How to Create Savory Bacon and Cheddar Scones in Simple English
Scones are usually thought of as sweet treats paired with tea or coffee, but have you ever tried savory scones? These delicious baked snacks are just as simple to make, but instead of sugar, we add tasty ingredients like bacon and cheddar cheese. The combination of smoky, crispy bacon and sharp, gooey cheddar makes these scones irresistible. Today, we’ll share an easy step-by-step guide to create savory bacon and cheddar scones at home. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced in baking, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.
What Are Savory Scones?
Savory scones are similar to traditional sweet scones, but they use less sugar and include salty or flavorful add-ins like cheese, herbs, or cooked meats. They’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a snack during the day. Plus, they pair wonderfully with a bowl of soup or salad for a quick and complete meal.
The best part is that savory scones don’t require complicated techniques or fancy gadgets. You’ll simply mix the ingredients, shape the dough, and bake them. Let’s get started!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you need to create bacon and cheddar scones:
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper (optional, for extra flavor)
- 6 tablespoons (85g) cold butter, cubed
- ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream or milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup (100g) shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup (80g) cooked bacon, crumbled
If you’d like to jazz up your scones, you can add extras like chopped green onions, parsley, or even a pinch of paprika for a little kick.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook Your Bacon
Start by cooking the bacon until it’s crisp. You can fry it in a pan on the stovetop or bake it in the oven. Once it’s cool enough to touch, chop or crumble the bacon into small pieces. Set it aside.
2. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
3. Mix Dry Ingredients
Grab a large bowl and whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, salt, and black pepper. This ensures the scones will rise properly and have a nice texture.
4. Add Cold Butter
The key to fluffy scones is cold butter. Add the cubed butter into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Use a pastry cutter, fork, or your fingertips to “cut” the butter into the flour. This means breaking the butter into small pieces until the mixture looks crumbly, like coarse sand. Be careful not to melt the butter — working quickly helps keep it cold.
5. Add Cheese and Bacon
Now mix in the shredded cheddar cheese and bacon pieces. Stir everything together so these ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
6. Mix Wet Ingredients
In a small bowl, whisk together the heavy cream (or milk) and egg. Pour this mixture into the larger bowl with the dry ingredients.
7. Combine Everything
Use a spoon or your hands to gently mix the wet and dry ingredients together, forming a dough. Avoid overmixing — you just want everything to come together! If the dough feels too dry, add a tiny bit more milk. If it’s too sticky, sprinkle in a little more flour.
Shaping and Baking Your Scones
8. Shape the Dough
Lightly flour a clean surface and place the dough onto it. Using your hands, pat the dough into a round shape about 1 inch (2.5 cm) thick. You can cut the dough into wedges like a pizza or use a biscuit cutter to make round scones. Either way works!
9. Transfer to the Baking Sheet
Place the scones onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving a bit of space between each one. Brush the tops with a little milk or cream for a golden crust. If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle some extra shredded cheddar cheese on top.
10. Bake
Bake the scones in the preheated oven for 15–20 minutes, or until they’re golden brown on top. Keep an eye on them so they don’t overcook.
11. Cool and Serve
Remove the scones from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature. They’re delicious on their own, but you can pair them with butter, sour cream, or even a dollop of chutney.
Storage Tips
If you have leftovers (which is rare because they’re so good!), store your scones in an airtight container or wrap them in foil. They’ll stay fresh at room temperature for about two days or in the fridge for up to a week. You can reheat them in the oven for a few minutes to make them warm and crisp again.
Why You’ll Love These Scones
Not only are bacon and cheddar scones easy to make, but they’re also packed with flavor. Each bite brings the perfect balance of cheesy goodness and smoky bacon. Plus, they’re versatile — you can adapt the recipe to fit your preferences, using different cheeses or swapping bacon for another cooked meat like ham or sausage.
Bacon and cheddar scones are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, whether you’re serving them at a family breakfast, a cozy brunch, or just enjoying one with tea after a long day.
Now that you know how to make these savory scones, grab your mixing bowl and get baking — your taste buds will thank you!
