If you’re looking for a comforting and flavorful bake that’s both simple and satisfying, savoury scones are the perfect choice. Unlike their sweet counterparts, these scones combine the richness of cheese with the earthy tones of herbs like spring onions, spinach, or chives. They’re a wonderful addition to any brunch table, picnic basket, or as an afternoon snack paired with tea or soup. What makes these scones special is the harmony of flavors: the tanginess of buttermilk, the sharpness of cheddar, and the subtle kick of black pepper. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a beginner in the kitchen, you’ll find this recipe straightforward and reliable.
The key to great scones lies in the handling of cold butter—grating it ensures even distribution throughout the dough and leads to a tender, flaky texture. With just a few pantry staples and fresh ingredients, you can whip up a batch of these golden delights in under 45 minutes. They’re also highly customizable, making it easy to tailor them to your taste or dietary preferences. Serve them warm with a spread of butter, cream cheese, or your favorite dip for an irresistible savory bite.
Ingredients (Makes approximately 10–12 scones):
• 3 cups plain flour or self-raising flour
• ¾ cup cold grated butter (170g)
• ½ cup grated cheddar cheese
• ½ cup finely chopped spring onion, spinach, or chives
• ¾ cup buttermilk
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon salt
Note: If using self-raising flour, reduce baking powder to 1 teaspoon.
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 190°C (374°F).
In a large mixing bowl, sift in the flour, baking powder, pepper, and salt.
Add the cold grated butter and use your fingertips to rub it into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs.
Mix in the grated cheese and chopped herbs or greens.
In a separate bowl, whisk the egg and buttermilk together.
Gently combine the wet mixture with the dry ingredients, mixing just until it comes together.
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently bring it together with your hands—avoid overworking it.
Flatten the dough and use a round cutter to shape the scones.
Place them on a baking tray and lightly brush the tops with egg white.
Bake for 20–25 minutes or until the tops are golden brown. Serve warm or let them cool on a wire rack.
Nutritional Insights & Dietary Notes:
These scones provide a good mix of carbohydrates and fats, with some protein from the cheese and egg. They’re filling and offer a satisfying savory flavor, making them a wholesome snack or meal accompaniment. For lighter versions, you can reduce the cheese or substitute with plant-based alternatives. To make it vegetarian, ensure the cheese used does not contain animal rennet.
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