texture and flavor contrast but is optional.
  • Chilling the dough before baking helps the scones hold their shape and enhances flakiness.
  • Scones are best enjoyed fresh and warm but can be stored for a few days with slight texture changes.

Keywords: savory scones, ham and cheese scones, breakfast scones, cheddar cheese scones, easy scone recipe, buttermilk scones

Find it online: https://thefoodrecipe.com/savory-ham-and-cheese-scones-recipe/