Ham Cheddar and Herb Scones
Ham Cheddar and Herb Scones
These savory ham, cheddar, and herb scones take the classic British teatime treat and transform it into a hearty, satisfying meal that's perfect for breakfast, lunch, or an afternoon snack.
Unlike their sweet counterparts, these savory scones are packed with smoky ham, sharp cheddar cheese, and fragrant fresh herbs. They're flaky, buttery, and incredibly satisfying – the kind of comfort food that makes any day feel special.
What Makes These Scones Special
The secret to perfect scones lies in keeping everything cold and handling the dough as little as possible. The cold butter creates steam pockets as it bakes, resulting in those coveted flaky layers. The combination of sharp cheddar and salty ham creates a perfect savory balance, while fresh herbs add brightness and complexity.
Ingredients
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
pinch salt
8 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cubed
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated
4 to 8 slices uncooked ham, diced small
2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
1 cup of ricotta cheese
3/4 cup cold buttermilk plus more as needed
1 large egg
2 tablespoons buttermilk or heavy cream (brushing top of scones)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. The key to great scones is working quickly with cold ingredients.
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agents.
Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs with some larger butter pieces still visible. These butter pieces are crucial for creating flaky layers.
Stir in the grated cheddar, diced ham, chives, and thyme. Make sure everything is evenly distributed throughout the flour mixture.
In a small bowl, whisk together the cold buttermilk, ricotta cheese and egg. Pour this mixture into the flour mixture and stir gently with a fork until the dough just comes together. Don't over mix – the dough should look slightly shaggy.
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently pat it into a circle about 1 inch thick. Using a sharp knife or bench scraper, cut the circle into 8 wedges. Alternatively, you can use a round cutter for traditional round scones.
Place the scones on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each one. Brush the tops with buttermilk or cream and sprinkle with extra cheese.
Bake for 30-32 minutes, or until the scones are golden brown on top and cooked through. They should sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Pro Tips for Perfect Scones
Keep It Cold: Cold butter and cold buttermilk are essential for flaky scones. Some bakers even chill their flour!
Don't Overwork: Handle the dough as little as possible. Overworking develops gluten, which makes scones tough.
Sharp Cuts: When cutting scones, press straight down without twisting. Twisting can seal the edges and prevent proper rising.
Fresh Herbs Matter: While dried herbs can work in a pinch, fresh herbs provide much better flavor and aroma.
Serving Suggestions
These scones are delicious warm from the oven, split and buttered. They're perfect alongside a bowl of soup, as part of a brunch spread, or even as a grab-and-go breakfast. Try serving them with:
A dollop of sour cream or crème fraîche
Sliced tomatoes and lettuce for a scone sandwich
A fried egg on top for the ultimate breakfast treat
Your favorite chutney or pickle
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Fresh scones are best enjoyed the day they're made, but they can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days. For longer storage, wrap cooled scones individually and freeze for up to 3 months.
For make-ahead convenience, you can prepare the scones up to the point of baking, then freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen solid, transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding 2-3 minutes to the cooking time.
The Perfect Comfort Food
These ham, cheddar, and herb scones prove that comfort food doesn't have to be complicated. With simple ingredients and straightforward techniques, you can create something truly special that brings warmth and satisfaction to any table. Whether you're hosting a weekend brunch or just want to treat yourself to something homemade and delicious, these scones deliver every time.
