Packed with diced ham, sharp cheddar cheese, and a hint of chives, these Ham and Cheese Scones are everything you need for a satisfying breakfast or afternoon snack. The buttery, flaky texture makes them irresistible! Plus the dough can be made in the food processor!

Overhead shot of a ham and cheese scone on a white plate.

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    The Best Ham and Cheese Scones Recipe

    If you have never tried savory scones before, these ham and cheese scones are going to change your life! The sharpness of the cheddar cheese, the smoky bite of ham, and the subtle oniony flavor of chives create a perfect balance in each bite. The addition of buttermilk ensures that the scones stay soft and flaky, while the cold butter adds the perfect crispiness.

    These ham and cheese scones are great for brunch gatherings, potlucks, or a quick snack in the afternoon! You can even make a batch ahead of time and freeze them for later, making them a convenient option for busy mornings. Simple pair them with scrambled eggs and a cup of coffee for the perfect breakfast!

    INgredients Needed

    • Flour: All-purpose flour works great here! To make gluten free ham and cheese scones, replace it with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
    • Baking Powder: A bit of baking powder helps the scones rise in the oven.
    • Sugar: A little bit of sugar is used to balance out the flavors and help the scones brown in the oven.
    • Spices: You will need a combination of garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper to season up these savory scones to perfection!
    • Butter: Cold butter is key to making flaky, buttery scones!
    • Buttermilk: Buttermilk adds moisture and a slightly tangy flavor. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can add a little bit of lemon juice or white vinegar to regular milk.
    • Chives: Freshly chopped chives add a mild onion flavor. You can also use green onions if chives aren’t available!
    • Ham: Choose diced ham that’s either leftover from a roast or store-bought, and feel free to substitute with bacon or pancetta if you prefer.
    • Shredded Cheese: Use sharp cheddar for the best flavor, though you can substitute with gruyère or gouda for a different taste.
    • Heavy Cream: Brush a bit of heavy cream on top of the scones to help them brown in the oven.

    How to Make Ham & Cheese Scones

    1. Preheat: Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, set aside.
    2. Combine Dry Ingredients: Add flour, baking powder, sugar and spices to a food processor with the blade attachment.
    Flour in a food processor.
    1. Add Butter: Add in cubed butter and pulse a couple of times or until the mixture resembles pea like crumbs.
    2. Add Buttermilk: Pour in the butter milk and pulse a couple more times or until the dough starts to form a ball. (Make sure not to over-mix)
    3. Fold in Fillings: Remove the blade from the food processor and by hand fold in the chives, ham and cheese.
    Ham and cheese scone dough in a food processor.
    1. Form into Disc: Transfer the scone dough to a lightly floured surface. Knead a couple more times then form into a flat disc.
    2. Cut into Slices: Using a rolling pin roll into an 8 inch disc. Cut into 8 equal triangles.
    Ham and cheese scone dough in a disc on a floured surface and cut into triangles.
    1. Brush with Cream: Transfer the scones to the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops of the scones with 1 tbsp heavy cream.
    2. Bake: Place on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes or until they are golden brown.
    Ham and cheese scones in the shape of triangles on a baking sheet before being baked.
    1. Serve & Enjoy: Serve immediately and enjoy! If you don’t eat these within a day or two pop them in the freezer to preserve their flavor!
    Ham and cheese scones on a baking sheet after being baked.

    Tips for Success

    • Keep ingredients cold! Cold butter is key to flaky scones, so make sure your butter is well-chilled before cutting it into the flour. You can even freeze the butter for 10-15 minutes before using.
    • Don’t over mix the dough! When combining the ingredients, mix just until the dough comes together. Overworking the dough can make the scones tough, so just mix until combined!
    • Brush with cream! Brushing the tops of the scones with heavy cream before baking gives them a beautifully golden, crisp exterior.

    Serving Suggestions

    These ham and cheese scones are delicious straight from the oven, served warm with a pat of butter. Pair them with herb scrambled eggs and fresh fruit for a complete breakfast!

    You can serve them as a savory side with a bowl of soup, such as tomato soup or tortellini chicken soup. They’re also perfect for a brunch spread, alongside other favorites like quiche and fresh salads.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Can I substitute the ham?

    Absolutely! You can use bacon, pancetta, or even crumbled sausage for a different flavor. If you opt for bacon or crumbed sausage, make sure to brown it in a pan before adding it to the scones!

    Can I make ham and cheese scones ahead of time?

    Yes! You can make the dough, shape the scones, and freeze them unbaked. Simply bake straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

    How do I store leftover ham scones?

    Store leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze the scones (baked or unbaked) and reheat in the oven when ready to enjoy or bake fully if they are unbaked!

    Two ham and cheese scones stacked on top of each other on a white plate.

    More Breakfast Recipes to Try

    Ham and Cheese Scones

    Packed with diced ham, sharp cheddar cheese, and a hint of chives, these Ham and Cheese Scones are everything you need for a satisfying breakfast or afternoon snack. The buttery, flaky texture makes them irresistible, whether served fresh from the oven or reheated later. These scones are ideal for breakfast, brunch, or even as a savory side for soups and salads!
    Servings: 8
    Prep Time: 15 minutes
    Cook Time: 25 minutes
    Total Time: 40 minutes

    Ingredients 

    Instructions 

    • Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, set aside.
    • Add flour, baking powder, sugar and spices to a food processor with the blade attachment.
      Add in cubed butter and pulse a couple of times or until the mixture resembles pea like crumbs.
    • Pour in the butter milk and pulse a couple more times or until the dough starts to form a ball. (Make sure not to over-mix)
    • Remove the blade from the food processor and by hand fold in the chives, ham and cheese.
    • Transfer the scone dough to a lightly floured surface. Knead a couple more times then form into a flat disc.
      Using a rolling pin roll into an 8 inch disc. Cut into 8 equal triangles.
    • Transfer the scones to the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops of the scones with 1 tbsp heavy cream.
    • Place on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes or until they are golden brown.
    • Serve immediately and enjoy! If you don't eat these within a day or two pop them in the freezer to preserve their flavor!

    Nutrition Information

    Calories: 346kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 11gFat: 21gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0.5gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 474mgPotassium: 293mgFiber: 1gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 616IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 204mgIron: 2mg

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