Savory Herb and Cheddar Scones

$To make these savory herb and cheddar scones, you need: - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 tablespoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper - 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed - 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded - 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary) - 1 tablespoon fresh chives, finely chopped - 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped - 3/4 cup buttermilk - 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash) You can swap some ingredients if needed. For flour, use whole wheat for added fiber. If you lack buttermilk, mix milk with a splash of vinegar or lemon juice. You can replace sharp cheddar with any cheese you like, such as gouda or pepper jack. If you can’t find fresh herbs, dried ones work too, but use less. For butter, coconut oil or margarine can also be used. Fresh herbs make a big difference in flavor. They add brightness and depth to your scones. Rosemary, chives, and parsley bring unique tastes. Fresh herbs also enhance the aroma while baking. Always try to use fresh herbs when you can. They elevate the dish from good to great. To start, gather your ingredients. You will need flour, baking powder, salt, black pepper, butter, cheddar cheese, and fresh herbs. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt, and black pepper. Whisk these dry ingredients well. Next, add the cold, cubed butter. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers. Work the butter into the flour until it looks like coarse crumbs. This step is key for flaky scones. Then, fold in the shredded cheddar cheese and chopped herbs. Mix gently so the cheese and herbs spread evenly. Make a well in the center and pour in the buttermilk. Stir the mixture gently until it just holds together. Be careful not to overwork the dough. It’s okay if it looks a bit rough. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface. Knead it softly a few times until it holds together. Pat it into a circle that is about one inch thick. Now, it's time to shape your scones. Use a sharp knife or a bench scraper to cut the dough into 8 wedges. This shape gives you that classic scone look. Place the wedges on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure to space them apart a little. This allows them to bake evenly. Before baking, brush the tops of the scones with a beaten egg. This gives them a nice golden color. Bake the scones in your preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes. They should turn golden brown. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick in the center. It should come out clean. Once baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly on a wire rack. This cooling step keeps them from getting soggy. Enjoy your warm, savory herb and cheddar scones! To get the best texture, use cold butter. Cold butter creates layers in the scones. Cut it into small cubes and work it into the flour. You want it to look like coarse crumbs. Don’t overmix the dough; it should be barely combined. This helps keep the scones light and flaky. To keep your scones fluffy, use fresh baking powder. Baking powder helps them rise as they bake. Also, make sure you don’t knead the dough too much. Gentle handling is key. When shaping, pat the dough instead of rolling it out. This keeps air pockets that make the scones light. These savory scones shine when served warm. Try spreading a little butter on top. You can also drizzle some honey for a sweet touch. Pair them with a bowl of soup for a nice lunch. For a fun twist, serve with cream cheese mixed with herbs. This adds flavor and makes the scones even better. {{image_2}} You can switch out cheddar for other cheeses. Try sharp gouda for a nutty taste. Feta adds a tangy twist that works well with herbs. Parmesan gives a salty crunch. Each cheese changes the flavor. Mix and match for fun! Herbs bring freshness to your scones. In spring, use fresh dill or basil. In summer, try parsley or tarragon. Fall is great for sage or thyme. In winter, rosemary shines bright. Pick herbs based on what you like. This keeps your scones exciting! Want to add more? Crumbled bacon gives a savory kick. Dice up cooked vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for color. Cheese, herbs, and extras blend well. This makes each scone unique. Explore different combinations to find your favorite mix! To keep your savory herb and cheddar scones fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps lock in moisture and flavor. Place a piece of wax paper between layers if stacking. Store them at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing. To freeze your scones, let them cool completely after baking. Wrap each scone tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Label the bag with the date. You can freeze them for up to three months. This way, you can enjoy scones anytime! When you’re ready to eat the frozen scones, remove them from the freezer. Unwrap them and place them on a baking sheet. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Warm them for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through. You can also use a microwave for a quick reheat, but they may not be as crispy. Enjoy your fresh-tasting scones! You can make scones without buttermilk by using milk and vinegar. Mix 3/4 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it thickens. This creates a sour milk that works like buttermilk. You can also use yogurt or sour cream thinned with water for a similar effect. This keeps your scones moist and tender. Yes, you can use whole wheat flour in your scones. It adds a nutty flavor and makes them heartier. However, whole wheat flour absorbs more liquid than all-purpose flour. Use about 3/4 cup of whole wheat flour and 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour for best results. This mix keeps your scones light while adding nutrition. Savory herb and cheddar scones pair well with many dishes. Serve them warm with a pat of butter for a simple treat. They also go great with soups, like tomato or chicken noodle. Add a fresh salad for a light meal. For a special touch, drizzle honey on top or serve with a cheese platter. Enjoy them however you like! By using fresh ingredients, you can create delicious scones. We discussed essential ingredients and tasty swaps. I shared tips to make your scones fluffy and light. You learned about variations like different cheeses and herbs. Plus, storing scones keeps them fresh longer, and reheating is easy. Remember, baking is fun and takes practice. Enjoy your time making scones and share them with friends. Let your creativity shine in the kitchen!$

Savory Herb and Cheddar Scones

Whip up a batch of savory herb and cheddar scones that are simply irresistible! With fresh herbs and sharp cheddar, these scones are perfect for breakfast or as a tasty snack. Discover the easy steps to create golden, flaky scones that everyone will love. Don't miss out on this delightful recipe! Click through to explore how to make these delicious scones today! #SavoryScones #CheddarScones #BakingJoy #HerbRecipes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 tablespoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed

1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary)

1 tablespoon fresh chives, finely chopped

1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped

3/4 cup buttermilk

1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, and black pepper. Whisk together to disperse the dry ingredients.

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 crumbs.

Fold in the shredded cheddar cheese along with the rosemary, chives, and parsley until evenly distributed.

Make a well in the center of the mixture and pour in the buttermilk. Mix gently until just combined, being careful not to overwork the dough.

Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and gently knead it a few times until it holds together. Pat the dough into a circle about 1-inch thick.

Use a sharp knife or a bench scraper to cut the dough into 8 wedges. Place the wedges on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them apart slightly.

Brush the tops of the scones with the beaten egg to give them a golden finish.

Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the scones are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Remove from the oven and let cool slightly on a wire rack before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes | Servings: 8 scones

- Presentation Tips: Serve warm with a pat of butter or a drizzle of honey, and garnish with a few fresh herb sprigs for a beautiful touch. Enjoy them as a delightful snack or alongside a bowl of soup!