Savory Ham, Cheese, and Chive Scones: A Flaky, Cheesy Delight

Craving a savory treat that’s both delicious and easy to make? Look no further than these irresistible ham, cheese, and chive scones! These flaky, cheesy, and savory scones are perfect for a quick breakfast, a delightful brunch, or a satisfying snack. They’re also incredibly versatile and can be customized to your liking with different cheeses, herbs, and even a touch of spice.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, diced
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped ham
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Instructions for Delicious Scones:

1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Cut in the Butter: Add the diced cold butter to the flour mixture and use a pastry blender or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Avoid overworking the dough.
4. Stir in Cheese, Ham, and Chives: Fold in the shredded cheese, chopped ham, and chives.
5. Add Milk and Form Dough: Slowly pour in the milk, mixing just until the dough comes together. Do not overmix.
6. Shape the Scones: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead it for a few seconds, just to bring it together. Shape the dough into a 1-inch thick disc. Use a 2-inch cookie cutter to cut out scones. Place the scones on the prepared baking sheet.
7. Egg Wash and Bake: Brush the tops of the scones with the beaten egg. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
8. Cool and Enjoy: Let the scones cool on a wire rack for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy warm with your favorite accompaniments, such as butter, jam, or cream cheese.

Tips for Perfect Scones:

• Keep it Cold: The key to flaky scones is using cold ingredients. Make sure the butter, milk, and even the flour are chilled before mixing. This helps prevent the gluten from developing too much, resulting in a tender and crumbly texture.
• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the dough will result in tough scones. Gently combine the ingredients just until they come together.
• Cut Out Quickly: Use a sharp cookie cutter to cut out the scones. Don’t twist the cutter, as this can cause the dough to become tough.
• Bake on a Baking Sheet: Baking the scones on a baking sheet helps them bake evenly.
• Cool Completely: Allow the scones to cool completely before serving. This will help them firm up and prevent them from crumbling.

Variations:

• Different Cheeses: Experiment with different cheeses, such as Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or even a blend of cheeses.
• Herbs and Spices: Add your favorite herbs, such as rosemary, thyme, or parsley. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a touch of heat.
• Sweet Scones: For a sweet twist, add a tablespoon of sugar to the dough and replace the ham with dried cranberries or chopped nuts.

These savory ham, cheese, and chive scones are a delicious and easy treat that’s sure to please everyone. Enjoy!