Name: Ham and Cheese Scones
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 22 min
Total time: 42 min
Yield: 8 scones
Cuisine: British
Ingredients: 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (optional); 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, cold and diced; 3/4 cup (90g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded; 1/2 cup (75g) cooked ham, finely chopped; 3/4 cup (180ml) whole milk (plus extra for brushing); 1 large egg

Hey y’all! If you’re looking for a deliciously savory bake that’ll win over both breakfast lovers and snack seekers, these Ham and Cheese Scones are the answer. Packed with smoky ham, melty cheddar, and a tender, buttery crumb, they’re perfect for brunch, picnics, or an afternoon treat. Best of all, they’re quick and easy to whip up. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This

Easy and fast: Ready in under 40 minutes with simple pantry ingredients.
Incredibly flavorful: The mix of ham, cheese, and herbs makes every bite irresistible.
Versatile: Great for breakfast, lunchboxes, or as a side with soup.
Make-ahead friendly: They store and reheat wonderfully for busy days.
Customizable: Swap in your favorite cheeses or add extra goodies!

Ingredients

2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, cold and diced
3/4 cup (90g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1/2 cup (75g) cooked ham, finely chopped
3/4 cup (180ml) whole milk (plus extra for brushing)
1 large egg

Directions

Prep and Preheat

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and thyme.

Cut in the Butter

Add the cold diced butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, work the butter in until the mixture is crumbly and resembles coarse meal.

Add cheese and Ham

Stir in the shredded cheddar and chopped ham until evenly distributed.

Mix Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk and egg. Pour this into the dry mixture and stir just until a shaggy dough forms—don’t overmix!

Shape and Cut Scones

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently pat it into a 7-inch (18 cm) round disc about 1 inch (2.5 cm) thick. Use a sharp knife to cut the disc into 8 wedges.

Bake

Arrange the wedges on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with a bit of milk for shine. Bake for 18-22 minutes, until golden brown and puffed. Let cool slightly before serving.

Notes

Make sure your butter is very cold—it creates that irresistible flakiness.
Don’t overmix the dough, or your scones may turn out tough instead of tender.
You can use leftover ham or even deli ham in this recipe—just chop it finely.

Variations

Spicy Scones: Add 1 finely chopped jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne to the dough.
Herb Scones: Swap dried thyme for rosemary, chives, or parsley.
Cheese Swap: Use Gruyere, Swiss, or pepper jack instead of cheddar.

Required Equipment

Mixing bowls
Whisk
Pastry cutter or fork
Knife
Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Pastry brush (for brushing tops)

Storage Instructions

Store leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to 5 days or freeze (well-wrapped) for up to 2 months. To enjoy, reheat in a 300°F (150°C) oven for a few minutes until warmed through.

Suggested Pairings and Serving Recommendations

Serve warm with butter, a swipe of Dijon mustard, or alongside scrambled eggs.
Pair with a bowl of tomato soup, a fresh green salad, or as part of a brunch spread.
These scones make a fantastic savory snack with a cup of coffee or tea.

Pro Tips

Grate your own cheese for extra melty texture—pre-shredded can be drier.
Work quickly to keep the butter cold and the dough light.
Chill the cut scones for 10 minutes before baking for extra rise.

FAQ

Can I freeze Ham and Cheese Scones?
Yes! Freeze baked scones for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat before enjoying.
What’s the best way to reheat them?
Rewarm scones in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5-7 minutes for fresh-from-the-oven taste.
Can I make these scones ahead?
Absolutely—prepare and cut the dough ahead, then refrigerate or freeze unbaked wedges until ready to bake.

Prep time: 15 minutes
Total time: 35-40 minutes
Baking time: 18-22 minutes
Yields: 8 scones

Ham and Cheese Scones

Why You’ll Love This

Ingredients