Savory Cheese Scones

Golden-baked savory cheese scones, warm and flaky, perfect for a quick breakfast or afternoon treat. Save to Pinterest
Golden-baked savory cheese scones, warm and flaky, perfect for a quick breakfast or afternoon treat. | nowwecook.com

These tender, buttery scones combine sharp cheddar cheese with fresh chives for a rich, savory flavor. Made from simple ingredients including flour, butter, and milk, they bake up golden and flaky in under 20 minutes. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a snack, they can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature. Variations can include cayenne pepper or different cheeses like Gruyère. They freeze well and are easy to prepare using common kitchen tools.

Discovering these savory cheese scones was like uncovering a little treasure in my brunch routine—warm, tender, and packed with that sharp cheddar goodness that just feels like a cozy morning hug.

I remember the first time unexpected guests dropped by, and these scones were ready in under 40 minutes—the golden tops and cheesy aroma instantly won everyone over.

Ingredients

  • All-purpose flour: The backbone for these scones offering that perfect crumb; make sure to fluff it up before measuring for best results
  • Baking powder: Helps the scones rise just beautifully to a light, tender texture
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper: To balance and accent the sharpness of the cheese
  • Sharp cheddar cheese: This is where the magic lives—grated to melt just right and deliver that punch of flavor
  • Fresh chives (optional): Adds a subtle, fresh lift that makes these scones feel special
  • Unsalted butter: Cold and cubed to create those lovely flaky pockets
  • Whole milk: Provides moisture rich enough to keep scones tender; reserve some for brushing
  • Large egg: Mixed into the milk for richness and shine on top

Instructions

Get Everything Ready:
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line your baking sheet with parchment paper so nothing sticks and cleanup is a breeze.
Mix the Dry Stuff:
Whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and black pepper; this blend sets the stage for the flavors and the rise.
Work in the Butter:
Rub in the cold, cubed butter using your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs—this is the secret to light, flaky scones.
Cheese and Chives Time:
Stir in the grated sharp cheddar and chopped fresh chives so you get pockets of melty, herby goodness in every bite.
Wet Ingredients Meet Dry:
Whisk together the milk and egg, saving a tablespoon to brush on top later, then pour the rest into the dry mix and fold gently with a fork—don’t overmix or the scones will be tough.
Shape It Up:
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently pat into a 1-inch thick round; use a 2½-inch cutter to create your scones, gathering scraps and repeating.
Bake to Perfection:
Place the scones on the sheet, brush the tops with the reserved milk and egg mixture, then bake for 16 to 18 minutes until golden and risen; the smell alone is worth the wait.
Enjoy Warm or Room Temp:
Cool slightly on a wire rack and serve—they’re comforting and delicious no matter when you eat them.
These fresh cheddar savory cheese scones offer a delicious, comforting texture, best enjoyed warm from the oven. Save to Pinterest
These fresh cheddar savory cheese scones offer a delicious, comforting texture, best enjoyed warm from the oven. | nowwecook.com

This recipe quickly became more than just food—it’s the warmth I bring out when friends need comfort or when mornings call for a little extra indulgence.

Keeping It Fresh

Storing leftover scones wrapped tightly at room temperature keeps them soft for a day, but freezing is the winner when it comes to longer storage—just reheat in a warm oven and they’re almost like freshly baked.

Serving Ideas That Clicked

Pair these scones with a smear of butter or a dollop of chutney; the savory cheese works surprisingly well with something sweet or tangy, making each bite pop.

A Time This Recipe Saved the Day

Once I had last-minute guests and nothing prepared; whipping up this batter and baking brought the whole table together with smiles and seconds

  • Don’t forget to keep your ingredients chilled until you start mixing
  • If you’re missing chives, green onions also do the trick
  • Always brush the tops for that irresistible golden shine
A close-up of fluffy savory cheese scones, showing rich cheese and a golden brown crust, ready to serve. Save to Pinterest
A close-up of fluffy savory cheese scones, showing rich cheese and a golden brown crust, ready to serve. | nowwecook.com

Thanks for hanging out and sharing this kitchen moment with me—may your scones be golden and your mornings bright!

Recipe FAQs

Sharp cheddar cheese is used to provide a rich, tangy flavor that complements the buttery dough.

Yes, herbs like thyme or parsley can be used to add a different aromatic note to the scones.

Butter should be cold and cubed to help create a flaky texture when rubbed into the dry ingredients.

Brush the tops with a mixture of milk and egg before baking to encourage a golden, glossy finish.

Yes, they freeze well and can be reheated in a warm oven when needed, maintaining their texture and flavor.

Savory Cheese Scones

Buttery scones featuring sharp cheddar and fresh chives, perfect for a flavorful baked treat.

Prep 15m
Cook 18m
Total 33m
Servings 8
Difficulty Easy

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour (250 g)
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Cheeses & Flavor

  • 1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated (150 g)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh chives, finely chopped (optional)

Wet Ingredients

  • ⅓ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed (75 g)
  • ¾ cup whole milk (180 ml), plus extra for brushing
  • 1 large egg

Instructions

1
Preheat Oven: Set the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2
Combine Dry Ingredients: Whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl.
3
Incorporate Butter: Add cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture and rub in with fingertips or a pastry cutter until the texture resembles coarse breadcrumbs.
4
Add Cheese and Chives: Stir in the grated cheddar and chopped chives evenly throughout the mixture.
5
Prepare Wet Mixture: Whisk the milk and egg together in a small bowl, reserving 1 tablespoon for brushing.
6
Form Dough: Pour the remaining wet mixture into the dry ingredients and mix gently with a fork until just combined, avoiding overmixing.
7
Shape Dough: Transfer dough onto a lightly floured surface and pat into a 1-inch thick round.
8
Cut Scones: Use a 2½-inch round cutter to cut out the scones, reassembling scraps to use all dough.
9
Prepare for Baking: Arrange scones on the baking sheet and brush the tops with the reserved milk and egg mixture.
10
Bake: Bake for 16 to 18 minutes until golden and risen.
11
Cool and Serve: Allow scones to cool slightly on a wire rack before serving warm or at room temperature.
Additional Information

Equipment Needed

  • Mixing bowls
  • Pastry cutter or fork
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Round biscuit cutter
  • Pastry brush

Nutrition (Per Serving)

Calories 240
Protein 8g
Carbs 23g
Fat 13g

Allergy Information

  • Contains milk (cheese, butter, milk)
  • Contains egg
  • Contains wheat (flour)
  • Check labels for hidden allergens in pre-shredded cheese or baking powder.
Jessica Cole

Sharing quick, wholesome recipes and practical cooking tips for busy home cooks.