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How to Make Tasty Herb and Cheese Scones: A Delicious, Savory Treat
Scones are a beloved baked good that can be enjoyed at any time of day. While scones are typically associated with sweet flavors, savory versions—like these Herb and Cheese Scones—are just as delightful and even more versatile. These tender, flaky scones are perfect for breakfast, lunch, or a snack, and they pair wonderfully with soups, salads, or even as a side to your favorite main dishes.
With the perfect balance of aromatic herbs and rich, melty cheese, these scones are sure to become a new favorite in your baking repertoire. Let’s dive in and learn how to make these delicious herb and cheese scones!
Why You’ll Love Herb and Cheese Scones:
- Savory Goodness: Packed with fresh herbs and gooey cheese, these scones offer a savory twist on the classic.
- Perfectly Flaky: The key to these scones is a buttery, flaky texture that melts in your mouth with every bite.
- Versatile: You can customize the herbs and cheese to suit your tastes. Experiment with different combinations!
- Simple Ingredients: This recipe calls for pantry staples and a few fresh ingredients, making it an easy and affordable treat to whip up.
What You’ll Need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional for extra flavor)
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
- 3/4 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese (or any cheese of your choice)
- 2 tablespoons fresh herbs, finely chopped (parsley, thyme, chives, rosemary, or a blend)
- 2/3 cup whole milk (you can substitute with heavy cream for an even richer scone)
- 1 egg, beaten (for brushing the tops)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that your scones will bake evenly and get that perfect golden-brown crust.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and garlic powder (if using). These dry ingredients form the base of your scones, and the baking powder helps them rise and become light and fluffy.
3. Cut in the Butter
Next, add the cold butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter, a fork, or your fingers, cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. You should still see small bits of butter, which will create that flaky texture once baked. The key here is to keep the butter cold—this helps create those buttery layers.
4. Add Cheese and Herbs
Stir in the grated cheddar cheese and your choice of fresh herbs. The cheese gives the scones a rich, savory flavor, while the herbs add a fresh, aromatic note. Feel free to mix and match your favorite herbs, like rosemary and thyme for an earthy flavor or chives for a mild onion-like taste.
5. Add the Milk
Pour in the whole milk and stir gently until the dough begins to come together. Be careful not to overmix; you want to handle the dough as little as possible to keep the scones tender. If the dough feels too dry, add a little more milk, one tablespoon at a time, until it forms a rough, shaggy dough.
6. Shape the Dough
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead it a couple of times to bring it together. Pat it into a disc about 1 inch thick. If you prefer triangular scones, cut the dough into 8 wedges. Alternatively, you can use a round biscuit cutter to create round scones—just press it straight down into the dough without twisting.
7. Brush with Egg Wash
Transfer the scones onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops of the scones with a little beaten egg to give them a beautiful golden-brown finish. This step adds a lovely sheen to your scones and helps them brown evenly in the oven.
8. Bake
Place the scones in the preheated oven and bake for about 15–18 minutes, or until the tops are golden and the scones have risen. If you use a biscuit cutter, the baking time may be slightly shorter. Keep an eye on them towards the end to make sure they don’t overbake.
