Savory Bacon Cheddar Scones

For many years, the word “scone” conjured up images of dry, crumbly baked goods that required a generous gulp of coffee or tea with every bite just to make it palatable. In my household, scones were rarely a beloved item, with the notable exception of my mom’s special recipe, which always seemed to defy the common scone stereotype. My husband, Mark, shared my skepticism, having endured countless flavorless and moisture-deficient scones that left us longing for a glass of orange juice – an essential morning companion for me.

Our scone-aversion was a deeply ingrained culinary habit, one that we never expected to break. That is, until a tempting recipe surfaced on one of my absolute favorite food blogs, Annie’s Eats. The post showcased these incredible-looking bacon cheddar scones, and with a carton of buttermilk eagerly awaiting use and a free weekend on the horizon, I felt an unusual spark of excitement. Could this be the recipe that finally changed our minds about scones? I had to find out.

And indeed, it was a resounding success! These weren’t just any scones; they were a revelation. Unlike the dry, bland varieties we had come to expect, these bacon cheddar scones were incredibly moist, tender, and bursting with savory flavor. Each bite delivered a delightful combination of smoky bacon and sharp cheddar, creating a truly satisfying experience. They proved to be the perfect indulgence for breakfast, and equally delightful as a midday snack. What’s more, they require minimal effort, taking only slightly more time than preparing a full breakfast, and yielding plenty of leftovers to enjoy throughout the week.

Imagine starting your day with these warm, fluffy delights, or enjoying them as a comforting treat with your afternoon coffee. They’re surprisingly simple to prepare, making them an excellent project for a quiet morning alone or a fun activity to share with kids. If you have about 20 minutes to spare and a craving for something new and undeniably delicious, these Easy Bacon Cheddar Scones are an absolute must-try. Prepare to redefine your understanding of what a scone can be!

Why These Bacon Cheddar Scones Will Change Your Mind

For too long, savory scones have lived in the shadow of their sweeter counterparts, often overlooked or poorly executed. But these Bacon Cheddar Scones stand out, offering a delectable alternative for those who prefer their baked goods on the less sugary side. The combination of crispy, salty bacon and sharp, creamy cheddar cheese is a culinary match made in heaven, elevating the humble scone to a gourmet experience.

What truly sets this recipe apart is its commitment to moisture and flavor. Traditional scones often suffer from a dry, crumbly texture, but thanks to the careful balance of ingredients, particularly the buttermilk and proper technique, these scones emerge from the oven with an incredibly tender crumb. The rich flavors of bacon and cheddar permeate every bite, creating a savory sensation that is both comforting and sophisticated. They’re robust enough to satisfy a hearty appetite yet refined enough to grace any brunch table.

Key Ingredients for Scone Perfection

Crafting the perfect scone relies on a few fundamental ingredients and understanding their roles. Let’s delve into what makes these bacon cheddar scones so exceptional:

• All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of our scones. While various flours can be used, all-purpose provides the ideal structure and tenderness for this recipe.
• Baking Powder & Salt: These are your leavening agents and flavor enhancers. Baking powder gives the scones their rise and airy texture, while salt balances the flavors and brings out the best in the cheese and bacon.
• Cold Unsalted Butter: This is perhaps the most crucial ingredient for a flaky scone. Cold butter, cut into small cubes, creates pockets of steam as it melts in the oven, resulting in those desirable layers and a tender interior. Using unsalted butter gives you control over the overall saltiness, especially with salty bacon and cheese.
• Grated Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar is recommended for its robust flavor that stands up well to the bacon. Grating it yourself from a block often yields better flavor and melt than pre-shredded varieties, which can contain anti-caking agents.
• Green Onions: These provide a mild oniony zest and a touch of freshness that brightens the savory profile of the scones. Thinly sliced, they distribute evenly throughout the dough.
• Bacon: The star of the show! Cooked and crumbled bacon adds a fantastic smoky, salty, and slightly crispy texture. Ensure it’s cooked to your desired crispness but not burnt.
• Buttermilk: Essential for both moisture and tenderness. The acidity in buttermilk reacts with the baking powder to create a lighter texture, and it imparts a subtle tang that complements the richness of the cheese and bacon. Don’t skimp on this ingredient; it’s a game-changer for scone texture.
• Egg Wash (Egg + Water): A simple mixture brushed over the tops of the scones before baking. This gives them that beautiful golden-brown crust and a slight sheen, making them even more appealing.

Expert Tips for Scone Success

Even though this recipe is designed to be easy, a few tips can ensure your scones turn out perfectly every time:

1. Keep Ingredients Cold: This cannot be stressed enough, especially for the butter and buttermilk. Cold butter prevents overworking and ensures a flaky texture.
2. Don’t Overmix the Dough: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, leading to tough scones. Mix just until the ingredients are combined and the dough barely comes together. A few dry spots are better than an overmixed, tough dough.
3. Handle the Dough Minimally: Once the dough is formed, work with it as little as possible. Patting it into a disk and slicing into wedges is preferred over excessive kneading.
4. Use a Pastry Blender or Your Fingertips: When incorporating the butter into the dry ingredients, a pastry blender works wonderfully. If using your hands, work quickly to avoid melting the butter with the warmth of your fingers.
5. Check Your Baking Powder: Ensure your baking powder is fresh. Old baking powder will result in flat, dense scones. You can test it by mixing a teaspoon with a little hot water; it should bubble vigorously.
6. Oven Temperature Matters: A hot oven (400°F or 200°C) helps the scones rise quickly and creates a beautiful golden crust while keeping the interior moist.
7. Don’t Twist the Cutter (if using): Although this recipe calls for wedges, if you ever use a round cutter for scones, press straight down and lift straight up. Twisting seals the edges, preventing a good rise.

Variations and Customizations

While the Bacon Cheddar Scones are perfect as is, feel free to get creative and customize them to your taste:

• Cheese Swaps: Experiment with different cheeses! Gruyere, Monterey Jack, smoked gouda, or even a spicy pepper jack can offer unique flavor profiles.
• Herb Additions: Fresh herbs like chives, thyme, rosemary, or dill can add another layer of aromatic flavor. Chop them finely and mix them into the dry ingredients.
• Spice It Up: A pinch of cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, or a dash of your favorite hot sauce mixed into the buttermilk can add a pleasant warmth and kick.
• Other Savory Mix-Ins: Consider adding finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers, or caramelized onions for extra depth. Just ensure they are not too wet.
• Vegetarian Option: To make these vegetarian, simply omit the bacon. You can replace it with finely diced roasted mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or a bit more green onion for extra flavor.
• Sweet & Savory Twist: For a slightly sweeter edge, a touch of maple syrup or honey could be added to the buttermilk mixture, creating a delightful contrast.

Serving Suggestions & Storage

These versatile Bacon Cheddar Scones can be enjoyed in numerous ways:

• Breakfast or Brunch: Serve them warm with scrambled eggs, a side of fruit, or even a dollop of cream cheese or chive butter.
• Soup & Salad Companion: Their savory profile makes them an excellent accompaniment to a hearty bowl of soup or a fresh, crisp salad.
• Snack Time: Enjoy them on their own as a satisfying snack, perhaps with a cup of coffee or a glass of fresh orange juice (my personal favorite!).
• Party Appetizer: Cut them into smaller wedges before baking for elegant bite-sized appetizers at gatherings.

Storage: Leftover scones can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month. Reheat frozen scones directly in a preheated oven (around 350°F or 175°C) until warmed through, or microwave for a quicker option, though they might lose some crispness.

So, if you’ve ever dismissed scones as a dry, uninspiring pastry, prepare to have your mind, and your taste buds, completely transformed by these Easy Bacon Cheddar Scones. They are the epitome of savory comfort, simple to make, and utterly irresistible. Give them a try this weekend, and discover your new favorite breakfast (or anytime) treat!

Easy Bacon Cheddar Scones

Print Recipe
Pin Recipe

IngredientsMethod

Ingredients

  

For the scones:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp. baking powder
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1/2 tsp. ground black pepper
• 8 tbsp. cold unsalted butter
• cut into small cubes
• 1½ cups grated cheddar cheese
• 4 green onions thinly sliced
• 10 slices bacon cooked & crumbled into small pieces
• 1 cup buttermilk plus up to ½ cup extra, if needed

For the egg wash:

• 1 large egg
• 2 tbsp. water

Method

 

1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). This ensures the oven is at the correct temperature for immediate baking, allowing the scones to rise beautifully.
2. In the spacious bowl of an electric mixer equipped with a paddle attachment, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and ground black pepper. Mix these dry ingredients briefly on low speed until they are just combined. Next, add the cold unsalted butter, which has been cut into small cubes. Mix on low speed until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, and the butter pieces are approximately the size of small peas. (If you don’t have an electric mixer, you can achieve this by hand in a large mixing bowl using a pastry blender or two knives to cut the butter into the dry ingredients.) Once the butter is incorporated, stir in the grated cheddar cheese until it is just evenly distributed throughout the mixture. Avoid overmixing at this stage.
3. Now, gently fold in the thinly sliced green onions and the cooked, crumbled bacon into the flour-butter mixture. Add 1 cup of the buttermilk. Stir everything by hand, using a spatula or spoon, just until all the ingredients are incorporated and no dry pockets of flour remain. The dough should be soft but manageable. If the dough appears too dry to come together into a cohesive ball, gradually mix in the remaining buttermilk, one tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Using your hands, gently pat the dough into an 8-inch disk, about 1-inch thick. Using a sharp knife or a bench scraper, slice the dough into 8 to 10 equal wedges, similar to how you would slice a pie.
4. Prepare the egg wash: In a small bowl, whisk together the large egg and 2 tablespoons of water until well combined. This mixture will give your scones a beautiful golden sheen and a slightly crisp crust. Carefully arrange the scone wedges onto an ungreased baking sheet, leaving a little space between each scone. Lightly brush the top of each wedge with the prepared egg wash.
5. Bake the scones in the preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes. The baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven. The scones are ready when they are beautifully golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the center of a scone comes out clean, indicating they are cooked through. Remove from the oven and transfer to a wire rack to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them warm for the best experience!