These ham and cheese scones are quick to whip up and super tasty. With bits of savory ham and gooey cheese, they make a perfect snack or breakfast treat!
Honestly, I can’t resist the cheesy goodness. I often serve them warm with butter, and they’re great for brunch. You might just want to make a double batch—trust me!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the main base for your scones. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can replace half with whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour. Just be aware that it may alter the texture slightly.
Cheese: While sharp cheddar is fantastic for flavor, feel free to substitute with gouda, mozzarella, or pepper jack for a different twist. I love using a mix of cheeses for added depth.
Ham: If ham isn’t your favorite or you want a vegetarian option, cooked bacon, cooked sausage, or even sun-dried tomatoes work well. I often use leftover ham to reduce waste!
Butter: Cold unsalted butter creates a flaky texture, but if you’re dairy-free, coconut oil or a plant-based butter can be a great replacement.
Milk: Instead of milk, you can use buttermilk for a tangy flavor or a plant-based milk like almond or oat. This adds a unique touch!
How Can I Ensure My Scones Are Flaky and Tender?
The key to achieving those beautifully flaky scones is how you handle the dough. Here are some tips to help you out:
- Use cold ingredients. Keep your butter in the fridge right up until you’re ready to use it.
- Don’t overmix! Stir the dough just until combined. Overworking can lead to tough scones.
- Pat don’t roll. Instead of rolling out the dough, gently pat it into shape to keep the texture light.
- Chill the dough. If you have time, letting the shaped dough chill for about 15 minutes before baking can enhance its flakiness.
How to Make Delicious Ham and Cheese Scones
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Scones:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup diced cooked ham
- 3/4 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 1 large egg
- Fresh thyme leaves (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 15-20 minutes to bake. You’ll spend a total of around 30 minutes from start to finish, making it a quick and delicious option for breakfast or a snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This ensures your scones bake evenly and rise beautifully. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or give it a light grease to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and black pepper until they’re well combined. This will be the base of your scones.
3. Add the Cold Butter:
Next, take the cold cubed butter and add it to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, work the butter into the flour. Keep going until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs with some little pea-sized bits of butter.
4. Incorporate Cheese and Ham:
Now, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and diced cooked ham. Make sure they are evenly mixed into the flour mixture; this will give each scone that delicious flavor!
5. Combine Wet Ingredients:
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the milk and large egg until well blended. This will be your wet mixture that helps bind everything together.
6. Form the Dough:
Pour the milk and egg mixture into the dry ingredients. Gently stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until just combined. The dough will look shaggy but should hold together when you touch it.
7. Knead the Dough:
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. With clean hands, knead the dough gently 3-4 times to bring it all together. Be careful not to overwork it – you want those scones to be tender!
8. Shape the Scones:
Pat the dough into a round shape, about 1-inch thick. Then, using a sharp knife, cut the round into 8 equal triangular wedges. This will make each scone easy to separate and bake.
9. Prepare for Baking:
Transfer these wedges to your prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between them for spreading. If you like, sprinkle fresh thyme leaves on top for extra flavor and a lovely presentation.
10. Bake the Scones:
Pop the baking sheet into the preheated oven and let them bake for 15-20 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they turn golden brown and the cheese starts to bubble. The delicious aroma will fill your kitchen!
11. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, take the scones out of the oven and let them cool for a few minutes on the pan. Serve them warm with a pat of butter or your favorite spread. Enjoy every cheesy, savory bite!
These ham and cheese scones are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a tasty snack throughout the day. Happy baking!
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of cheddar, you can substitute with gouda, mozzarella, or even pepper jack for a spicy kick. Mixing different cheeses can also add great flavor!
What Can I Substitute for Ham?
If you’re looking for a different protein or need a vegetarian option, consider using cooked bacon, turkey, or sautéed vegetables like mushrooms or spinach. Sun-dried tomatoes can also add a nice flavor!
How Do I Store Leftover Scones?
Store any leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to a month. Just reheat in the oven or microwave when you’re ready to enjoy them again!
Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough and shape it into wedges, then wrap them tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Alternatively, you can freeze the shaped scones and bake them directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.