Paul Hollywood's Cheese Scones: A Step-by-Step Guide to Perfect Baking

Paul Hollywood, the renowned baking expert, has a recipe for cheese scones that's become a classic. These aren't your average scones; they're fluffy, cheesy, and utterly delicious. This guide will walk you through making Paul Hollywood's cheese scones, ensuring you achieve perfectly golden-brown, crumbly delights.

Understanding the Ingredients: Key to Success

Before we dive into the recipe, let's understand the importance of each ingredient in achieving that signature Paul Hollywood texture.

Flour: The Foundation

Using strong white bread flour is crucial. Its higher protein content develops the gluten needed for a good rise and that characteristically light and fluffy crumb. Don't substitute with all-purpose flour; the results will be noticeably different.

Baking Powder: The Rise

The baking powder is your leavening agent. Ensure it's fresh; old baking powder will result in flat, disappointing scones.

Cheese: The Star

The type of cheese you use significantly impacts the flavor. Paul Hollywood often uses mature cheddar, but you can experiment with other hard cheeses like Red Leicester or Gruyère. Grate your cheese finely for even distribution.

Butter: The Flaky Texture

Cold butter is essential. Using cold butter creates those beautiful flaky layers within the scone, adding to the texture and taste. Cut the butter into small cubes and work it into the flour using your fingertips – this prevents overmixing.

Milk: The Binder

Milk binds the ingredients together. Use cold milk to maintain the cold temperature of the dough, crucial for a light texture.

Paul Hollywood's Cheese Scones Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide

Yields: 8 scones Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 12-15 minutes

Ingredients:

• 225g strong white bread flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 50g cold butter, cubed
• 100g mature cheddar cheese, finely grated
• 150ml cold milk

Equipment:

• Large mixing bowl
• Baking tray
• Round cookie cutter (approximately 5cm)

Instructions:

1. Preheat & Prepare: Preheat your oven to 220°C (200°C fan/425°F/Gas Mark 7). Line a baking tray with baking paper.
2. Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together the flour and baking powder.
3. Rub in Butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using your fingertips, rub the butter into the flour until it resembles breadcrumbs. Avoid overmixing.
4. Add Cheese: Stir in the grated cheese.
5. Add Milk: Gradually add the cold milk, mixing gently until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing. The dough should be slightly sticky.
6. Shape Scones: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently pat the dough to a thickness of about 2cm.
7. Cut & Bake: Use a 5cm round cookie cutter to cut out scones. Reroll any scraps and cut out more scones.
8. Bake: Place the scones onto the prepared baking tray and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
9. Cool & Serve: Let the scones cool slightly on a wire rack before serving. Enjoy them warm with butter or your favorite spread.

Tips for Perfect Paul Hollywood Cheese Scones

• Don't overmix the dough: Overmixing develops the gluten too much, resulting in tough scones.
• Use cold ingredients: Cold butter and milk are crucial for a light and fluffy texture.
• Handle the dough gently: Avoid kneading the dough; simply bring the ingredients together.
• Don't overcrowd the baking tray: Give the scones enough space to rise evenly.

Serving Suggestions & Variations

These cheese scones are delicious on their own, but you can elevate them further:

• Serve warm with butter: A classic combination.
• Add herbs: Incorporate fresh herbs like chives or rosemary into the dough for extra flavor.
• Try different cheeses: Experiment with other hard cheeses like Red Leicester, Gruyère, or even a blend.
• Serve with soup or stew: These scones make a perfect accompaniment to a hearty meal.

By following this detailed guide, you'll be well on your way to creating delicious, authentic Paul Hollywood cheese scones. Happy baking!