Ham and Cheese Scones Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a savory treat that hits all the right notes — flaky, cheesy, with a satisfying punch of ham — this Ham and Cheese Scones Recipe is going to be your new best friend in the kitchen. Seriously, these scones are fan-freaking-tastic, perfect for brunch, an afternoon snack, or even a cozy picnic. I’m sharing all my personal tips and tricks so you can nail them on your first try without any guesswork. Let’s dive in!

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Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Ham and Cheese Scones Recipe plays a key role in creating the ultimate flaky and flavorful scone. From the cold, grated butter that gives you light layers to the sharp cheddar that melts beautifully, each component is chosen to work in harmony. When shopping, fresh chives and good-quality ham make all the difference here, so I always grab the freshest ingredients I can find.

• All-purpose flour: Provides the structure — spooned and leveled so you don’t get a dry dough.
• Granulated sugar: Just enough sweetness to balance the savory flavors.
• Baking powder: Your leavening agent that gives scones their rise and tender crumb.
• Garlic powder: Adds that subtle aromatic kick without overpowering.
• Salt & freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the other flavors.
• Chopped fresh chives: Brightens scones with a subtle onion-y freshness.
• Shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp, melty, and packed with flavor for gooey pockets of yum.
• Frozen unsalted butter: The star of the flakiness — freezing it helps keep the dough tender and flaky after baking.
• Cold buttermilk: Adds moisture and a gentle tang, also reacts with baking powder for a lovely rise.
• Egg (separated): The yolk enriches the dough, while the white helps give scones a glossy finish when brushed on.
• Finely chopped ham: Adds that smoky, savory bite throughout the scones.
• Optional flaky sea salt for topping: Gives a beautiful, salty crunch on top.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love making these scones my own depending on the mood or what’s in the fridge. You should totally play around with this recipe — that’s part of the fun! I’ve tried swapping in different cheeses, adding herbs I adore, and even changing up the meat. Each twist brings a new delicious dimension that never gets old.

• Variation: One of my favorites is swapping cheddar for pepper jack for a little spicy kick — it’s fantastic! I also like replacing ham with cooked, crumbled bacon when we’re feeling breakfast vibes.
• Herbs: Don’t have chives? Parsley or green onions work beautifully. Fresh herbs really lift the flavor.
• Make ’em Mini: I sometimes cut the dough into smaller wedges or drop mini spoonfuls for bite-sized scones — great for parties!
• Gluten-Free: If you want to try gluten-free, look for a 1:1 baking flour blend but expect a slightly different texture.

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

Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients and Cheese

Start by whisking together your flour, sugar, baking powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a large bowl until everything’s evenly distributed. Then stir in those fresh chives and shredded cheddar cheese. I always love seeing those little green bursts of chive and cheesy specks — it means flavor is coming!

Step 2: Grate the Frozen Butter & Cut It In

This is my favorite part — using a box grater to shred the frozen butter right into the bowl. If you don’t have a box grater, finely chopping frozen butter works too, but grating is magic for flaky scones. Toss the butter with the flour mix and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to gently combine until you have pea-sized crumbs. Then pop that mixture in the fridge or freezer while you prep the wet ingredients — this keeps the butter nice and cold.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients & Form Dough

Whisk together the cold buttermilk and egg yolk (hold on to that egg white for later). Pour it over the flour and cheese mixture, add the finely chopped ham, and mix just until everything clumps together into dough. Be gentle — overworking will make your scones tough.

Step 4: Shape Your Scones

I usually go for the classic triangle shape. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and, with floured hands, gently work it into a ball — it’s sticky, so don’t fight it too much. If it’s too sticky, sprinkle on a touch more flour; if too dry, add a tablespoon or two of cold buttermilk. Press it into an 8-inch disc, then cut into 8 wedges with a sharp knife or bench scraper. For smaller scones, divide dough into two discs and slice accordingly — perfect for sharing!

Step 5: Brush & Chill

Whisk together the reserved egg white and a tablespoon of buttermilk, then brush it lightly over your scones — this adds a beautiful golden sheen. You can also sprinkle flaky sea salt on top if you want a salty crunch. Next, chill your scones in the fridge for at least 15 minutes. This step helps keep the butter cold and prevents the scones from spreading too much while they bake. I don’t skip this — it really makes a difference.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

While your scones chill, preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C) and line baking sheets with parchment or silicone mats. Arrange the scones 2-3 inches apart on the baking sheets, then bake for 22-25 minutes until they’re golden brown on top and around the edges. Let them cool a few minutes on the pan before digging in — if you can wait that long!

How to Serve Ham and Cheese Scones Recipe

Garnishes

I personally love sprinkling a few flakes of sea salt right after brushing with egg wash — it adds a beautiful crunch and boosts that savory vibe. For a fresh touch when serving, sometimes I add a sprig of parsley or a light smear of homemade herb butter for extra indulgence.

Side Dishes

These scones pair beautifully with a simple green salad dressed lightly with vinaigrette or even a bowl of tomato soup for dipping. On brunch days, I like to serve them alongside scrambled eggs and crispy bacon for a crowd-pleasing spread.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I’ve arranged mini scones on a tiered serving tray garnished with fresh herbs for a fancy feel. You can also serve them with little bowls of flavored butters or mustards for guests to mix and match. It’s a fun way to elevate a humble scone into a showstopper.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually keep leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If I know I won’t eat them that fast, they go straight into the fridge where they stay good for about five days. Just know they’ll soften up a bit over time — still delicious but less crisp.

Freezing

Freezing is a game changer for me. You can freeze the dough shaped into wedges before baking — freeze them on a tray first, then transfer to a bag so they don’t stick together. When baked straight from frozen, I just add a few extra minutes to the baking time. Or, freeze fully baked scones for quick reheating on busy mornings.

Reheating

To bring leftovers back to life, I pop scones in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes until warm and slightly crisp — way better than microwaving for preserving texture. You can microwave briefly if you’re in a rush but keep an eye on them to avoid sogginess.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Ham and Cheese Scones Recipe has truly become one of those reliable kitchen heroes for me. There’s something so comforting about pulling golden, flaky scones out of the oven and sharing them with family or friends over coffee or tea. I hope you find them as satisfying and versatile as I do — easy enough for busy mornings but delicious enough to feel special. Give it a try, follow the tips, and I can guarantee you’ll be making these again and again!

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