Ham and Cheese Scones Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a savory, flaky treat that brings comfort and a burst of cheesy, meaty flavor, then you’re going to adore this Ham and Cheese Scones Recipe. These scones are everything you want for breakfast, brunch, or even a cozy snack—crispy edges, tender crumb, with melty cheddar and salty ham hidden inside every bite. Stick around because I’m sharing all my secrets, tips, and tweaks to help you nail these beauties, whether you’re a seasoned baker or just getting started.

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Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Ham and Cheese Scones Recipe plays a vital role, and together they make these scones irresistibly good. From the tang of buttermilk to the punch of garlic powder, I’m sharing why each one matters along with some tips for picking the best versions.

• All-purpose flour: The base for structure—you want it spooned and leveled so you don’t unintentionally add too much, which can dry out your scones.
• Granulated sugar: Just a little to balance the savory flavors and enhance browning.
• Baking powder: This is your rising hero, giving you those fluffy, light scones instead of dense ones.
• Garlic powder: Adds a subtle warmth that complements the ham and cheese without overpowering.
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Crucial for seasoning throughout and heightening all the other flavors.
• Fresh chives: Offers a gentle oniony brightness—feel free to swap with parsley or scallions if you prefer.
• Shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp and melty is the way to go. This gives the scones that rich, comforting taste.
• Unsalted butter (frozen): Frozen butter grated into the flour creates flaky layers, so don’t skip the freezing step!
• Cold buttermilk: Brings acidity that reacts with the baking powder for rise, plus adds moisture and flavor.
• Large egg: Used for richness in the dough and a glossy wash for that golden finish.
• Finely chopped ham: Make sure it’s chopped small so every bite gets a bit of that savory goodness.
• Optional flaky sea salt for topping: Truly elevates the final scones with a delightful crunch and burst of saltiness.

Make It Your Way

One of the things I love about this Ham and Cheese Scones Recipe is how flexible it is—you can easily tweak it to suit what you have on hand or your taste buds. I’ve played around with herbs, cheeses, and meats over time, so don’t hesitate to make it your own.

• Variation: My favorite twist is swapping cheddar for gouda, which adds a smoky richness that’s just divine. I once made these for a brunch party, and folks couldn’t stop asking for the recipe.
• Herbs Swap: I sometimes replace chives with fresh parsley or green onions for a different but equally fresh note.
• Meat Options: If you don’t do ham, try finely chopped bacon or sausage for a similar savory hit.
• Cheese-Free Option: Skip the cheese and ham altogether for a great base scone you can dress up with jams or honey.

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

Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients and Add the Good Stuff

Start by whisking together your flour, sugar, baking powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. This gives even distribution of your leavening and seasonings. Then stir in your fresh chives and shredded cheddar cheese. I always make sure the cheese is evenly spread because pockets of cheese are the best part!

Step 2: Grate the Frozen Butter and Combine

I swear by the frozen butter method—it’s the secret to flaky scones. Grab your frozen block of butter and grate it straight into the dry mix using a box grater. If you don’t have one, finely cube very cold butter instead. Then, use a pastry cutter, forks, or your fingers (quick but don’t overwork) to mix until you get pea-sized crumbs. If it feels too soft, pop the mixture in the fridge or freezer for a few minutes while you prepare the wet ingredients.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients and Ham, Then Form the Dough

Whisk together the buttermilk and egg yolk, saving the egg white for the glaze later. Pour this into your bowl with the flour mixture, add your finely chopped ham, then gently mix just until the dough starts to clump. Over-mixing will toughen the scones, so keep it light and easy.

Step 4: Shape and Cut Your Scones

Dump the dough onto a floured surface and gently bring it together into a ball with floured hands—it will be sticky, and that’s okay! If it feels super sticky, dust a little more flour, but be careful not to add too much or the scones will dry out. Press the dough into an 8-inch disc and slice into 8 wedges with a sharp knife. If you want smaller scones, I like making two 5-inch discs and cutting each into 8 wedges, which yields 16 petite scones perfect for sharing.

Step 5: Glaze and Chill Before Baking

Brush your scones lightly with the buttermilk and egg white mixture to help create that gorgeous golden finish. If you’re feeling fancy (or just love a salty crunch), sprinkle some flaky sea salt on top. Pop them in the fridge for at least 15 minutes to chill—this step helps them keep their shape and bake up beautifully.

Step 6: Bake Until Golden and Delicious

Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Line your baking sheet with parchment or silicone mats and space the scones about 2-3 inches apart—give them room to rise and brown nicely. Bake for 22-25 minutes, watching for that golden crust and slightly browned tops. Once out of the oven, let them cool a few minutes before digging in. Trust me, they taste best warm!

How to Serve Ham and Cheese Scones Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple with flaky sea salt sprinkled on top before baking—it adds that extra crunch and bursts of flavor. Sometimes, I’ll toss on a handful of extra chopped chives just before serving for a fresh pop of green and subtle zest.

Side Dishes

These scones are rich and filling, so I love pairing them with fresh salad greens dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette. For brunch, a side of scrambled eggs or roasted tomatoes complements the ham and cheese perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I arrange mini cheese and ham scone wedges on a wooden board alongside bowls of flavored butters and honey. It’s a charming spread that’s both casual and impressive. I also tried layering them with smoked salmon and a dollop of crème fraîche for a fancy twist that wowed my guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover ham and cheese scones keep really well at room temperature for up to two days, which is great when you want a quick snack. If you want them to last longer, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. Just keep in mind they’ll soften a bit as they sit.

Freezing

I love freezing these scones! You can freeze shaped dough wedges on a baking tray for an hour, then transfer them to a freezer bag—makes it easy to bake fresh scones whenever you want. Or freeze fully baked and cooled scones for up to 3 months. It saves so much time when guests pop by unexpectedly.

Reheating

When I reheat, I prefer warming scones on a baking sheet in a 300°F (149°C) oven for about 10 minutes to bring back the crisp crust and melty cheese. Microwave is faster but makes them softer, which is great if you want a softer bite.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Ham and Cheese Scones Recipe has become one of my absolute go-tos whenever I want that cozy comfort food that feels homemade but special. There’s nothing like pulling warm scones fresh from the oven, watching the cheese stretch and tasting the savory ham with a hint of fresh herbs. If you give it a try, I’m sure you’ll fall for it just like I did—the perfect mix of ease, flavor, and those flaky layers that keep you coming back for more.

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