Savoury Scone Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide to Perfection

Savoury scones are a delightful alternative to their sweet counterparts, offering a savoury, satisfying treat perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a light lunch. This recipe provides a foolproof guide to making perfectly fluffy and flavourful savoury scones, guaranteed to impress your family and friends.

Ingredients for the Perfect Savoury Scones

This recipe yields approximately 8 scones. Adjust quantities as needed.

• 225g (2 cups) self-raising flour: The foundation of our scones. Self-raising flour contains baking powder, crucial for that airy texture. If you only have plain flour, add 2 teaspoons of baking powder.
• 50g (1/4 cup) cold butter: Use cold, cubed butter for the flakiest scones. The colder the butter, the less it melts during mixing, resulting in a lighter texture.
• 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavours of the other ingredients.
• 150ml (2/3 cup) milk (or buttermilk for extra tang): Use cold milk for best results. Buttermilk adds a lovely tanginess that complements many savoury fillings.
• Your choice of savoury additions: This is where you get creative! Consider:
  • Cheese: Grated cheddar, parmesan, or a mix.
  • Herbs: Freshly chopped rosemary, thyme, chives, or parsley.
  • Vegetables: Finely diced onion, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted peppers.
  • Meats: Crumbled bacon, sausage, or ham (ensure it's pre-cooked).

Step-by-Step Savoury Scone Recipe Instructions

1. Preparing the Dry Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 220°C (200°C fan/425°F/Gas Mark 7). In a large bowl, sift together the flour and salt. This ensures even distribution and prevents lumps.

2. Incorporating the Butter: Cut in the cold, cubed butter using a pastry blender or your fingertips. Work quickly to keep the butter cold. You're aiming for a crumbly mixture resembling breadcrumbs.

3. Adding the Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the cold milk, mixing gently until just combined. Don't overmix; a few lumps are okay. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough scones.

4. Mixing in Savoury Additions: Fold in your chosen savoury ingredients. Be gentle to avoid crushing delicate herbs or vegetables.

5. Shaping the Scones: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently pat the dough to about 2cm (3/4 inch) thickness. Use a 5cm (2 inch) round cutter to cut out scones.

6. Baking the Scones: Place the scones onto a baking tray lined with baking paper. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown and well-risen.

7. Cooling and Serving: Let the scones cool slightly on a wire rack before serving. Enjoy them warm with butter, cream cheese, or your favourite savoury spread.

Tips for Perfect Savoury Scones

• Cold ingredients are key: Using cold ingredients helps prevent the butter from melting too quickly, resulting in a lighter, flakier scone.
• Don't overmix the dough: Overmixing will develop the gluten, leading to tough scones.
• Handle the dough gently: Avoid excessive kneading, which can also result in tough scones.
• Use a sharp cutter: A sharp cutter will give you clean edges and prevent the scones from spreading during baking.
• Get creative with your fillings: Experiment with different cheeses, herbs, and vegetables to create your own unique flavour combinations.

Savoury Scone Variations: Unleash Your Creativity!

• Cheese and Onion Scones: Classic combination, always a winner.
• Herb and Garlic Scones: Perfect with a creamy dip.
• Bacon and Cheddar Scones: A hearty and flavourful option.
• Sun-dried Tomato and Basil Scones: Adds a Mediterranean twist.

This recipe is your starting point. Feel free to adapt and experiment to find your perfect savoury scone recipe! Enjoy!