Ham and Cheese Scones Recipe

If you’re anything like me, nothing beats the smell of fresh-baked scones wafting through the kitchen on a lazy weekend morning. And today, I’m sharing a fan-freaking-tastic Ham and Cheese Scones Recipe that’s just perfect for brunch, lunch, or a cozy snack with your favorite cup of tea. These scones are buttery, cheesy, and packed with savory ham, making them absolutely irresistible. Stick with me, and I promise you’ll want to keep this recipe on speed dial!

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Ingredients & Why They Work

The ingredients in this Ham and Cheese Scones Recipe all play a crucial role in achieving that classic flaky, flavorful scone we all crave. Plus, I always recommend choosing quality cheese and fresh ham since they’re the soul of this dish. Let’s break it down!

• All-purpose flour: Provides structure without weighing down the scone, and spooning it into the cup helps avoid too much flour, which can make scones dry.
• Granulated sugar: Just a hint to balance the savory flavors without making the scones sweet.
• Baking powder: The leavening agent that gives scones their lovely rise and fluffiness.
• Garlic powder: Adds subtle depth and warmth without overpowering the other savory elements.
• Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to highlight the cheese and ham perfectly.
• Chopped fresh chives: Freshness and a mild onion flavor that brightens the scones — don’t skip these if you can help it!
• Shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar gives that rich, melty cheese flavor that turns these scones from good to “oh wow!”
• Unsalted butter (frozen): Cold, frozen butter is the secret to flaky scones—you want those little pockets of butter to create that tender texture.
• Cold buttermilk: Adds moisture and a slight tang that complements the savory ham and cheese beautifully.
• Large egg (separated): Egg yolk enriches the dough, and the egg white mixed with buttermilk makes a gorgeous golden glaze on top.
• Finely chopped ham: The star protein here, giving savory flavor bursts in every bite.
• Flaky sea salt (optional): A sprinkle tops the scones with an irresistible crunch and an extra hit of saltiness.

Make It Your Way

One of the things I love about this Ham and Cheese Scones Recipe is how easy it is to switch things up to suit your taste or what’s in your fridge. I often try adding a pinch of smoked paprika or swapping chives for fresh basil depending on the season.

• Variation: For a spicy twist, I add some diced jalapeño or swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese — it gives the scones a fun kick that my family adores.
• Dietary Mods: No ham? Try cooked bacon or sausage. For a vegetarian option, just skip the meat and load up on cheese and herbs.
• Size Tweaks: I’ve made smaller “drop” scones too, which are quicker to bake and perfect for snacking or party platters.

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

Step 1: Mix Your Dry Ingredients with Love

First, grab a large bowl and whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Once those are nicely combined, stir in the fresh chives and shredded cheddar cheese. This way, every bite gets that perfect burst of flavor. I like to use freshly shredded cheese myself — it just melts better than pre-shredded!

Step 2: Grate that Frozen Butter

This is the secret to flaky scones: frozen butter grated right into the flour mixture. Use a box grater and grate the butter quickly, then toss it with your dry ingredients until you get pea-sized crumbs. If you don’t have a box grater, cold butter cut into tiny cubes works too, but grating really saves time. Pop the bowl in the fridge or freezer while you move on.

Step 3: Wet Ingredients Join the Party

In a separate bowl, whisk the buttermilk and egg yolk. Pour it over the flour and butter mixture, then add in your chopped ham. Gently mix until the dough just starts to come together — it will be a bit sticky, and that’s perfectly fine! Resist the urge to overwork it; you want tender, not tough.

Step 4: Shape Your Scones

If you’re going classic triangle scones, pour the dough onto a lightly floured surface and, with floured hands, shape it into a rough ball. It’ll be sticky — don’t worry! Add a little more flour if it’s too sticky or a splash more buttermilk if it feels dry. Press it into an 8-inch disc, then cut into 8 wedges with a sharp knife or bench scraper.

For drop scones (perfect for a quicker bake or smaller portions), keep the dough in the bowl and drop rounded 1/4 cup mounds onto a lined baking sheet. Keep them spaced well apart so they don’t stick together during baking.

Step 5: Brush and Chill

Whisk together the reserved egg white and a tablespoon of buttermilk, then brush this shiny glaze onto your scones. This step is optional, but it really adds a golden, beautiful finish. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt if you have it — it’s a little luxury that makes a big difference.

Place your scones on a plate or baking sheet and refrigerate them for at least 15 minutes. This chilling step helps keep the butter firm and prevents the scones from spreading too much when baking.

Step 6: Time to Bake!

Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) and line a big baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Arrange the chilled scones 2–3 inches apart. Pop them in the oven and bake for 22–25 minutes, or until the edges are golden and tops have a lovely light brown color. Let them cool a few minutes before digging in — if you can wait that long!

How to Serve Ham and Cheese Scones Recipe

Garnishes

For garnish, I love topping with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt right before baking for that extra crunch and flavor pop. Fresh herbs like extra chives or parsley scattered on top of the warm scones add a burst of color and hint of freshness. Sometimes I brush a little melted butter on warm scones right out of the oven for an indulgent finish.

Side Dishes

This recipe shines on its own, but I often serve it alongside a crisp green salad, some tangy pickles, or a simple bowl of tomato soup for a well-rounded meal. If it’s brunch time, a side of scrambled eggs or a mixed fruit salad complements these scones beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or holiday brunches, arrange mini drop scones on a tiered platter with little bowls of mustard, honey butter, or jam nearby—because variety is the spice of life! I’ve also wrapped these scones individually in parchment paper tied with twine for cute giftable treats.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover scones keep well at room temperature for up to 2 days, but I usually store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Just a heads up — they soften after a day, so if you like that crisp exterior, you’ll want to re-toast or re-crisp them (see reheating below).

Freezing

I’m a big fan of making these scones ahead of time! You can freeze the dough wedges on a baking sheet for an hour, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. When baking from frozen, just add a few extra minutes. Or freeze fully baked and cooled scones—they thaw beautifully and taste fresh with a quick warm-up.

Reheating

To bring leftover scones back to life, I heat them in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes—this crisps the edges without drying out the center. Microwaving works too if you’re in a hurry, but the texture won’t be quite as great. A quick brush of melted butter after reheating adds that fresh-from-the-oven charm.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Ham and Cheese Scones Recipe is one of those gems I keep returning to because it’s dependable, delicious, and truly feels like a little gift to yourself in the kitchen. Whether you’re feeding family, hosting friends, or just treating yourself on a quiet afternoon, these scones deliver that cozy comfort every time. I can’t wait for you to try them and hear about the creative twists you come up with!

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