Love it or hate it, there’s no denying that marmite is more than for just spreading on toast. These fluffy marmite and cheese scones are the perfect picnic recipe for marmite loving families.
A Light and Fluffy Scone Recipe
Scones aren’t just for picnics either, they’re great for after school snacks and an alternative to sandwiches in lunchboxes.
If you’re outside the UK, you may be confused as to what scones are. This post for the best ever cheese scones will explain it for you.
Scones can be made savoury or sweet but with the added marmite, this variety is definitely a savoury recipe.
This scone recipe does not contain egg in the ingredients but will still produce delicious, fluffy scones that taste great.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
What is Marmite?
Marmite is a vegan yeast extract that is predominantly used as a savoury breakfast spread for toast.
It has a very strong, distinct salty flavour, that is unlike anything else and hard to compare. The consistency is similar to engine oil and it’s very sticky and dark in colour.
Marmite is actually derived as a by product of beer brewing. The by product is broken down into yeast extract and concentrated. Other flavourings are then added, giving Marmite it’s distinct flavour.
Sometimes, there are questions about whether Marmite is good for you and due to the added minerals and vitamins, Marmite is actually banned in Denmark. There’s no denying that Marmite has a high salt content. However, the general consensus is, that, in moderation, Marmite is a good for you. This yeast extract is a great source of B vitamins and Folic Acid, so it’s great to eat when you’re pregnant. It is low in calories, so there is no need to cut it out if you’re dieting.
Ingredients
- Plain White Flour – Using white flour gives these scones the best rise. However, if you want to make the flour mixture 50/50 with wholemeal plain flour, you can. The scones just won’t be as risen.
- Baking Powder – baking powder should always be used when it’s fresh. This gives the scones their rise, so it shouldn’t be left out. If you find that your scones haven’t risen as well as you’d like, check the date that you opened your baking powder. It could be past it’s best.
- Unsalted Butter – I use unsalted butter to keep the salt content down. The marmite and cheese will give this recipe enough added salt to enhance the overall flavour.
- Milk – I use full fat milk in this recipe, but if you want to lower the calories slightly, you can use semi-skimmed.
- Marmite – Since these are specifically cheese and marmite scones, it’s an important ingredient. Other variations of yeast extract may taste slightly different to original marmite.
- Cheddar Cheese – I always use mature cheddar for the best flavour. A mild or medium cheddar can be used but the cheese flavour won’t be as strong.
How To Make Cheese and Marmite Scones
Check out the recipe card below for the full ingredients list and instructions.
- Preheat your oven to 200C.
- Sift the flour into a bowl with the baking powder.
- Chop the butter into small pieces and add to the flour. Rub it in with your fingers until the ingredients become crumb like.
- Add the grated cheese and mix through.
- Stir the marmite into the milk and add to the flour. Mix until you form a dough. Be careful not to overmix at this point.
- Take your dough and lay it on a clean surface, covered with a little extra flour to stop it from sticking.
- Flatten the dough out to about 3cm thick.
- Take a biscuit cutter depending how large or small you want to make the scones. Cut out the scones and lay them on a baking tray lined with baking paper. It is ok to gather up the dough and flatten it again until you have used it all.
- Brush each scones with a little milk and sprinkle on the cheese.
- Place your scones into the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until they are golden brown and risen.
- Remove the scones from the oven and leave to cool slightly on a cooling rack. You can serve the scones warm or cold.
FAQ
Store your scones at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 4 days. You can pop them back in the oven for a few minutes to freshen them up if needed.
I would recommend cutting out the dough and freezing it before baking for the best results. Bake them straight from frozen and increase the cooking time for a few more minutes as needed.
You can certainly try substituting the butter for a vegan alternative, replacing the milk with a nut milk and using vegan cheese with added nutritional yeast to make them more cheesy. However, the taste and texture may differ slightly to the original recipe.
Tips and Guidance
Other Recipes That Use Marmite
Marmite is a great flavouring additive in many recipes, just like these scones.
- You can make your own Cheese and Marmite Twists, which kids totally love.
- Add it to a nut roast for a subtle yet distinct compliment to the other ingredients.
- Add it to various bread recipes.
- Mix it in with Pasta, for a quick dinner. I know, this sounds weird, but trust me, it’s good.
- Pair it with Marmalade on Toast. Again, weird, but surprisingly good!
More Picnic Recipes We Love
Wrap them up for Picnics in these Homemade Beeswax Wraps and combine with these other recipes for a family picnic or afternoon tea:
- Homemade Scotch Eggs
- Fruity Flapjacks With Golden Syrup
- Soft Fluffy Breadsticks with Sundried Tomatoes
Cheese and Marmite Scones Without Egg
Ingredients
- 300 g Plain Flour
- 2.5 tsp Baking Powder
- 70 g Unsalted Butter Chilled
- 170 ml Milk Chilled
- 3 tsp Marmite
- 70 g Cheddar Cheese Grated
- Extra Cheese for Topping Grated
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 200C.
- Sift the flour into a bowl with the baking powder.
- Chop the butter into small pieces and add to the flour. Rub it in with your fingers until the ingredients become crumb like.
- Add the grated cheese and mix through.
- Stir the marmite into the milk and add to the flour. Mix until you form a dough. Be careful not to overmix at this point.
- Take your dough and lay it on a clean surface, covered with a little extra flour to stop it from sticking.
- Flatten the dough out to about 3cm thick.
- Take a biscuit cutter depending how large or small you want to make the scones. Cut out the scones and lay them on a baking tray lined with baking paper. It is ok to gather up the dough and flatten it again until you have used it all.
- Brush each scones with a little milk and sprinkle on the cheese.
- Place your scones into the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until they are golden brown and risen.
- Remove the scones from the oven and leave to cool slightly on a cooling rack. You can serve the scones warm or cold.
Watch The Tutorial
Recipe Notes and Guidance
- Always use chilled milk and butter.
- Don’t overmix the dough.
- Use fresh baking powder, opened in the last 6 months.
- Preheat the oven well.
Super yummy and cheesy scone is the best breakfast on the go
I used vegemite instead and yum! I love the flavouring of these and that they do not have any eggs.
Made these scoones for a picnic with friends from kids kindergarten. They loved it, and I was happy I made something so simple but delicious, thanks
My boyfriend is crazy for marmite and loved these scones. He has an egg allergy so I made his day!
I’ve never heard of marmite! It’s interesting that it’s banned in Denmark! Wow, how fascinating. These scones looks delicious and perfect for breakfast!
Yum! These eggless scones are divine! The cheddar gives them such an amazing taste! Love it!
I like that its egg-free and fluffy. I am new to using marmite and glad to try for these scones. Easy and great for our breakfast too.
I love Scones, I had never tried to make them, this recipe is perfect!