Ham & Cheddar Scones
HAM AND CHEDDAR SCONES
Makes 14-16 Scones
6 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup sugar
4 TBSP baking powder
1 tsp Kosher salt
2 cups medium-diced ham
1 cup medium-diced sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup sliced scallions (green onions)
4 cups heavy cream
◦ Line a baking sheet pan with parchment paper. Cut and reserve 1 more sheet of parchment paper and set aside.
◦ Sift the flour, sugar, baking powder and salt together into a mixing bowl. Add the ham, cheese, and scallions and toss together with the dry ingredients until evenly distributed.
◦ Add the cream to the flour mixture and stir by hand just until the batter is evenly moistened.
◦ Place dough on the lined baking sheet pan and press into an even layer. Lightly roll surface with a rolling pin, if needed, to even the surface. Cover the dough with the second parchment paper. Freeze the dough until very firm, at least 2 hours.
◦ Preheat the oven to 350℉. Prepare 2 baking sheets by lining with parchment paper.
◦ Remove dough from freezer. Turn it out onto cutting board and allow to thaw for 5 minutes at room temperature. While using a 3” round biscuit cutter, cut dough into 14 biscuits and place biscuits on the prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart.
◦ Bake the scones until golden brown, 30-35 minutes. Cool the scones on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to cooking racks.
◦ Serve the scones warm or at room temperature the day they are baked or freeze them for up to 4 weeks.
Making ham and cheddar scones at home is a wonderful way to enjoy a comforting, savory treat. One tip I found especially useful is to use sharp aged cheddar as it brings a richer flavor that really complements the salty ham pieces. Also, incorporating sliced scallions adds a subtle oniony kick that brightens the scones without overpowering the other ingredients. When mixing the batter, it’s important not to overwork the dough; gently folding the heavy cream into the flour mixture helps maintain a tender crumb texture. Freezing the dough before cutting is a great trick—it firms up the dough, making it much easier to cut perfect rounds, and helps the scones hold their shape while baking. If you’d like to vary the recipe, try swapping ham for cooked bacon or even diced smoked sausage for different smoky profiles. Serving these scones warm with a pat of butter or alongside a fresh salad turns them into a satisfying brunch option. Leftover scones freeze well when wrapped tightly, so you can bake only what you need, and simply warm up frozen scones in the oven for a fresh-from-the-oven taste at any time. Overall, this ham and cheddar scones recipe is straightforward and yields about 14-16 scones, making it perfect for gatherings or meal prep. Enjoy experimenting with the ingredients and feel confident that following the instructions will result in delicious, golden-brown scones that you and your family will love.