If you’re looking for a delicious and hearty breakfast option, these Savory chicken ham & Cheese Scones are sure to delight! Perfectly flaky on the outside with a soft and cheesy center, they are a comforting treat that’s great for busy mornings or leisurely brunches. I love whipping these up for family gatherings or when friends come over—everyone loves them! Plus, they’re super versatile; you can enjoy them fresh from the oven or warm them up later.
These scones are not only tasty but also quick to make. You can easily customize them with your favorite ingredients, making them a hit for any occasion!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: These scones come together in just about an hour, making them perfect for busy mornings.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the cheesy goodness packed into each bite.
- Make Ahead: Prepare a batch and freeze them for an easy breakfast option anytime!
- Versatile: Customize with your favorite ingredients or toppings, ensuring everyone gets their preferred flavor.
- Deliciously Flaky: The combination of chilled butter and proper mixing creates that delightful flaky texture we all crave.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll find that the ingredients for these savory scones are simple and wholesome. Gather these pantry staples and fresh items to create something truly special!
For the Scone Base
- 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
For Wet Ingredients
- 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 chicken ham
Optional Topping
- Flaky sea salt
Variations
This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Here are some fun variations to try:
- Swap the protein: Replace chicken ham with cooked turkey bacon or diced vegetables for a vegetarian twist.
- Add herbs: Mix in your favorite herbs like dill or parsley to enhance the flavor profile.
- Cheese options: Experiment with different cheeses such as gouda or pepper jack for a spicy kick!
- Make it gluten-free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to cater to dietary needs.
How to Make Savory chicken ham & Cheese Scones
Step 1: Whisk Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. This step is essential because it ensures that all the leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
Step 2: Incorporate Butter
Grate the frozen butter using a box grater right into your flour mixture. Using cold butter is crucial as it helps create those beautiful flaky layers in your scones. Mix until you get pea-sized crumbs—this means you’re on the right track!
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the cold buttermilk and egg yolk. Pour this mixture over your dry ingredients along with the chicken ham. Gently stir until everything clumps together; it’s okay if it’s slightly sticky!
Step 4: Shape the Dough
Turn your dough onto a lightly floured surface. With floured hands, form it into a ball. If it’s too sticky, sprinkle in some extra flour; if it feels too dry, add a splash more buttermilk. Press it into an 8-inch disc and cut into wedges.
Step 5: Brush and Chill
Combine the reserved egg white with one tablespoon of buttermilk and brush this mix lightly over each scone. This gives them that golden-brown finish when baked! Then refrigerate for at least 15 minutes—this helps maintain their shape while baking.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Arrange your chilled scones on a lined baking sheet and bake for about 22–25 minutes until they’re golden brown around the edges. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will be irresistible!
Step 7: Cool & Enjoy!
Let your scones cool on the baking sheet before serving. They’re best enjoyed warm but keep well at room temperature for two days or in the fridge for up to five days—if they last that long!
Pro Tips for Making Savory chicken ham & Cheese Scones
To ensure your scones turn out perfectly flaky and delicious, here are some helpful tips:
- Use cold ingredients: Starting with cold butter and buttermilk keeps the dough from becoming too warm, which helps create those lovely flaky layers.
- Don’t overmix: Gently mixing the dough until just combined ensures your scones remain tender. Overmixing can lead to tough scones.
- Chill the dough: Refrigerating the shaped scones before baking enhances their rise and helps them maintain their shape in the oven.
- Experiment with cheeses: While cheddar is a classic choice, feel free to try other cheeses like gouda or pepper jack for a unique flavor twist.
- Keep an eye on baking time: Ovens can vary, so start checking your scones a few minutes before the recommended baking time to avoid overbaking.
How to Serve Savory chicken ham & Cheese Scones
These savory chicken ham & cheese scones make a delightful addition to any meal or gathering. Here’s how you can present them beautifully!
Garnishes
- Fresh herbs: A sprinkle of chopped chives or parsley adds a pop of color and freshness to complement the flavors.
- Flaky sea salt: A light dusting on top right before serving enhances the taste and adds visual appeal.
Side Dishes
- Mixed greens salad: A light salad with vinaigrette pairs well, balancing the richness of the scones while adding freshness.
- Vegetable soup: A warm bowl of vegetable soup makes for a comforting combination that’s perfect for lunch or dinner.
- Fruit salad: A refreshing fruit salad provides a sweet contrast to the savory flavors of the scones, making it an ideal side for brunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
These savory chicken ham & cheese scones are fantastic for meal prep! You can easily make them ahead of time and enjoy them fresh throughout the week.
Storing Leftovers
- Keep leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- For longer storage, place them in the refrigerator, where they will stay fresh for up to 5 days.
Freezing
- Freeze unbaked scones by placing them on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container.
- Alternatively, bake the scones first, let them cool completely, and then freeze them in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Reheating
- For best results, reheat baked scones in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
- You can also microwave individual scones for about 20-30 seconds, but they may not retain their original texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese in these Savory chicken ham & Cheese Scones?
Absolutely! You can substitute cheddar with your favorite cheese like mozzarella, gouda, or even a pepper jack for a spicy kick. Just remember to adjust the quantity if you’re using a softer cheese.
How do I know when the Savory chicken ham & Cheese Scones are done baking?
The scones are ready when they’re golden brown around the edges and lightly browned on top. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with just a few crumbs attached.
Can I skip the chicken ham in this recipe?
Yes! If you prefer to omit the chicken ham, feel free to replace it with cooked bacon or sausage. You can also add more veggies or herbs for extra flavor!
Final Thoughts
I hope you find joy in making these savory chicken ham & cheese scones! They are perfect for breakfast or as a delightful snack any time of day. With their flaky texture and rich flavors, they’re sure to become a favorite in your home. Enjoy every bite and don’t hesitate to share them with family and friends!
Savory Chicken and Cheese Scones
If you’re searching for a delightful breakfast or brunch option, these Savory Chicken and Cheese Scones will surely impress! With their perfectly flaky exterior and soft, cheesy center, these scones are not only comforting but also extremely versatile. Ideal for busy mornings or leisurely family gatherings, they can be enjoyed fresh from the oven or warmed up later. Plus, they are quick to prepare and can easily be customized with your favorite ingredients, making them a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 8 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 2 and 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 tablespoons chopped chives
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (frozen)
- 2/3 cup cold buttermilk
- 1 large egg (separated)
- 3/4 cup finely chopped cooked chicken
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Grate frozen butter into the flour mixture until crumbly.
- In another bowl, whisk buttermilk and egg yolk; add to dry ingredients with chicken. Stir until combined.
- Turn dough onto a floured surface; shape into an 8-inch disc and cut into wedges.
- Brush scones with a mix of egg white and buttermilk. Refrigerate for at least 15 minutes.
- Bake for 22–25 minutes until golden brown.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 scone (approximately 80g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
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