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Cheddar Ham Scones Recipe

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4.6 from 107 reviews

These Savory Ham & Cheese Scones are perfect for breakfast or a snack, featuring tender scones loaded with sharp cheddar cheese, flavorful chopped ham, and fresh chives. The rich buttermilk and cold butter create a flaky texture, while a touch of garlic powder and black pepper adds subtle depth. Easy to prepare and bake, these scones deliver a warm, savory treat that pairs wonderfully with coffee or tea.

Ingredients

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

Herbs and Cheese

  • 3 Tablespoons chopped fresh chives
  • 1 cup (about 100g or 3.5 oz) shredded cheddar cheese

Butter

  • 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

Additional

  • 3/4 cup (about 110g or 3 oz) finely chopped ham
  • Optional topping: flaky sea salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking your scones.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, garlic powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to combine evenly.
  3. Add Chives and Cheese: Stir in the chopped fresh chives and shredded cheddar cheese so they are evenly distributed throughout the dry mixture.
  4. Incorporate the Butter: Using a box grater or a pastry cutter, grate or cut the frozen butter into the flour mixture until the texture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces remaining for flakiness.
  5. Add Ham: Fold in the finely chopped ham to the mixture, ensuring even distribution without overmixing.
  6. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk the egg yolk with the cold buttermilk until blended. Reserve the egg white for brushing the tops later.
  7. Form the Dough: Pour the buttermilk mixture into the dry ingredients and gently mix with a wooden spoon or spatula until just combined. The dough should be slightly sticky but manageable.
  8. Shape the Scones: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Gently pat it into a roughly 8-inch circle about 1 inch thick. Avoid overhandling to maintain tenderness.
  9. Cut the Scones: Using a sharp knife or a bench scraper, cut the dough into 8 equal wedges and carefully transfer them to a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart.
  10. Brush and Add Topping: Lightly brush the tops of each scone with the reserved egg white mixed with 1 tablespoon of buttermilk for a shiny finish. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt if desired for extra flavor and crunch.
  11. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the scones are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  12. Cool and Serve: Remove from oven and let cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes before serving warm. Enjoy your freshly baked savory ham and cheese scones!

Notes

  • Freezing the butter before incorporating it helps create flaky layers in the scones.
  • Buttermilk can be substituted with milk plus 1 tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice if unavailable.
  • Chilling the dough before baking is optional but can improve texture.
  • Store leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze for longer storage.
  • Reheat gently in the oven or toaster oven to regain crispness before serving.

Find it online: https://mealoria.com/cheddar-ham-scones-recipe/