I enjoy recipes that allow for simplicity and delicious results, where all the ingredients come together effortlessly in one bowl. That’s why I’m excited to share the best savoury cheese scones recipe with you. These cheesy scones are not only easy to make, but they produce a light and fluffy scone with two different cheeses that everyone will love.
These delightful cheese scones are bound together with milk instead of eggs, resulting in a light and fluffy texture that will leave you wanting more. The secret to their rise and fluffiness lies in the baking powder, ensuring a perfect scone every time.
These scones offer a delightful blend of buttery richness and savoury cheese flavours. With a simple brush of milk before baking, they develop a beautiful golden brown crust that adds visual appeal and enhances the overall taste.
The beauty of these cheese scones is their versatility. Feel free to experiment by adding your favourite herbs or spices to create your unique twist. Serve them warm or at room temperature, either as a standalone treat or as an accompaniment to soups, stews, or brunch spreads.
Indulge in the simplicity and deliciousness of these savoury cheese scones. With their delightful texture, rich cheese flavour, and ease of preparation, they are sure to become a favourite in your baking repertoire. So gather your ingredients and get ready to savour these delightful savoury scones that are bound to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect for Snacking: These cheese scones are an excellent option for satisfying hunger pangs, making them ideal for lunchboxes or after-school treats. Their delicious cheesy goodness is sure to keep you coming back for more.
- Quick and Easy to Prepare: Even if you’re new to baking, fear not! This recipe is straightforward and requires just a few key ingredients. With the right guidance, you’ll be able to whip up these delectable scones in no time.
- Endless Possibilities for Customisation: One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. Feel free to get creative and add your favourite ingredients to customize the flavour. Whether you want to toss in some herbs, spices, or additional cheeses, the options are endless. Personalise these scones to suit your taste preferences and enjoy a unique twist with every bite.
Equipment Needed
- Mixing Bowl: A large mixing bowl is essential for combining the dry ingredients and incorporating the wet ingredients to make the scone dough.
- Pastry Cutter or Fork (optional): A pastry cutter or fork is used to cut the butter into the flour mixture, creating a crumbly texture.
- Grater: A grater is needed to grate the cheese for the scone dough. Choose a medium-sized grater for the desired texture.
- Baking Sheet: A baking sheet, also known as a baking tray, is used to place the scones for baking in the oven. Choose a sheet with a non-stick surface or use parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Pastry Brush: A pastry brush is used to brush the tops of the scones with milk or beaten egg, giving them a golden and glossy finish.
- Biscuit Cutter: A biscuit cutter or round cookie cutter is used to cut out the scone dough into individual rounds. Choose a size that suits your preference for the scone size.
- Cooling Rack: A cooling rack is used to allow the baked scones to cool down properly after coming out of the oven. This helps to prevent them from becoming soggy on the bottom.
- Oven: A standard kitchen oven is needed to bake the cheese scones to perfection. Preheat the oven as directed in the recipe.
- Weighing Scales: Accurate measurements are crucial for baking. Use scales to measure the ingredients precisely for consistent results.
Ingredients
- Wholemeal and Plain White All Purpose Flour – I use a 50/50 ratio for the flour but you can use all White Flour if you want. I’d advise against using 100% wholemeal flour as the scones will be too dense.
- Baking Powder – used as a leavening agent to help the scones rise.
- Salt
- Butter – Be sure to make sure you use cold butter.
- Milk – I use whole milk to bring the dough together, you can also use semi-skimmed milk too.
- Dijon Mustard
- Cheese – I use a mixture of mature cheddar and Red Leicester cheeses. You can use all cheddar as a substitute if you’d prefer.
Additions and Variations
- Cheese and Chive Scones: For a delightful twist, incorporate 1 tablespoon of finely chopped fresh chives into your dough mixture along with the cheese. The addition of chives adds a subtle onion-like flavor and a hint of freshness to the scones. You can also experiment with other herbs like thyme or rosemary to create unique flavour combinations.
- Spicy Chilli Cheese Scones: If you enjoy a bit of heat, add half a teaspoon of cayenne chilli powder to the flour for a spicy kick. You can further elevate the spiciness by swapping out some of the cheese with a Mexican spicy cheese or by adding chopped jalapenos along with the cheese. If you opt for the spicy scones, it’s recommended to omit the Dijon mustard to allow the chili flavour to shine.
- Explore Different Flavours: Feel free to venture beyond traditional cheese scones and try completely different flavour profiles. Alternatively, you can embark on a flavour adventure with cheese and Marmite scones, which bring together the distinct umami taste of Marmite with the richness of cheese for a unique and unforgettable scone experience.
Step-By-Step How To Make The Best Savoury Cheese Scones
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Start by preheating your oven to 200°C (390°F).
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a bowl, combine the plain white flour, plain wholemeal flour, baking powder, and salt.
Step 3: Incorporate the Butter
- Add the chilled butter cubes to the flour mixture. Use your fingertips to rub the butter into the flour until it resembles breadcrumbs.
Step 4: Prepare the Milk Mixture
- In a separate bowl, stir the Dijon mustard into the chilled milk. Gradually add the milk mixture to the dry ingredients, mixing gently until a slightly sticky dough forms.
Step 5: Add the Cheese
- Mix in the grated red Leicester cheese and grated mature cheddar cheese until well combined.
Step 6: Shape the Dough
- Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and shape it into a flat circle. Cut the dough into 9 equal-sized circles.
Step 7: Arrange on Baking Tray
- Place each scone on a lined baking tray, leaving some space between them.
Step 8: Brush and Sprinkle
- Brush the top of each scone with a little milk and sprinkle extra grated cheese on top.
Step 9: Bake in the Oven
- Bake the scones in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are risen and golden.
Step 10: Cool on Tray
- Once baked, remove the scones from the oven and allow them to cool slightly on the baking tray for 5 minutes.
Step 11: Transfer to Cooling Rack
- Transfer the scones to a cooling rack to cool completely.
What Are Scones?
Scones are a delightful type of cake or quick bread made from a dough and baked in the oven. Originating from the UK, they come in both sweet and savoury varieties and are often enjoyed as part of an afternoon tea.
A well-baked scone should have a buttery and crumbly texture, striking the perfect balance without being overly fragile. Unlike dense bread, scones should be light and airy.
If you’re familiar with American biscuits, you may wonder, “Aren’t scones just biscuits?” While there are similarities in preparation, ingredients, and texture, traditional savoury scones have their unique characteristics.
Scones typically use baking powder or bicarbonate of soda as the leavening agent, eliminating the need for a rising time before baking, unlike yeast breads.
FAQ
Yes, you can prepare the scone dough in advance. After mixing the ingredients together, wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, proceed with shaping and baking the scones as directed in the recipe.
Yes, you can use self-rising flour instead of plain flour. However, since self-rising flour already contains baking powder and salt, omit the baking powder and salt called for in the recipe.
Yes, you can make mini-sized cheese scones by shaping smaller portions of dough and adjusting the baking time accordingly. Keep in mind that smaller scones will bake faster than larger ones, so keep a close eye on them to prevent overbaking.
Pro Tips and Guidance
- Keep Ingredients Cold: Unlike some recipes that call for room temperature ingredients, it’s important to use cold milk, cheese, and butter for your cheese scones. Chilling these ingredients beforehand ensures you achieve the flakiest, fluffiest, and most delicious scones possible.
- Preheat the Oven: Before baking your scones, make sure your oven has reached the correct temperature. It’s crucial for the oven to be fully preheated to ensure the scones rise up quickly and evenly.
- Avoid Overmixing: Overmixing the scone dough develops gluten in the flour, resulting in a dense, bread-like consistency. To maintain lightness and crumbliness, mix the dough just until it comes together. Avoid unnecessary kneading or excessive mixing.
- Incorporate Butter Properly: When adding butter to the flour, cube it into small chunks and rub it between your fingers until you achieve a breadcrumb-like texture. This method creates a barrier that helps prevent gluten formation in the scone dough. Ensure the butter is fully incorporated before adding any other ingredients.
- Use Fresh Baking Powder: Baking powder is essential for the scones to rise properly. It’s important to use fresh baking powder to ensure its effectiveness. Store your baking powder in a cool, dry place in an airtight container and replace it within 6 months of opening or by the expiration date. Avoid storing it in the fridge.
- Adjust Dough Consistency: The scone dough should have a slightly sticky and wet texture. If the dough feels too dry and doesn’t hold together, add a little more milk to achieve the right consistency. This helps prevent the scones from falling apart during baking.
Serving Suggestions
- Classic Afternoon Tea: Serve the cheese scones as part of a traditional afternoon tea spread. Pair them with your favorite savoury spreads like chutneys or relishes. Enjoy them alongside a pot of hot tea for a delightful tea-time treat.
- Brunch or Breakfast: Include the cheese scones in a brunch or breakfast spread. Serve them warm with scrambled eggs, bacon, or smoked salmon for a savoury start to the day.
- Party Starters: Slice the cheese scones horizontally and fill them with ingredients like sliced ham, turkey, or roasted vegetables to create tasty mini sandwiches. These bite-sized scone sandwiches make excellent starters for parties or gatherings.
- Cheese Board Addition: Add the cheese scones to a cheese board for an extra dimension of flavour. Serve them alongside a variety of cheeses, fruits, nuts, and condiments. The combination of the savoury scones with different cheeses creates a wonderful taste experience.
- Picnic Snacks: Pack the cheese scones for a delightful picnic snack. They are portable and can be enjoyed outdoors. Pair them with your favourite cold cuts, salads, or spreads. They are convenient and satisfying for a day out in nature.
- Lunchbox Treats: Pack the cheese scones in lunchboxes for a savoury and filling treat. They are perfect for both kids and adults to enjoy as a midday snack. Include some fresh vegetables or a small salad to make it a complete meal.
- Party Platters: Arrange the cheese scones on a platter with other savoury bites like quiches, sausage rolls, or vegetable skewers. They make an attractive addition to party platters and are sure to be a hit among guests.
Storing Cheese Scones
Storage:
- Room Temperature: If you plan to consume the cheese scones within a day or two, you can store them at room temperature in an airtight container or a resealable bag. Ensure that the container is tightly sealed to prevent air exposure, which can cause the scones to dry out.
- Refrigeration: If you live in a warm climate or if you want to extend the shelf life of the cheese scones, you can refrigerate them. Place them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly with plastic wrap. Properly stored, they can last for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Before serving, you can reheat them in the oven or microwave to restore their warmth and freshness.
Freezing:
- Freezing Before Baking: For optimal results, it’s recommended to freeze the scones before baking. Here’s how to do it:
- Prepare the Scones: Shape the scones as instructed, but leave off the cheese topping.
- Freeze on a Tray: Place the shaped scones on a flat tray or baking sheet, ensuring space between each one. Freeze them until solid.
- Transfer to Freezer Bag: Once frozen, transfer the scones to a freezer bag, remove any excess air, and seal it tightly.
- Baking from Frozen: When you’re ready to bake, there’s no need to thaw the scones. Simply place them directly from the freezer onto a baking sheet. Brush the tops with milk, sprinkle grated cheese on top, and bake them in the oven for a few minutes longer than the original baking time. Ensure they are golden brown and cooked through before removing from the oven.
- Freezing Cooked Scones: If you have leftover cooked scones, you can freeze them too. However, note that the texture may be slightly different after thawing. Here’s what you can do:
- Cool Completely: Allow the cooked scones to cool completely at room temperature.
- Packaging: Place the cooled scones in a freezer bag or an airtight container suitable for freezing.
- Freeze: Seal the bag or container tightly and place them in the freezer.
Whether you choose to freeze the scones before baking or after baking, make sure to label the storage container with the date and contents for easy reference. Properly stored, the frozen scones can be enjoyed for up to 3 months.
Reheating:
- When you’re ready to enjoy the frozen cooked scones, thaw them in the refrigerator. To restore their warmth and crispness, reheat them in the oven until heated through.
Check Out These Afternoon Tea Recipes
A sweet option to serve alongside your scones, this moist loaf cake is the perfect sweet pairing.
The Best Savoury Cheese Scones
Ingredients
- 150 g Plain White Flour
- 150 g Plain Wholemeal Flour
- 2 tsp Baking Powder
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 70 g Butter, chilled
- 175 ml Milk, chilled
- 1 tsp Dijon Mustard
- 30 g Red Leicester Cheese, grated
- 30 g Mature Cheddar, grated
- Extra Cheese for topping, grated
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F).
- In a bowl, mix together the plain white flour, plain wholemeal flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Add the chilled butter cubes to the flour mixture. Use your fingertips to rub the butter into the flour until you achieve a breadcrumb-like texture.
- In a separate bowl, stir the Dijon mustard into the chilled milk. Gradually add the milk mixture to the dry ingredients, mixing gently until a slightly sticky dough forms.
- Add the grated red Leicester cheese and grated mature cheddar cheese to the dough. Mix until well combined.
- Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and shape it into a flat circle. Cut the dough into 9 equal-sized circles.
- Place each scone on a lined baking tray, leaving some space between them.
- Brush the top of each scone with a little milk and sprinkle extra grated cheese on top.
- Bake the scones in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are risen and golden.
- Once baked, remove the scones from the oven and allow them to cool slightly on the baking tray for 5 minutes.
- Transfer the scones to a cooling rack to cool completely.
Video
Recipe Notes
- Keep Ingredients Cold: Use cold milk, cheese, and butter for flaky and fluffy scones.
- Preheat the Oven: Ensure the oven is fully preheated for optimal rising.
- Avoid Overmixing: Mix the dough just until it comes together to maintain lightness.
- Incorporate Butter Properly: Rub cold butter into flour for a breadcrumb-like texture.
- Use Fresh Baking Powder: Replace baking powder regularly for optimal results.
- Adjust Dough Consistency: Add more milk if needed for a slightly sticky dough.
If I have SR White Flour do I reduce the amount of baking powder thanks?
My Wholemeal flour is plain but I have several bags of SR white .
Hi, the baking powder content of self-raising flour can differ slightly between brands but is usually equivalent to approximately 1 tsp per 150g. So in your case for using SR flour to replace the white flour, try reducing the amount of added baking powder by 1 tsp.
I just love this recipe. My kids love to bake with me and this kind of recipe is perfect for our time together. We loved both – baking and eating these lovely cheese scones, thanks!
So so so good! I love the combination of cheeses which add so much flavor. Plus so simple. I put them in my hubby’s lunchbox – he loved them!
Made this recipe for a change in my breakfasts and it’s awesome! Thanks for sharing!
Delicious! The use of Leicester cheese is genius. Thanks for another tasty recipe.
Absolutely delicious – I made a batch to serve alongside some tomato soup. Added a little fresh chive to the mixture and they were so tasty! Thanks for such a great recipe – I’ll be making these again soon!