When it comes to breakfast or brunch, few things are as comforting and satisfying as a warm, fresh scone. While sweet scones with fruits or jams are often a favorite, savory scones—especially ham cheese scones—are becoming increasingly popular for their hearty, delicious, and versatile nature.
The combination of savory ham, rich melted cheese, and flaky, buttery dough is a match made in culinary heaven. These scones are the perfect addition to your breakfast or brunch spread, adding a touch of elegance and filling satisfaction to any gathering.
In this article, we’ll explore why ham cheese scones are the best choice for your next brunch or breakfast event. We’ll provide you with a simple, yet delicious recipe for making these savory scones, tips for customizing them to suit your taste, and ideas for serving them to make your meal even more enjoyable.
Why Ham Cheese Scones Are Perfect for Breakfast and Brunch
1. A Savory Twist on a Classic Favorite
While sweet scones are a beloved traditional choice, savory scones offer something different and exciting. The combination of ham and cheese brings a comforting and indulgent quality to the scone, making it a great alternative to more common breakfast or brunch foods like muffins, croissants, or bagels. The rich flavors of ham and cheese pair beautifully with the light, buttery scone base, creating a balanced and satisfying dish that works equally well on its own or alongside other brunch staples.
2. Perfectly Satisfying and Filling
Ham cheese scones are packed with protein, making them a hearty and filling breakfast or brunch option. The protein from the ham and cheese will keep you feeling full throughout the morning, providing a sustained energy boost that is much-needed for a busy day ahead. Whether you’re serving them as a main dish or as part of a larger spread, these scones will be sure to satisfy your hunger.
3. Easy to Make and Quick to Prepare
While they may sound fancy, ham cheese scones are surprisingly easy to make. You don’t need any special equipment or advanced baking skills. With a handful of basic ingredients, a bit of mixing, and 15 minutes in the oven, you’ll have delicious, warm scones ready to serve in no time. They’re ideal for anyone who wants a quick and easy way to elevate their breakfast or brunch spread without spending too much time in the kitchen.
4. Customizable to Suit Every Taste
One of the best things about ham cheese scones is how easily they can be customized to suit your personal preferences. Want to add some extra flavor? You can easily swap out the cheese, try different types of ham, or experiment with herbs and spices. Whether you like sharp cheddar, creamy Gruyère, or tangy blue cheese, there’s no limit to the possibilities. You can also change up the flavor of the dough itself, adding herbs like thyme, rosemary, or chives for extra flavor.
5. Great for Any Occasion
Ham cheese scones aren’t just for breakfast or brunch—they’re perfect for a wide range of occasions. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering, having a casual weekend brunch with friends, or preparing a quick breakfast for your family, these scones are versatile enough to fit any situation. They’re great for picnics, potlucks, or even as a snack with a cup of tea in the afternoon.
The Best Ham and Cheese Scone Recipe
Here’s a simple, yet delicious, recipe for making the best ham cheese scones. These scones are buttery, fluffy, and packed with savory goodness.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional for extra flavor)
- 1/4 cup cold butter, cubed
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Gruyère, or your preferred cheese)
- 3/4 cup cooked ham, diced into small pieces
- 2/3 cup milk
- 1 large egg (optional, for brushing the tops)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Prepare the dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, pepper, and garlic powder (if using). Stir to combine evenly.
- Cut in the butter: Add the cold butter cubes into the dry mixture. Using a pastry cutter, fork, or your hands, work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs or small pea-sized pieces. The cold butter will create the flakiness that makes scones so delicious.
- Add the cheese and ham: Stir in the shredded cheese and diced ham until evenly distributed throughout the dough. If you’re adding any fresh herbs or spices, now’s the time to do so.
- Add the milk: Pour the milk into the mixture and stir gently with a spoon or spatula until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to dense scones.
- Shape the dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and gently pat it into a round disc, about 1 inch thick. Using a sharp knife or a biscuit cutter, cut the dough into wedges or rounds.
- Brush with egg wash (optional): If desired, beat the egg and brush the tops of the scones with the egg wash to give them a beautiful golden-brown color when baked.
- Bake the scones: Place the scones on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes or until they’re golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Serve and enjoy: Once the scones are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve warm with butter, and jam, or enjoy them on their own!
Tips for Perfect Ham Cheese Scones
- Use cold butter: For the flakiest scones, chips ahoy m&m cookies make sure your butter is cold when you add it to the flour mixture. Cold butter creates pockets of steam during baking, which makes the scones tender and flaky.
- Don’t overmix the dough: Mix the dough just until it comes together. Overmixing can cause the scones to become tough and dense.
- Customize the cheese: Feel free to use any cheese you like. Sharp cheddar works well, but softer cheeses like Gruyère or mozzarella will give you a different texture and flavor. Mixing different cheeses is also a great option!
- Chill the dough (optional): If you want your scones to hold their shape better, you can chill the dough in the fridge for about 15-20 minutes before baking.
- Add extra flavor with herbs: For more complex flavor, try adding fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or chives to the dough. These herbs complement the ham and cheese perfectly.
Conclusion
Ham cheese scones are a delicious and versatile addition to any breakfast or brunch spread. Their savory flavor, flaky texture, and hearty filling make them the perfect choice for any occasion—whether you’re hosting a formal brunch or simply want a quick and satisfying breakfast. With this easy-to-follow recipe and tips for customization, you can create the best ham cheese scones that will have everyone asking for the recipe.