Ham and Cheese Scones Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a cozy, savory treat that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an anytime snack, you’re going to love this Ham and Cheese Scones Recipe. I’ve been making these for years, and I can honestly say they’re one of those “wow” recipes that bring comfort and impressive flavor together effortlessly. Imagine flakey, buttery scones packed with sharp cheddar cheese, tender ham, and a hint of fresh chives—each bite is a little celebration. Stick around, because I’ll share all my best tips to make sure your scones turn out perfectly every time.

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Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Ham and Cheese Scones Recipe plays a crucial role in creating that perfect balance of flavor and texture. The classic combo of cheddar and ham is elevated by fresh chives and a dash of seasoning. Plus, using buttermilk gives the scones a gentle tang and keeps them tender inside.

• All-purpose flour: Provides structure while keeping scones tender when correctly measured and not overworked.
• Granulated sugar: Adds just a hint of sweetness to balance the savory elements.
• Baking powder: The leavening agent that makes these scones rise beautifully without being too dense.
• Garlic powder: A subtle punch of flavor that pairs perfectly with the ham and cheese.
• Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors in the dough.
• Fresh chives: Bright, mild onion flavor that adds a pop of color and freshness.
• Cheddar cheese: Sharp and melty, giving a rich, gooey texture inside your scones.
• Unsalted butter (frozen): The magic behind flaky layers—grating frozen butter allows you to work it in gently without melting.
• Buttermilk: Adds moisture, tang, and activates the baking powder for the best rise.
• Egg (separated): The yolk enriches the dough while the white is perfect for a glossy brushing finish.
• Ham (finely chopped): I look for good-quality, tender ham that’s not too salty—this makes all the difference.
• Optional flaky sea salt: Sprinkled on top for that little extra crunch and salty pop.

Tweak to Your Taste

One of my favorite things about this Ham and Cheese Scones Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. I often switch up the cheese or herbs depending on what’s in my fridge or what flavor mood I’m in — and trust me, it still turns out delicious every time.

• Variation: I once swapped cheddar for pepper jack and added a pinch of smoked paprika — it gave the scones a wonderful smoky kick that my friends still talk about.
• Herbs: Feel free to replace chives with fresh parsley, thyme, or even dill for a different flavor profile.
• Protein swaps: Not a fan of ham? Try cooked bacon pieces or sausage chunks instead. Or just omit the meat for a classic cheesy scone.
• Size adjustments: For smaller, snack-sized scones, press the dough into smaller discs and cut more wedges — they bake faster and are perfect for sharing.

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

Step 1: Mix Your Dry Ingredients to Perfection

Start by whisking together your flour, sugar, baking powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Stir in fresh chives and shredded cheddar cheese. I always make sure to use a spoon to level the flour for accuracy, which really helps the texture. This step lays the flavorful foundation and distributes everything evenly.

Step 2: Grate Frozen Butter for That Flaky Texture

Here’s a trick I swear by: freeze your butter first, then use a box grater to shred it into the flour mixture. If you don’t have a grater, dice very cold butter into tiny cubes instead. Now gently cut or rub the butter into the flour until you get pea-sized crumbs. This is crucial for flaky scones — be patient and keep the butter cold! If you rush or the butter melts, you’ll risk dense scones.

Step 3: Wet Ingredients and Ham Join the Party

Whisk the cold buttermilk and egg yolk together, then pour this over your flour and butter mix. Add the finely chopped ham, and then gently stir just until the dough begins to come together. It can be sticky, which is totally normal — resist the urge to overmix! Overworking will make scones tough.

Step 4: Shape Your Scones Like a Pro

Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Using floured hands, gently shape it into roughly an 8-inch disc. If it’s too sticky, sprinkle a bit more flour; if too dry, a tablespoon or two of buttermilk will bring it back. Then cut into eight wedges with a sharp knife or bench scraper. For drop scones, just scoop spoonfuls onto a baking sheet. Remember, don’t fuss over perfection — rustic shapes bake just fine!

Step 5: Egg White Glaze and Chill

Whisk the reserved egg white with a tablespoon of buttermilk and brush it lightly over the top of your scones. If you want, sprinkle some flaky sea salt on top for a lovely crunch. Then refrigerate the scones for at least 15 minutes — this step helps firm them up so they bake evenly and hold their shape.

Step 6: Bake and Enjoy!

Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C), arrange the chilled scones a couple of inches apart on parchment-lined baking sheets, and bake for about 22–25 minutes. Keep an eye on them—they’re perfect when golden brown around the edges with a lightly browned top. Let them cool a few minutes before diving in; trust me, the first bite warm from the oven is bliss!

How to Serve Ham and Cheese Scones Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping my freshly baked scones with a little flaky sea salt right after brushing with egg wash—it’s that extra little crunch that feels so special. Sometimes I add a tiny pat of butter on warm scones to melt right in. Fresh herbs like extra chopped chives or parsley sprinkled on top add color and freshness that brighten each bite.

Side Dishes

These scones are amazing with a crisp green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette for contrast. I also enjoy serving them alongside a bowl of creamy tomato soup or a simple fresh fruit salad to balance the richness. For hearty brunches, scrambled eggs or a veggie frittata make ideal companions.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday brunches or special occasions, I sometimes arrange mini drop scones in a circular tier display to wow guests visually. A basket lined with a checked cloth or a rustic wooden board garnished with herbs also turns serving these scones into an experience. You can even slice them in half and fill with a dollop of cream cheese mixed with herbs for a chain of delightful flavor surprises.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or wrapped tightly in the fridge for up to 5. They get softer over time, which some people love for that melt-in-your-mouth quality, but if you prefer them flaky, try to enjoy freshly baked whenever possible.

Freezing

Freezing is a game-changer for busy mornings. I like to freeze the shaped but unbaked scone dough wedges on a tray first, then transfer them into freezer bags. When it’s baking day, I bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes, and they come out like fresh from the oven. You can also freeze baked scones for up to 3 months and thaw before reheating.

Reheating

The best way I’ve found to reheat leftover or thawed scones is in a 300°F (149°C) oven for about 10 minutes—this brings back the flakiness and warms the ham and cheese perfectly. A quick zap in the microwave also works if you’re short on time but loses some crispness.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Ham and Cheese Scones Recipe truly holds a special place in my kitchen rotation—it’s easy to make, endlessly adaptable, and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re feeding family on a weekend morning or prepping for a brunch with friends, these scones bring warmth and deliciousness to the table every time. Give it a try; I promise you’ll be excited to keep making and sharing these savory beauties for years to come!

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