Introduction
Scones have long been cherished as a delightful treat, enjoyed with tea or coffee and often served at gatherings and special occasions. Their versatility is one of their greatest attributes; while sweet scones, laden with fruits and sugars, have carved a niche in the hearts of many, savory scones are emerging as the star of the show. These delicious baked goods are taking the traditional concept of scones and flipping it on its head, inviting a world of flavors that cater to savory palates. Among these inventive variations, ham and cheese scones stand out as a favorite for breakfast, brunch, or even as a satisfying snack throughout the day.
Imagine waking up to the warm aroma of freshly baked scones, their golden tops glistening with a rich egg wash, and the enticing scent of melted cheese mingling with hints of savory ham. These scones offer not just taste but also comfort, making them perfect for a lazy weekend brunch or a quick grab-and-go snack during a busy weekday. Their unique combination of flavors and textures will undoubtedly elevate your baking repertoire and impress family and friends alike.
Understanding Scones
The history of scones is rich and varied, tracing back to Scotland in the early 1500s. Originally, scones were made using oats and baked on griddles, resulting in a dense, hearty bread. As time progressed, the recipe evolved, and the introduction of wheat flour brought about the lighter, fluffier scones we know today. Traditionally, scones were sweet, featuring ingredients such as currants, raisins, and sugar. However, the culinary landscape has shifted, and bakers are increasingly experimenting with savory flavors, leading to the delightful innovation of savory scones.
There are notable differences between American and British scones that are worth mentioning. British scones tend to be slightly sweeter and are often served with clotted cream and jam, while American scones are usually larger and denser, filled with a variety of add-ins such as chocolate chips, nuts, or in our case, savory ingredients like ham and cheese. The rise of savory scones reflects a broader trend in the culinary world towards incorporating bold, savory flavors into baked goods, making them an appealing option for those seeking something different.
The growing popularity of savory scones among home bakers can be attributed to their adaptability and ease of preparation. They can be customized with different cheeses, meats, and herbs, allowing for endless variations. This flexibility enables bakers to cater to personal tastes and dietary preferences, making savory scones a perfect addition to any kitchen.
Ingredients Breakdown
To create the perfect savory ham and cheese scones, it is essential to use high-quality ingredients that contribute to the overall flavor and texture. Here’s a detailed breakdown of each ingredient you will need:
– All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of any scone recipe, all-purpose flour provides the structure and texture needed for a light and flaky scone. The right balance of flour is crucial; too much can lead to tough scones, while too little may not hold the shape.
– Baking Powder: This leavening agent is vital for achieving the desired fluffiness in your scones. Baking powder reacts with moisture and heat, allowing the scones to rise as they bake. Make sure your baking powder is fresh for the best results.
– Salt and Black Pepper: These seasonings are essential in enhancing the flavors of your savory scones. Salt brings out the natural sweetness of the ingredients, while black pepper adds a subtle kick that complements the richness of the cheese and ham.
– Cold Unsalted Butter: The temperature of the butter plays a significant role in the scone-making process. Using cold, unsalted butter ensures that it remains solid until the scones are baked, creating pockets of steam that contribute to their flaky texture. This ingredient should be cut into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
– Diced Ham: The choice of ham is critical in this recipe. Options like smoked or honey-glazed ham can bring different flavor profiles to the scones. Diced ham should be evenly distributed throughout the dough, ensuring each bite is packed with savory goodness.
– Sharp Cheddar Cheese: The quality of cheese significantly impacts the flavor of your scones. Sharp cheddar cheese provides a robust flavor that pairs beautifully with the ham. Grating the cheese instead of cubing it allows for better incorporation into the dough.
– Dijon Mustard: This ingredient may come as a surprise, but it acts as a secret weapon in enhancing the overall depth of flavor in your scones. A small amount of Dijon mustard can elevate the taste and bring all the ingredients together.
– Buttermilk: Buttermilk adds moisture to the dough while also contributing to its tenderness. The acidity in buttermilk interacts with the baking powder, further enhancing the scones’ rise. If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can create a substitute by mixing regular milk with a splash of vinegar or lemon juice.
– Egg Wash: An egg wash is a mixture of beaten egg and a splash of milk applied to the tops of the scones before baking. This step is crucial for achieving a beautiful golden-brown color and a shiny finish, making your scones visually appealing.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Before diving into the process of making your savory ham and cheese scones, it’s essential to prepare your kitchen and gather all your ingredients. Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature is ideal for baking scones, as it allows them to rise quickly and develop a golden crust while remaining tender on the inside.
After preheating, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking. Having everything in place will streamline your baking process and help you achieve the best results.
Stay tuned for the next steps, where we’ll guide you through the mixing, shaping, and baking processes, ultimately culminating in the creation of these delectable savory ham and cheese scones.
Mixing Dry Ingredients
To create the perfect base for your savory ham and cheese scones, start with the dry ingredients. Begin by measuring out your flour, baking powder, and any seasonings you plan to include. For an even distribution of baking powder and seasoning, use a whisk to blend these ingredients together in a large mixing bowl. This step is crucial because it ensures that the leavening agent is evenly spread throughout the flour, preventing any bitter pockets of baking powder in your final product.
Consider sifting the flour and baking powder together as an additional step. While not strictly necessary, this can help aerate the flour, leading to lighter scones. Additionally, incorporate any dry herbs or spices at this stage, such as dried thyme or paprika, to enhance the flavor profile of your scones.
Incorporating Butter
Achieving the right crumb consistency is key to delightful scones. For this recipe, you will want to use cold butter, cut into small cubes, which helps create that tender, flaky texture. Add the cubed butter to your dry ingredients and use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to work the butter into the flour mixture. The goal is to create a mixture that resembles coarse breadcrumbs, with small pea-sized pieces of butter still visible.
Be careful not to overwork the butter into the flour; the small bits of butter will create steam as they melt during baking, which is what helps create the lovely layers in your scones. If you find that the mixture is becoming too warm or sticky, pop it in the refrigerator for a few minutes to bring down the temperature before continuing.
Adding Ham and Cheese
Next, it’s time to add your diced ham and shredded cheese to the dry mixture. For this recipe, a sharp cheddar or Gruyère works beautifully. To avoid overmixing and developing gluten, which can lead to tough scones, gently fold in the ham and cheese with a spatula or wooden spoon. Aim for just enough mixing to evenly distribute the ingredients without breaking up the cheese or ham too much. The goal here is to maintain a tender texture, so be gentle!
Combining Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, combine your wet ingredients, which include buttermilk and mustard. The mustard is a secret weapon that infuses the scones with a delightful depth of flavor. Whisk these ingredients together until smooth, ensuring that the mustard is fully incorporated into the buttermilk. This mixture will not only provide moisture to the scones but also enhance their savory profile.
Once your wet ingredients are ready, create a well in the center of your dry ingredients. Pour in the buttermilk mixture and stir gently with a spatula until just combined. It’s important to remember that the dough should be slightly shaggy and not overly mixed; some dry flour pockets are okay.
Forming the Dough
When it comes to shaping your scone dough, less is more. Turn the mixture out onto a lightly floured surface and use your hands to gently bring it together into a cohesive mass. Avoid kneading the dough, as this will activate gluten and result in denser scones. Instead, gently pat the dough into a rectangle about 1-inch thick.
If you want to incorporate additional flavors at this stage, consider folding in some freshly chopped herbs or additional cheese. Remember: the goal is to keep the dough light and airy, so handle it as little as possible.
Cutting and Transferring
Once your dough is shaped, it’s time to cut it into scones. Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to slice the dough into squares, triangles, or circles, depending on your preference. It’s essential to cut straight down without twisting the knife to ensure that the edges are clean, allowing the scones to rise properly during baking.
Transfer your cut scones onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they’re spaced about an inch apart. This spacing allows for even baking and prevents them from merging into one another.
Applying Egg Wash
For a beautiful golden, shiny crust, apply an egg wash to the tops of your scones. To create the egg wash, whisk together one egg and a tablespoon of milk or water until well combined. Using a pastry brush, gently coat the tops of each scone with the egg wash. This step not only enhances the appearance but also adds a slight richness to the crust.
Baking Process
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake your scones for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of a scone; it should come out clean or with just a few crumbs attached. The scones should have risen nicely and will feel firm to the touch when fully baked.
Cooling and Serving
Once baked, remove the scones from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This cooling period helps maintain the scone’s shape and prevents them from becoming soggy. Serve warm or at room temperature, and consider pairing them with a dollop of butter, honey, or your favorite savory spread.
Variations and Customizations
For those with dietary restrictions, there are numerous ways to customize this recipe. For a gluten-free option, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring that the blend contains xanthan gum to help mimic the texture of traditional flour. If you prefer dairy-free scones, opt for a dairy-free cheese alternative and substitute buttermilk with almond or soy milk mixed with a bit of vinegar to replicate the acidity.
Additionally, you can enhance the flavor of your scones by incorporating fresh herbs like chives, dill, or parsley into the dough. These herbs not only provide a wonderful aroma but also elevate the overall taste. Experimenting with different cheese varieties such as feta or pepper jack can also impart unique flavors, and you can add finely diced vegetables like bell peppers or green onions for added texture and freshness.
Pairing Ideas
To complement your savory ham and cheese scones, consider serving them with a creamy dip, such as a herb-infused cream cheese spread or a zesty mustard dip. They also pair beautifully with a light soup or salad, making them an excellent choice for brunch, lunch, or as a snack.
Nutritional Information
Each savory ham and cheese scone typically contains around 220 calories, depending on the specific ingredients used. They provide a good source of protein from the ham and cheese, while also delivering carbohydrates from the flour. These scones can fit into a balanced diet when enjoyed in moderation, especially when accompanied by a side of vegetables or a healthy salad.
Conclusion
Baking savory ham and cheese scones is not only a delightful culinary experience but also a wonderful way to enjoy a comforting treat. The combination of flaky pastry, savory ham, and melted cheese creates an irresistible snack that can be enjoyed at any time of the day. We encourage you to try this recipe and experiment with various flavors and ingredients to make it your own.
Scones are incredibly versatile and can easily adapt to suit your preferences, whether you enjoy them sweet or savory. So gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to bake a batch of these scrumptious scones that will impress family and friends alike. Happy baking!
