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
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