Savory Ham & Cheese Scones: Comfort Food Classic Reimagined
Ah, the scent of freshly baked goods wafting through the air—there’s just nothing quite like it. I can still remember the first time I pulled a batch of scones out of the oven alongside my mom when I was little. Those scones were sweet and fruity, topped with a pat of melting butter and a dollop of jam. But today, I want to take a delightful turn towards the savory side of things with these Savory Ham and Cheese Scones. They’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even as a great snack during a cozy movie night. Just imagine biting into a warm, flaky scone studded with bits of savory, salty ham, and rich, gooey cheese. Trust me, your taste buds will send you a heartfelt thank-you note!
These scones are not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make, bringing that wonderful comfort food vibe to your kitchen. They’re great for using up leftovers, and you can whip them up in no time. Plus, they pair so well with a hot cup of tea or coffee, making them a lovely addition to your next gathering (or personal indulgence!).
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to make: Perfect for weeknight dinners or brunch with friends.
- Budget-friendly: Uses simple, everyday ingredients.
- Comforting flavors: The combination of ham and cheese is always a crowd-pleaser.
- Quick baking time: You can have fresh scones in about 30 minutes!
- Flexible: Customize the ingredients based on what you have on hand.
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Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to channel your inner baker:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1 cup diced cooked ham (the saltier, the better!)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar works wonders!)
- ¾ cup buttermilk (or regular milk with a splash of vinegar)
- 1 large egg (for egg wash)
Helpful note: Using cold butter is key to achieving those flaky layers, so don’t skip this step!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure that your scones bake evenly and become perfectly golden brown.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and black pepper until combined.
- Add the butter: Toss in the cubed cold butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Think of it almost as playing with soft dough—just mixed enough!
- Stir in the tasty bits: Fold in the diced ham and shredded cheese. Get your hands in there; this is where the magic happens!
- Pour in the buttermilk: Make a well in the center and pour in the buttermilk. Using a fork, stir until just combined. Don’t overmix it; you want your scones to be fluffy, not heavy!
- Shape the dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently pat it into a circle about 1-inch thick. Feel free to sprinkle a little extra flour if it feels too sticky.
- Cut and place: Use a sharp knife or a biscuit cutter to cut out your scones. Place them on a lined baking sheet, making sure to leave some space in between each one.
- Egg wash: Beat the egg with a tiny splash of water, then brush the tops of the scones with the egg wash for that beautiful glossy finish.
- Bake: Pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the scones are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Your kitchen is about to smell heavenly!
- Cool and enjoy: Allow the scones to cool on a wire rack for a few minutes before digging in. This is a crucial step because it makes them stay warm and fluffy!
Personal tip: If you’re feeling adventurous, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for some spice or fresh herbs for an aromatic twist!
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Pro Tips & Variations
Let’s get creative with your savory ham and cheese scones! Here are some fun twists you can try:
- Cheese switch: Swap out cheddar for Gruyère, havarti, or even blue cheese for a unique flavor.
- Herbal touch: Toss in fresh herbs like chives, parsley, or thyme for a wonderful aroma.
- Other add-ins: Try adding sun-dried tomatoes, sautéed onions, or spinach for an extra veggie punch.
- Gluten-free option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a cup-for-cup gluten-free blend if you prefer.
The beauty of these scones is how versatile they are. Feel free to experiment, and let me know which combinations become your favorites!
Serving Suggestions
These scones are fab on their own, but why not elevate the experience? Serve them warm with:
- A generous pat of butter (or herbed butter for a fancy touch).
- Your favorite jam or spicy mustard on the side for dipping.
- A simple salad of mixed greens dressed with a light vinaigrette for a delightful contrast.
- Pair with a steaming cup of coffee, tea, or even a glass of chilled white wine. Perfect for a relaxed afternoon or brunch gathering!
Picture this: a cozy afternoon, a plate of still-warm ham and cheese scones, and maybe your favorite book open beside you. Can you feel that comfort?
Storage Tips
Leftover scones? No problem. Here’s how to store them without losing that fresh, flaky goodness:
- Refrigeration: Store your scones in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just be sure to let them cool completely first!
- Freezing: You can freeze them before or after baking. If freezing before baking, shape them, freeze them on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake straight from the freezer; no need to thaw! If you freeze baked scones, let them cool then wrap them tightly.
- Reheating: To reheat, just pop them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5-10 minutes until warmed through. They’ll be just as delicious as day one!
FAQs
Can I use other types of meat?
Absolutely! Feel free to use cooked bacon, sausage, or even turkey in place of ham. Just ensure they’re cooked and diced properly for the best texture.
What if I don’t have buttermilk?
No worries! You can easily make a substitute by adding a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to a cup of regular milk. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly, and voilà—instant buttermilk!
How do I know when the scones are done?
Look for a nice golden brown color and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean. If they feel firm to the touch and have that lovely aroma, they’re ready!
Can I make these scones ahead of time?
Definitely! You can make the dough ahead, cut and shape the scones, then refrigerate or freeze them. Bake fresh when you’re ready to enjoy them.
Conclusion
There you have it—lovely Savory Ham and Cheese Scones that are sure to bring warmth and comfort to your kitchen. I hope you give this recipe a try and savor every flaky bite. I’d love to hear how yours turn out, so feel free to drop a comment below or share your version on social media. Happy baking, my friend!
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Savory Ham & Cheese Scones: Comfort Food Classic Reimagined
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 scones 1x
Description
Discover a flavorful twist on comfort food with savory ham & cheese scones, perfect for any occasion. Indulge in these delicious bites today!
Ingredients
Instructions
Notes
Delightful and flaky Savory Ham and Cheese Scones that are simple to make and perfect for breakfast, brunch or as a snack.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12 scones
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 1g
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
Keywords: scones, savory scones, ham and cheese, baking, comfort food