Savory chicken ham & Cheese Scones

If you’re looking for a delicious treat that’s perfect for any gathering or a cozy breakfast at home, you’ve come to the right place! These Savory chicken ham & Cheese Scones are not just easy to whip up; they are bursting with flavors that everyone will love. Whether you’re serving them at a family brunch, packing them in lunchboxes, or enjoying them fresh from the oven on a busy weeknight, these scones will quickly become a favorite.

What makes these scones truly special is their flaky, tender interior paired with the savory notes of chicken ham and sharp cheddar cheese. Plus, they’re versatile enough that you can make them ahead of time or freeze them for later use. Let’s dive into why you’ll adore this recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy Preparation: With just a handful of steps, you can have these delicious scones ready in under an hour.
• Family-Friendly Flavor: The combination of chicken ham and cheese makes these scones appealing to kids and adults alike.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: These scones can be frozen before or after baking—perfect for meal prep!
• Versatile Options: Feel free to customize with your favorite herbs or substitute proteins based on what you have on hand.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is half the fun! Here’s what you’ll need to create these delightful Savory chicken ham & Cheese Scones:

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled), plus more for hands and work surface
• 1 Tablespoon (12g) granulated sugar
• 2 and 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 3 Tablespoons chopped fresh chives
• 1 cup (about 100g or 3.5 oz) shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup (8 Tbsp; 113g) unsalted butter, frozen (see note)
• 2/3 cup (160ml) cold buttermilk, plus 1 Tablespoon for brushing
• 1 large egg, separated
• 3/4 cup (about 110g or 3 oz) finely chopped chicken ham
• optional for topping: flaky sea salt

Variations

The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility! Here are some fun ways to customize your savory scones:

• Swap the protein: Instead of chicken ham, try cooked bacon or turkey sausage for a different flavor.
• Mix up the cheese: Swap out cheddar for gouda or pepper jack to add a little kick!
• Add extra veggies: Toss in some finely chopped bell peppers or spinach for an added nutritional boost.
• Experiment with herbs: Fresh basil or parsley can bring a new dimension to these scones.

How to Make Savory chicken ham & Cheese Scones

Step 1: Whisk the Dry Ingredients

Start by whisking together the flour, sugar, baking powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. This step is crucial as it ensures that all your dry ingredients are well combined and evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 2: Incorporate Butter

Grate your frozen butter into the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until it resembles pea-sized crumbs. Keeping the butter cold is key here as it helps create those lovely flaky layers in your scones.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and egg yolk. Pour this over the flour mixture along with the chicken ham. Gently mix until everything clumps together. Being careful not to overmix ensures your scones stay light and fluffy.

Step 4: Form the Dough

Transfer the dough onto a floured surface. With floured hands, gently shape it into a ball. If it’s too sticky, add a bit more flour; if it’s too dry, add more buttermilk as needed. Press it into an 8-inch disc and cut into wedges.

Step 5: Brush with Egg Wash

Whisk together some reserved egg white with buttermilk. Brush this mixture lightly over each wedge and sprinkle with flaky sea salt if desired. This will give your scones that beautiful golden color when baked!

Step 6: Chill Before Baking

Place your shaped scones on a lined baking sheet and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes. Chilling helps improve their texture by allowing the butter to firm up again.

Step 7: Bake

Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Once ready, bake your scones for about 22–25 minutes until they’re golden brown around the edges. The aroma will fill your kitchen!

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Let them cool slightly on the baking sheet before serving warm! Enjoy these savory delights with some butter or simply on their own.

Leftover scones can be stored at room temperature for two days or kept in the fridge for up to five days—if they last that long!

Enjoy making these Savory chicken ham & Cheese Scones and share them with loved ones; they are sure to bring smiles all around!

Pro Tips for Making Savory Chicken Ham & Cheese Scones

Making scones can be a delightful experience, and with a few helpful tips, you can elevate your baking game to the next level!

• Use cold ingredients: Keeping your butter and buttermilk cold helps create that flaky texture we love in scones. When the butter melts during baking, it creates steam that lifts the dough, resulting in beautifully risen scones.
• Don’t overmix the dough: Mixing until just combined ensures your scones remain tender and avoid becoming tough. Overworking the dough activates gluten, which can lead to a denser texture.
• Chill before baking: Refrigerating the shaped scones for at least 15 minutes before popping them into the oven helps maintain their shape and ensures they rise beautifully.
• Experiment with add-ins: Feel free to swap out chicken ham for cooked bacon or sausage if you prefer! You can also add vegetables like spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Check for doneness: Every oven is different, so keep an eye on your scones as they bake. They should be golden brown around the edges and lightly browned on top when done.

How to Serve Savory Chicken Ham & Cheese Scones

These savory scones are versatile enough to be enjoyed at any time of day! Whether you’re serving them for breakfast or as a snack, here are some fun ways to present this delicious dish.

Garnishes

• Fresh herbs: Chopped fresh chives or parsley sprinkled on top adds a pop of color and freshness.
• Creamy spreads: Consider serving with a dollop of cream cheese or herbed butter to enhance the flavors even further.

Side Dishes

• Mixed greens salad: A light salad with vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the scones.
• Vegetable soup: Pairing your scones with a warm bowl of vegetable soup makes for a comforting meal that’s perfect for chilly days.
• Fruit platter: A colorful assortment of seasonal fruits offers a sweet balance to the savory taste of the scones.
• Roasted vegetables: Simple roasted veggies seasoned with olive oil and herbs make an excellent side that complements the flavors of chicken ham & cheese scones beautifully.

By following these tips and serving suggestions, you’ll impress your family and friends with your delicious savory chicken ham & cheese scones! Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These savory chicken ham & cheese scones are perfect for meal prep! You can whip up a batch and have delicious snacks or breakfasts ready to go throughout the week. Here’s how to store, freeze, and reheat them properly.

Storing Leftovers

• Store cooled scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Freezing

• Freeze unbaked scones: After cutting into wedges, place them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.
• Freeze baked scones: Once completely cooled, wrap each scone tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag.

Reheating

• For frozen unbaked scones: Bake directly from the freezer, adding an extra 5-7 minutes to the original bake time.
• For thawed baked scones: Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. You can also microwave them for about 20-30 seconds.

FAQs

Got questions? We’ve got answers! Here are some frequently asked questions about savory chicken ham & cheese scones.

Can I use different types of cheese in savory chicken ham & cheese scones?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella, gouda, or even pepper jack for a spicy kick.

How can I make savory chicken ham & cheese scones ahead of time?

You can prepare the dough in advance and either freeze it unbaked or refrigerate it for a few hours before baking. This makes it super convenient!

What can I substitute for chicken ham in savory chicken ham & cheese scones?

If you prefer not to use chicken ham, you can substitute it with cooked bacon or sausage for an equally delicious flavor.

Are savory chicken ham & cheese scones suitable for meal prep?

Yes! These scones are fantastic for meal prepping as they store well and can be easily reheated during busy mornings.

Final Thoughts

These savory chicken ham & cheese scones are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. Whether you enjoy them fresh out of the oven or as part of your breakfast routine throughout the week, they are sure to bring joy to your table. I hope you find joy in making these delightful treats as much as I do! Happy baking!