Savory Ham & Cheese Scones are a delightful treat that combines the rich taste of cheddar cheese with the savory flavor of ham, all wrapped up in a tender, flaky scone. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a snack, these scones will quickly become a favorite in your household.

Why Make This Recipe

Savory Ham & Cheese Scones are not only easy to make, but they are also an excellent way to enjoy a blend of flavors that hit all the right notes. Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast option, a hearty snack, or a unique addition to a brunch spread, these scones deliver. The addition of fresh chives and the slight kick from garlic powder elevate these scones to something special. Plus, they can be easily customized to suit your taste preferences!

How to Make Savory Ham & Cheese Scones

Now, let’s dive into how to make these delicious scones! Please follow the straightforward directions below for a successful baking experience.

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
1 cup (about 100g or 3.5 oz) shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup (8 Tbsp; 113g) unsalted butter, frozen (see note)
2/3 cup (160ml) cold buttermilk, plus 1 Tablespoon for brushing
1 large egg, separated
3/4 cup (about 110g or 3 oz) finely chopped ham
Optional for topping: flaky sea salt

Directions:

Whisk the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper together in a large bowl. Stir in the chopped chives and shredded cheddar cheese.
Grate the frozen butter using a box grater. Add the grated butter to the flour mixture, and use a pastry cutter, two forks, or your fingers to combine until the mixture resembles pea-sized crumbs. Place this mixture in the refrigerator or freezer while you prepare the wet ingredients.
In a separate bowl, whisk together 2/3 cup of buttermilk and the egg yolk (be sure to save the egg white for step 5). Pour this mixture over the flour and cheese blend, then add the chopped ham. Mix until the dough clumps together.
Pour the dough onto a lightly floured work surface. With floured hands, gently work the dough into a ball. Keep in mind that the dough will be sticky; if it’s too sticky, add a little more flour. If it seems dry, incorporate 1–2 more tablespoons of cold buttermilk. Press the dough into an 8-inch disc and, using a sharp knife or bench scraper, cut it into 8 wedges. For smaller scones, make the cuts smaller or drop scones from the bowl onto a lined baking sheet.
Whisk together 1 tablespoon of buttermilk with the reserved egg white. Brush this mixture lightly onto the top of each scone, and if desired, sprinkle with flaky sea salt.
Place the scones on a plate or a lined baking sheet. If your refrigerator has the room, chill them for at least 15 minutes while preheating your oven to 400°F (204°C).
After they’ve chilled, arrange the scones 2–3 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 22–25 minutes, or until golden brown around the edges and lightly browned on top. Remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes on the baking sheets before serving.
Enjoy warm or at room temperature. Leftover scones can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, though they may become softer by day two.

Pro Tips for Success Savory Ham & Cheese Scones

Cold Butter is Key: Make sure your butter is frozen prior to grating. This helps create those tender layers in your scones as they bake.
Don’t Overwork the Dough: Mix until just combined. Overworking the dough can lead to tough scones, so be gentle!
Chill for Best Results: Allowing your scones to chill before baking helps to maintain their shape and achieve the perfect texture.
Add a Flavor Boost: Try adding a touch of Dijon mustard to the dough for an extra zing of flavor.
Experiment with Cheese: Cheddar is delicious, but feel free to experiment! Gruyère or pepper jack would also make great substitutes.
Go Fresh with Herbs: Besides chives, consider adding fresh parsley, dill, or even basil for an aromatic twist.

Flavor Variations Savory Ham & Cheese Scones

Herbed Scones: Boost the herb presence by adding rosemary or thyme, which complement the cheese and ham beautifully.
Spicy Touch: For those who like a bit more heat, add crushed red pepper flakes or jalapeños into the mixture.
Cheese Mix: Combine different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or feta, to create a unique flavor profile.
Vegetarian Option: Swap out the ham for finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes or sautéed mushrooms for a savory vegetative alternative.

Serving Suggestions Savory Ham & Cheese Scones

Savory Ham & Cheese Scones are delicious on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with a variety of accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions:

Dressed Up Breakfast: Serve alongside scrambled eggs or omelets for a hearty breakfast.
Lunchtime Delight: Pair with a fresh salad or a bowl of soup for a satisfying lunch.
Snack Time: Enjoy them with a side of fruit, or spread a bit of soft butter or cream cheese on top.

Storage and Freezing Instructions Savory Ham & Cheese Scones

To keep your scones fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can keep them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

If you’d like to freeze your scones, follow these simple steps:

Allow the baked scones to cool completely.
Place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container; they can be frozen for up to 3 months.
To enjoy, simply reheat from frozen in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 210
Protein: 4g
Carbs: 25g
Fat: 10g
Fiber: 1g
Sodium: 300mg

FAQ About Savory Ham & Cheese Scones

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough a few hours in advance. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. Bake when you’re ready to enjoy.

What can I use instead of buttermilk?

If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can make your own by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to whole milk. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, and it’ll be ready to use.

Can I use another type of cheese?

Absolutely! Feel free to substitute cheddar with any cheese you prefer, such as gouda or feta. Keep in mind that different cheeses will slightly alter the flavor and texture.

How can I tell when my scones are done baking?

Your scones are perfectly baked when they are golden brown around the edges and on top. You can also gently touch the tops; if they spring back, they are likely done.

Can I add other ingredients, like vegetables or different meats?

Certainly! Feel free to add your favorite ingredients. Chopped bell peppers, spinach, or different types of lunch meats work well, just remember to adjust the moisture and flavors accordingly.

Final Thoughts

Savory Ham & Cheese Scones are a wonderful addition to any meal. Their unique blend of flavors and tender texture makes them perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a mid-afternoon snack. Plus, they are straightforward to prepare and open to all sorts of variations and tweaks. So why not whip up a batch today? Enjoy the delightful taste of these scones that are sure to impress family and friends alike!

Savory Ham & Cheese Scones

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Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 8 servings
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Delightful scones combining cheddar cheese and savory ham, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a snack.

Ingredients

2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour, 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
1 cup (about 100g or 3.5 oz) shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup (8 Tbsp; 113g) unsalted butter, frozen
2/3 cup (160ml) cold buttermilk, plus 1 Tablespoon for brushing
1 large egg, separated
3/4 cup (about 110g or 3 oz) finely chopped ham
Optional for topping: flaky sea salt

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Instructions

Whisk the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper together in a large bowl. Stir in the chopped chives and shredded cheddar cheese.
Grate the frozen butter using a box grater. Add the grated butter to the flour mixture, and use a pastry cutter, two forks, or your fingers to combine until the mixture resembles pea-sized crumbs. Place this mixture in the refrigerator or freezer while you prepare the wet ingredients.
In a separate bowl, whisk together 2/3 cup of buttermilk and the egg yolk (be sure to save the egg white for step 5). Pour this mixture over the flour and cheese blend, then add the chopped ham. Mix until the dough clumps together.
Pour the dough onto a lightly floured work surface. With floured hands, gently work the dough into a ball. Keep in mind that the dough will be sticky; if it’s too sticky, add a little more flour. If it seems dry, incorporate 1–2 more tablespoons of cold buttermilk. Press the dough into an 8-inch disc and, using a sharp knife or bench scraper, cut it into 8 wedges.
Whisk together 1 tablespoon of buttermilk with the reserved egg white. Brush this mixture lightly onto the top of each scone, and if desired, sprinkle with flaky sea salt.
Place the scones on a plate or a lined baking sheet. Chill them for at least 15 minutes while preheating your oven to 400°F (204°C).
After they’ve chilled, arrange the scones 2–3 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 22–25 minutes, or until golden brown around the edges and lightly browned on top. Remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Store leftover scones in an airtight container for up to 2 days at room temperature or up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Snack
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American