A few weeks ago, while perfecting our beloved apple pie scones, a brilliant idea struck: why not create a savory version? The answer was a resounding yes to easy ham and cheese scones! It’s the ultimate way to transform a classic sweet treat into a delightful savory sensation that our whole family would adore. After all, what could possibly make anything better than the rich, comforting addition of cheese? (Perhaps bacon, but that’s a delicious experiment for another day!).
These buttery, flaky savory scones are perfect for using up leftover Easter ham or any special occasion ham. They bring a comforting warmth to any meal, from a leisurely Sunday brunch to a quick weeknight dinner. Imagine golden-brown crusts giving way to tender, fluffy interiors, bursting with salty ham and gooey cheese. This recipe isn’t just about making scones; it’s about crafting a memorable culinary experience.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Ham and Cheese Scones Recipe
These homemade ham and cheese scones are more than just a recipe; they’re an invitation to enjoy tender, flavorful baking with minimal fuss. They stand out from traditional sweet scones by offering a satisfyingly rich and savory profile that’s utterly addictive. Here’s why they’re destined to become a new favorite in your kitchen:
- Perfect for Leftovers: Have some holiday ham lingering in the fridge? This recipe is the ideal solution for transforming it into something spectacular, preventing food waste and creating a brand-new meal.
- Simple Ingredients: You’ll likely find most of these ingredients already in your pantry and refrigerator, making these easy savory scones accessible for any home baker.
- Incredibly Versatile: Serve them as a hearty breakfast, a delightful brunch centerpiece, a savory afternoon snack, or even alongside a bowl of soup for a light dinner. Their rich flavor pairs well with almost anything.
- Buttery and Flaky Texture: The secret lies in cold butter and buttermilk, which work together to create an unbelievably tender interior and a beautifully flaky exterior that melts in your mouth.
- Customizable: While Colby Jack and chives are a fantastic combination, this recipe is flexible. Experiment with your favorite cheeses and herbs to make it uniquely yours.
Once you try these ham and cheese scones from scratch, you’ll find yourself eager to make them again and again, cementing their place as a go-to comfort food.
What Ingredients are Needed for Ham and Cheese Scones?
Achieving light, tender, and flaky ham and cheese scones requires just a few basic pantry staples and fresh additions. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating the perfect texture and flavor. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need to make these irresistible savory scones:
- All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of our scones, providing the necessary structure. Using all-purpose flour ensures a consistent and reliable result, yielding a tender crumb without being overly dense.
- Granulated Sugar: While these are savory scones, a touch of sugar is essential. It helps balance the salty ham and cheese, adds a hint of sweetness that enhances the overall flavor, and contributes to the beautiful golden-brown crust.
- Baking Powder: This is the star leavening agent responsible for giving our scones their impressive rise and airy texture. Do not substitute it with baking soda or a combination; baking powder is key to achieving that signature height and fluffiness. Ensure it’s fresh for best results.
- Salt: A non-negotiable ingredient in both sweet and savory baking, salt is vital for intensifying and balancing all the flavors. Even with flavorful ham and cheese, proper seasoning with salt ensures every bite is vibrant and well-rounded, making the other ingredients shine even brighter.
- Unsalted Butter: For those coveted tender, flaky layers, cold unsalted butter is paramount. It must be cut into small cubes and kept chilled. As the butter melts during baking, the steam created separates the dough layers, resulting in a light, pillowy texture. Margarine simply won’t achieve the same remarkable results. Place cut butter back in the fridge while you prep other ingredients to keep it firm.
- Buttermilk: The acidic nature of buttermilk reacts with the baking powder, contributing to a superior rise and an incredibly tender dough. Its subtle tang also complements the savory ingredients perfectly. For savory scones, buttermilk is preferred over cream, as it provides enough fat for tenderness while allowing the dough to come together without becoming heavy. If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can easily make a substitute: simply add 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to a liquid measuring cup, then fill the rest of the cup with regular milk until it reaches ¾ cup. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it slightly curdles.
- Colby Jack Cheese: We adore the mild, melty goodness of Colby Jack, which offers a beautiful flavor and excellent texture. However, feel free to personalize your homemade scones with your favorite cheese. Sharp cheddar cheese adds a bolder flavor, Swiss cheese offers a nutty note, or pepper jack can introduce a hint of spice. Any good melting cheese will work wonderfully.
- Diced Ham: This recipe is a fantastic opportunity to utilize leftover spiral ham, ensuring no delicious morsel goes to waste. If you don’t have leftovers, pre-cubed ham from your local grocery store is a convenient alternative. Ensure the ham is diced finely for even distribution throughout the dough.
- Fresh Chives: Fresh herbs elevate the flavor profile significantly. The mild oniony flavor of fresh chives adds a bright, herbaceous note that perfectly complements the rich ham and cheese. If fresh chives are unavailable, you can substitute with 1 teaspoon of dried chives. Alternatively, fresh parsley or thinly sliced scallions (green onions) can also be used for a similar aromatic boost.
- Melted Butter (for finishing): While butter is listed as a primary ingredient, a small amount of melted butter is brushed on top of the baked scones just after they come out of the oven. This final touch adds an extra layer of richness, a beautiful sheen, and helps create that irresistible golden crust.
You’ll find the precise measurements for each of these ingredients in the detailed recipe card towards the end of this comprehensive guide.
Recommended Equipment for Perfect Scones
Having the right tools can make all the difference in achieving perfectly tender and flaky savory scones. While you can certainly get by with basic kitchen items, these recommended tools will streamline your baking process and help you consistently produce professional-quality homemade scones:
- Pizza Cutter: This might seem like an unconventional tool for baking, but a pizza cutter is a game-changer for cutting dough. We swear by a plastic-bladed pizza cutter, like the Dexas model. Unlike a traditional knife, a plastic blade won’t harm your baking sheets or countertops, and it glides through dough effortlessly, creating clean, even wedges for your ham and cheese scones. It’s incredibly easy to use and provides superior results compared to a standard knife.
- Silicone Baking Mat: Baking on a silicone mat, such as a Silpat, is a fundamental tip we often share. It’s a fantastic investment for any baker because it promotes even cooking, prevents sticking, and eliminates over-browning on the bottom of your baked goods. For scones, a silicone mat is particularly beneficial. When kneading and rolling out dough, it minimizes the need for excess flour, which can lead to dry, crumbly scones. The non-stick surface ensures your dough won’t adhere, allowing you to achieve tender savory scones every time. Plus, cleanup is a breeze – simply brush off crumbs and wipe it down.
- Pastry Cutter: A pastry cutter (also known as a pastry blender) is indispensable for incorporating cold butter into dry ingredients. It’s far more efficient and effective than using two knives, forks, or your fingers. Using your hands can warm the butter too quickly, causing it to melt into the flour rather than remaining in small, distinct pieces. This tool ensures the butter stays cold, creating those desirable pockets of steam during baking that give scones their signature flaky texture. This tool is also great for making crisps, crumbles, streusels, pies, and biscuits.
- Large Mixing Bowls & Whisk: Essential for combining your dry ingredients thoroughly and ensuring even distribution of leavening agents and salt.
- Rolling Pin: Used for rolling out the dough evenly to the desired thickness before cutting into wedges.
Investing in these simple tools will elevate your scone-making experience and help you achieve consistently delicious results with every batch of ham and cheese scones.
How to Make Easy Ham and Cheese Scones from Scratch
Making delicious ham and cheese scones is a surprisingly simple process, yielding impressive results. This easy scone recipe is perfect for a special breakfast-for-dinner night, served with fresh fruit and fluffy scrambled eggs, or anytime you crave a savory treat. They’re particularly wonderful for springtime gatherings, Mother’s Day brunch, baby showers, or any occasion that calls for something a little extra special.
Follow these detailed steps to create your own batch of tender, flaky homemade scones:
- Prepare Your Workspace and Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This ensures the oven is at the correct temperature for the scones to rise quickly and achieve a golden crust. Line a large baking sheet with a silicone baking mat or parchment paper. This prevents sticking and helps with even browning. Set this aside.
- Whisk Dry Ingredients Thoroughly: In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Use a whisk to mix these ingredients very well. Proper distribution of the dry ingredients, especially the baking powder, is crucial for an even rise and consistent texture in your savory scones. An unmixed bowl of dry ingredients can lead to unevenly baked scones.
- Incorporate Cold Butter (The Key to Flakiness): Add the cold, cubed unsalted butter to your whisked dry ingredients. Using a pastry blender (or two knives, or even your fingertips, working very quickly), cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Some pieces of butter should still be visible, about the size of small peas. Avoid overworking the dough at this stage; the goal is to keep the butter as cold as possible to create those desirable pockets of steam that lead to flaky scones.
- Stir in Wet and Savory Additions: With a sturdy wooden spoon, gently stir in the chilled buttermilk, shredded Colby Jack cheese, diced ham, and fresh chives. Mix just until a soft, shaggy dough begins to form. Be careful not to overmix, as this can develop the gluten too much, resulting in tough scones rather than tender ones.
- Lightly Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough onto your prepared silicone mat or parchment paper. Knead the dough gently, just a few times, until it barely comes together into a cohesive ball. The less you handle the dough, the more tender your ham and cheese scones will be. Over-kneading is a common mistake that leads to dry, tough results.
- Shape and Cut the Scones: Using a rolling pin, carefully roll the dough into an 8-inch (20 cm) circle, aiming for a thickness of about 1 inch (2.5 cm). Then, with a pizza cutter or a sharp knife, cut the circle into 8 even wedges, much like slicing a pizza.
- Bake to Golden Perfection: Carefully arrange the scone wedges onto your prepared baking sheet, leaving a small space between each. Transfer to the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the scones are firm to the touch, beautifully golden brown on top, and cooked through.
- Brush with Melted Butter and Garnish: Once baked, remove the savory scones from the oven. While still warm, brush the tops generously with the reserved melted butter. For an extra flourish and burst of flavor, sprinkle with additional fresh chives.
- Serve Immediately: These homemade ham and cheese scones are best enjoyed warm, straight from the oven.
For more detailed instructions, including troubleshooting tips and exact ingredient measurements, please refer to the complete recipe card found at the conclusion of this post.
How are Scones Different From Biscuits?
While scones and biscuits are often confused or thought of as very similar, they do have distinct characteristics that set them apart. Both are quick breads, relying on chemical leavening agents (like baking powder) and the “cutting in” of cold fat into flour to achieve a tender, flaky texture. However, the primary difference lies in their ingredient composition and overall richness.
- Eggs: The most consistent differentiator is the inclusion of eggs. Scone recipes typically call for one or two eggs, which contribute to a richer dough, a slightly firmer structure, and a golden, often crisper crust. Biscuits, on the other hand, traditionally do not contain eggs, resulting in a lighter, more ethereal crumb.
- Fat Content and Liquid: While both use a solid fat (like butter) cut into flour and a liquid (often buttermilk), scones tend to have a higher fat and sugar content than biscuits, leading to a richer flavor and often a slightly denser, yet still tender, crumb. Biscuits rely heavily on butter and buttermilk for their delicate, layered texture.
- Texture: Scones often have a slightly denser, more cake-like crumb compared to the airy, feathery layers of a classic Southern biscuit. Both are designed to be tender and moist, but their specific textural qualities differ.
- Serving Style: Scones are versatile and can be sweet or savory, often served with clotted cream, jam, or as a standalone snack. Biscuits are usually savory, served with gravies, butter, or alongside main dishes, particularly in American cuisine.
Despite these distinctions, both scones and biscuits share a common goal: to be delightfully fluffy, wonderfully tender, and utterly satisfying. Their preparation methods are quite similar, focusing on minimal handling to preserve tenderness and the integrity of the fat-flour mixture.
How Long Do Scones Last?
Scones are one of my favorite things to bake, not only for their tender, flaky qualities and their surprising ease of preparation but also for their fantastic storage capabilities. This makes them an excellent make-ahead option for busy mornings or unexpected guests.
- Room Temperature: Freshly baked ham and cheese scones are undeniably at their best when enjoyed warm from the oven. However, they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. To refresh them, a quick reheat in the microwave or a few minutes in a toaster oven will bring back some of their original tenderness.
- Refrigerator: For longer storage, place your baked scones in an airtight container or a zip-top bag and store them in the refrigerator for up to a week. The chill will help preserve their freshness.
- Freezer (Baked Scones): Scones freeze beautifully! Allow baked scones to cool completely. Wrap each scone individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe zip-top bag or airtight container, pressing out any excess air. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw at room temperature or warm directly from frozen in a toaster oven or microwave until heated through.
- Freezer (Unbaked Dough): This is truly a game-changer for freshly baked scones anytime! You can prepare the dough and freeze the unbaked wedges.
The ability to easily make a double batch and freeze half for later makes these easy ham and cheese scones a highly practical and rewarding recipe.
Can You Freeze Scone Dough?
Absolutely! Freezing scone dough is a fantastic time-saving trick that allows you to enjoy fresh, warm savory scones whenever the craving strikes, without the full preparation effort. Here’s how to do it effectively:
- Portion the Dough: After you’ve mixed and shaped your dough into wedges, arrange the unbaked scone wedges on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Ensure they are not touching each other so they don’t freeze together.
- Flash Freeze: Place the baking sheet with the scone wedges into the freezer until they are completely solid, typically for 1-2 hours. This “flash freezing” step prevents them from sticking together once transferred to a bag.
- Store in Freezer Bag: Once solid, transfer the frozen dough wedges into a freezer-safe zip-top bag or an airtight container. Press out as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Label the bag with the date.
- Storage Duration: Unbaked scone dough can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months.
- Baking from Frozen: When you’re ready to bake, there’s no need to thaw the dough! Simply place the frozen scone wedges directly onto your prepared baking sheet. You may need to add an additional 2-4 minutes to the baking time, as they will be starting from a frozen state. Keep an eye on them until they are golden brown and cooked through.
This method ensures you can always have delicious, homemade ham and cheese scones ready to bake for a spontaneous breakfast, brunch, or snack.
Scones are the epitome of comfort food, and these savory ham and cheese scones are guaranteed to become a new family favorite! They are the perfect solution for using up leftover Easter or Christmas ham, combined with your favorite cheese to create these golden, rich, and utterly delicious homemade scones.
Serving Suggestions for Ham and Cheese Scones
These savory ham and cheese scones are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways throughout the day. Here are some delicious serving suggestions:
- Breakfast or Brunch: Serve them warm with a side of fluffy scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, and a selection of fresh fruit. They’re also fantastic with a simple cup of coffee or tea.
- Light Lunch: Pair a scone with a fresh green salad or a bowl of tomato soup for a satisfying and comforting meal.
- Afternoon Snack: Enjoy them on their own as a hearty snack, perhaps with a smear of dijon mustard for an extra kick.
- Dinner Side: These scones make an excellent alternative to dinner rolls or biscuits alongside roasted chicken, pork tenderloin, or a hearty stew.
- Picnics & Potlucks: Their robust flavor and easy portability make them ideal for outdoor gatherings or sharing with friends.
No matter how you choose to enjoy them, these tender ham and cheese scones are sure to impress!
More Delicious Ham Recipes You Will Love:
If you have even more leftover ham or are simply a fan of this versatile ingredient, explore these other fantastic pork recipes that are sure to delight your taste buds:
- Make the ultimate holiday centerpiece with our World’s Best Brown Sugar Ham, or try a classic Honey Baked Ham.
- Elevate your ham experience with various Ham Dipping Sauces.
- Discover the Secret to the Best Ham Fried Rice for a flavorful weeknight meal.
- Enjoy the fresh flavors of spring with our Spring Ham and Asparagus Lemon Cream Sauce Pasta.
- For hearty comfort, try the Cheesy Ham and Potato Bacon Casserole.
- Our Ham Lemon Orzo with Parmesan and Peas is a quick and elegant dish.
- Savor the rich flavors of Garlic Honey Mustard Ham.
- For a crowd-pleasing appetizer or light meal, whip up some Ham and Cheese Sliders.
- Bring a taste of the tropics to your table with Hawaiian Ham and Pineapple Casserole.
- Start your day right with a Ham and Cheese Breakfast Stromboli or a comforting Hash Browns Ham Frittata.
- Make a warming soup with Ham Hock Soup.
- Our Ham and Broccoli Macaroni and Cheese is a family-friendly favorite.
- Learn How to Make Ham in a Slow Cooker for an easy preparation.
- Master the art of carving with our guide on How to Carve a Spiral Ham.
Easy Ham and Cheese Scones
Sweet Basil
10
18
28
8
Ingredients
- 2 Cups All-Purpose Flour
- 1 Tablespoon Sugar
- 1 Tablespoon Baking Powder
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 Cup Unsalted Butter, 8 Tablespoons or 1 stick, cut into cubes, * see note
- 3/4 Cup Buttermilk, chilled
- 1 1/4 Cup Colby Jack Cheese, shredded
- 1/2 Cup Diced Ham
- 1-2 Tablespoon Fresh Chives, chopped, plus more for garnish
- 2 Tablespoons Butter, melted
Instructions
-
Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (220 C).
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Line a baking sheet with a silicone baking mat or parchment paper; set aside.
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In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt to evenly combine everything. An unmixed bowl of dry ingredients will lead to uneven scones when baked as the ingredients won’t be properly distributed.2 Cups All-Purpose Flour, 1 Tablespoon Sugar, 1 Tablespoon Baking Powder, 1/4 teaspoon Salt
-
Add cold butter to the flour mixture and using a pastry cutter or two knives, cut the butter into the dry ingredients until it resembles coarse crumbs. You may use your hands if needed but be careful to not completely mix the butter in.1/2 Cup Unsalted Butter
-
Using a wooden spoon, stir in buttermilk, cheese, ham and chives until a soft dough forms.3/4 Cup Buttermilk, 1 1/4 Cup Colby Jack Cheese, 1/2 Cup Diced Ham, 1-2 Tablespoon Fresh Chives
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Working on a silicone mat or parchment paper on a cookie sheet or pizza stone, knead the dough only a couple of times until it comes together.
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Using a rolling pin, roll the dough into an 8″ circle, about 1-inch thick, and cut into 8 wedges using a pizza wheel or knife.
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Place into oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until firm to the touch and lightly browned.
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Remove from the oven and brush with a little melted butter and sprinkle with chives.2 Tablespoons Butter
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Serve immediately. See note for storage and freezing instructions.
Recipe Notes
Nutrition
Serving: 1g
,
Calories: 351kcal
,
Carbohydrates: 28g
,
Protein: 10g
,
Fat: 22g
,
Saturated Fat: 14g
,
Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g
,
Monounsaturated Fat: 6g
,
Trans Fat: 1g
,
Cholesterol: 64mg
,
Sodium: 342mg
,
Potassium: 247mg
,
Fiber: 1g
,
Sugar: 3g
,
Vitamin A: 700IU
,
Vitamin C: 1mg
,
Calcium: 241mg
,
Iron: 2mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Like this recipe? Leave a comment below!
Craving More Scone Delights? Try Our Apple Pie Scones with Brown Butter Glaze
While Cade might be a crepe enthusiast, I’ve truly fallen in love with the magic of scones lately. Their versatility and comforting nature make them an absolute joy to bake and devour. If you’ve enjoyed the savory twist of our ham and cheese scones, you absolutely must experience the sweet enchantment of our Apple Pie Scones with a decadent Brown Butter Glaze. They are simply wonderful and offer a different kind of scone perfection.
