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These savory ham and cheese scones have become my weekend breakfast tradition, bringing together the perfect combination of sharp cheddar, smoky ham, and fresh scallions in a tender, flaky pastry. The brown sugar adds just the right touch of sweetness to balance the savory ingredients, creating an irresistible breakfast treat that disappears quickly whenever I make them.
I first developed this recipe when hosting an impromptu brunch for unexpected weekend guests. With limited time and ingredients on hand, these scones were born out of necessity but have since become the most requested item whenever family visits.
Ingredients
- All purpose flour: Creates the perfect tender texture without being too dense
- Salt and pepper: Enhance the savory profile of these scones
- Baking powder and baking soda: Ensure a proper rise and lightness
- Light brown sugar: Adds subtle sweetness that complements the savory elements
- Very cold butter: Essential for creating those flaky layers
- Room temperature egg: Helps bind ingredients while adding richness
- Plain full fat yogurt: Adds tanginess and moisture without making the scones too wet
- Whole milk: Helps create the perfect dough consistency
- Sharp cheddar cheese: Use a good quality aged cheddar for best flavor
- Diced ham: Choose a good quality ham with some smokiness for depth
- Fresh scallions: Provide a mild onion flavor and beautiful color contrast
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare Your Workspace:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Having everything ready before you begin ensures the butter stays cold throughout the process which is crucial for creating flaky layers.
- Mix The Dry Ingredients:
- Combine flour, salt, pepper, baking powder, baking soda, and brown sugar in a large bowl and whisk thoroughly. Proper mixing at this stage prevents pockets of salt or baking powder in the finished scones.
- Incorporate The Butter:
- Cut the very cold butter into tiny pieces and work it quickly into the dry mixture using your fingertips until it resembles coarse meal. The heat from your hands can warm the butter so work swiftly. Small pieces of butter throughout the dough will create steam pockets during baking resulting in those coveted flaky layers.
- Combine Wet Ingredients:
- Whisk together the egg, yogurt, and milk in a separate bowl until completely smooth. Using room temperature egg helps it incorporate more easily with the cold ingredients.
- Create The Dough:
- Add the liquid mixture to the dry ingredients and stir with a fork just until moistened. Overmixing will develop gluten, making tough scones, so mix gently until barely combined.
- Add The Flavor Boosters:
- Gently fold in the cheese, ham, and scallions using a spatula with as few strokes as possible. This preserves the texture while ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
- Shape and Cut:
- Turn the shaggy dough onto a lightly floured surface and shape into an 8-inch circle about 1 inch thick. Use a light touch to avoid compressing the dough. Cut into 8 equal wedges using a sharp knife or bench scraper and transfer to your prepared baking sheet.
- Bake To Golden Perfection:
- Bake for 18 to 20 minutes until the tops are lightly golden brown and the scones feel set when lightly touched. The bottoms should be evenly browned but not dark.
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The scallions are my personal favorite ingredient in this recipe. They add a fresh brightness that cuts through the richness of the cheese and ham. My husband who claimed to dislike scones completely changed his mind after trying these and now requests them for special occasions and weekend mornings.
Make Ahead Options
The beauty of these scones lies in their versatility for busy mornings. You can prepare the dough through the cutting stage, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning simply transfer the cold wedges to a parchment lined baking sheet and bake, adding about 2 minutes to the baking time since they're starting cold. This makes them perfect for holiday mornings or when you have guests but don't want to spend breakfast time in the kitchen.
Perfect Pairings
These savory scones shine when served alongside complementary dishes and beverages. For a complete breakfast spread, pair them with scrambled eggs, fresh fruit, and coffee or tea. For lunch, they make an excellent accompaniment to a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette. The slight sweetness from the brown sugar makes them particularly wonderful with a cup of black coffee which cuts through the richness of the cheese and ham.
Customization Ideas
One of the reasons I love this recipe is its flexibility. You can easily substitute different cheese varieties; try gruyere for a more sophisticated flavor or pepper jack for a spicy kick. The ham can be replaced with crispy bacon crumbles or, for a vegetarian version, roasted red peppers and olives work beautifully. For herbs, you might swap the scallions for fresh chives or add a tablespoon of chopped rosemary or thyme. Just maintain the same proportions of wet to dry ingredients for consistent results.
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These scones are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser from start to finish. Enjoy every delicious flaky bite!
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make these scones ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance and keep it refrigerated. Alternatively, shape the scones and freeze them unbaked for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, bake frozen scones directly from the freezer, adding 3-4 minutes to the baking time.
- → What can I substitute for yogurt in these scones?
Sour cream makes an excellent 1:1 substitute for the yogurt. You could also use buttermilk, though the dough might be slightly wetter, so you may need to add a touch more flour.
- → Can I use different cheese varieties?
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar provides excellent flavor, gruyère, Swiss, or gouda would all work beautifully. For extra flavor, try using a combination of different cheeses totaling the same 4 ounces.
- → How do I know when my scones are properly baked?
The scones should be lightly golden brown on top and feel firm to the touch. If you insert a toothpick into the center, it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- → Why is it important to use very cold butter?
Cold butter is crucial for creating the flaky texture in scones. As the cold butter melts during baking, it creates pockets of steam that result in those delicious flaky layers. If your butter is too warm, the scones will spread too much and lack the proper texture.
- → What's the best way to reheat leftover scones?
To maintain their texture, reheat scones in a 300°F oven for about 5-7 minutes. You can also split them in half and toast them lightly. Microwaving is convenient but may make them slightly tough.