Ham and Cheese Scones Recipe

If you’re anything like me, you know there’s something irresistibly comforting about fresh scones—flaky on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with savory goodness. Today, I’m excited to share my go-to Ham and Cheese Scones Recipe that’s been a fan-freaking-tastic hit in my kitchen. This recipe blends salty ham, sharp cheddar, and a hint of fresh chives into every bite. Trust me, once you try these scones, you’ll want to make them again and again, whether for breakfast, brunch, or a hearty snack.

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Ingredients & Why They Work

All the ingredients here come together beautifully—each plays a role to create that iconic scone texture and flavor. A couple of pointers: Always use cold butter, and don’t skip the buttermilk—it makes these scones tender and adds a subtle tang that enhances the cheese and ham.

• All-purpose flour: The foundation for structure; spoon and level it to avoid dense scones.
• Granulated sugar: Just a touch to balance the savory flavors.
• Baking powder: Key for the scones’ rise and light texture.
• Garlic powder: Adds a gentle, savory depth without overpowering.
• Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors.
• Chopped fresh chives: Adds a mild oniony freshness—feel free to swap for parsley or green onions.
• Shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp and flavorful, it melts perfectly into the dough.
• Frozen unsalted butter: Provides flakiness; grating it cold into the flour creates those signature layers.
• Cold buttermilk: Keeps dough tender and moist with a slight tang.
• Large egg, separated: Egg yolk enriches the dough while the white helps with a glossy finish when brushing.
• Finely chopped ham: Meaty and salty, it ensures every bite has that savory surprise.
• Optional flaky sea salt: A sprinkle on top adds delightful crunch and flavor contrast.

Tweak to Your Taste

One of the things I love about this Ham and Cheese Scones Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. Sometimes, I swap out the cheddar for smoked gouda or add a dash of cayenne for a little heat. If you’re vegetarian, omitting the ham and doubling the chives or adding sautéed mushrooms is equally delicious.

• Cheese swap: Tried pepper jack or feta? Both give a different but yummy twist.
• Herb variations: Parsley, thyme, or even a tiny bit of rosemary can freshen things up seasonally.
• Make mini scones: Perfect for parties—cut the dough into smaller wedges and reduce baking time.
• Gluten-free option: I’ve experimented with gluten-free blends and the texture is a bit different but still satisfying.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Ham and Cheese Scones Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Start by whisking together the flour, sugar, baking powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. This blends the flavors and ensures the baking powder is evenly distributed so your scones rise nicely. I find this step really sets the tone for an even bake.

Step 2: Add the Cheese and Chives

Stir in the fresh chopped chives and shredded cheddar cheese. The cheese adds pockets of melty richness, and the chives bring a fresh pop of green and flavor. Mixing these before adding butter helps coat everything in flour, which prevents clumping.

Step 3: Grate and Incorporate Frozen Butter

Now here comes a little trick: grate that frozen butter directly into the flour mixture. It looks a little funny, but don’t worry—this is what gives the scones their signature flakiness. Work it quickly with a pastry cutter or your fingers until you see pea-sized crumbs. Just be careful not to warm the butter too much as you go.

Step 4: Mix the Wet Ingredients and Ham

Whisk the buttermilk with the egg yolk (reserve the white for later). Pour this into your dry mixture, add the chopped ham, then gently mix until the dough just clumps together. Don’t overmix—it’s okay if it feels a bit sticky.

Step 5: Shape and Chill the Dough

Turn your dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Use floured hands to gently form it into an 8-inch disc, adding just a touch more flour if it’s too sticky (or a tablespoon of buttermilk if too dry). Slice into 8 wedges for traditional scones. Brush with a buttermilk-egg white wash and sprinkle flaky salt if you’re feeling fancy. Chill these in the fridge for at least 15 minutes before baking.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Pop your scones in a preheated 400°F (204°C) oven on parchment-lined baking sheets. Bake for 22–25 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the tops lightly browned. Let them cool just a few minutes before digging in—you don’t want to miss that fresh, warm, cheesy goodness!

How to Serve Ham and Cheese Scones Recipe

Garnishes

I always finish mine with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt before baking—it adds that perfect crunchy burst. Sometimes, I add a little extra chopped fresh chives on top for a pop of green. A dab of softened butter or a smear of honey butter warmed up the flavors beautifully when serving.

Side Dishes

These scones shine alongside a simple green salad or roasted tomatoes. For brunch, I like pairing them with scrambled eggs or a light vegetable frittata. They’re filling enough on their own but feel extra special with a side of tangy fruit preserves or Dijon mustard if you want a savory dip.

Creative Ways to Present

For a weekend brunch spread, I’ve arranged these scones on a wooden board with bowls of butter, marmalade, and some sliced cured meats. They also make charming party appetizers—just slice into smaller wedges and serve warm with a spicy mustard dip. A potluck favorite, for sure!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After the initial day, scones get softer but still delicious. I store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days and in the fridge up to five days. Just give them a quick warm-up before serving to revive that fresh-baked feeling.

Freezing

Freezing is a game changer! I often freeze both the unbaked scone wedges and the fully baked scones. For unbaked, freeze for an hour first on a baking sheet, then transfer to freezer bags. When ready, bake straight from frozen adding a few extra minutes. The baked scones freeze well too; thaw at room temp or warm gently in the oven.

Reheating

I reheat my leftover scones in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes to crisp back up the exterior and warm the inside, or zap them in the microwave for 20-30 seconds if I’m in a hurry (though they lose a bit of crispiness that way).

FAQs

Final Thoughts

These Ham and Cheese Scones have become a cozy staple in my kitchen, the kind of recipe I turn to when I want something comforting but special. The balance of flavors, the flaky texture, and the ease of prep make it a winner every time. I genuinely hope you give this recipe a go—it’s like a warm hug fresh from the oven. You’ll love sharing them with friends or keeping a batch ready whenever hunger strikes!

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