These bacon cheddar chive scones are a lovely twist on a classic baked treat. They’re soft and flaky, with a savory punch from crispy bacon, cheddar cheese, and a hint of fresh chives.
This scone recipe tackles common troubles of dryness and blandness while providing unique flavors and appealing texture with bacon, cheese, and chives.
Sometimes, I find traditional scone recipes to be a bit dry or bland, which isn’t what I want when I’m serving friends or family. This recipe brings a burst of flavor that makes them stand out. I really love how this version captures the flavors so well without any fuss.
These scones are quick to whip up, taking just about 54 minutes from start to finish. After a cozy bake, they come out hot and golden, ready to be enjoyed. If you want to try another enticing biscuit that brightens up your spring gatherings, check out my Lemon Lavender Scones.
Table of contents
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Perfect for Spring Celebrations , These scones bring the essence of spring to your table, making them a great choice for brunches, garden parties, or any cheerful get-together.
- Rich and Savory Flavor , The combination of sharp cheddar, crispy bacon, and fresh chives creates an incredible flavor burst that’s satisfying enough to be a snack on its own.
- Easy Preparation , With a straightforward mix of wet and dry ingredients, these scones come together quickly. You’ll spend only 20 minutes prepping, leaving ample time for baking and enjoying!
- Long-Lasting Freshness , They hold their taste and texture well for a couple of days, making them a reliable option for meal planning or enjoying throughout the week.
Bacon Cheddar Chive Scones for Spring Appetizers
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cool Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 34 minutes
- Total Time: 54 minutes
- Yield: 8 scones 1x
- Category: baking
- Method: Baking
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Delicious bacon cheddar chive scones perfect for any occasion, featuring a flaky texture and savory flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
- 2.5 tsp baking powder
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 9 tbsp (127.5g) cold salted butter
- 8 slices cooked bacon, chopped
- 1 cup (113g) grated cheddar cheese, sharp
- 1/4 cup (about 15g) fresh chives, diced
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
- 1 tbsp milk or heavy cream, for brushing
- Flaky sea salt, for finishing
Instructions
- Step 1: In a measuring cup, whisk together 1 large egg and 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream. Place this mixture in the refrigerator to chill while preparing the dry ingredients. Chilling helps achieve a lighter texture.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, mix 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour, 2.5 teaspoons baking powder, 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon salt thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
- Step 3: Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut 9 tablespoons cold salted butter into the dry mixture until you achieve pea-sized crumbs. The butter should be cold to create flaky layers during baking.
- Step 4: Gently fold in 1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese, 1/4 cup diced fresh chives, and 8 slices chopped cooked bacon until just combined. Avoid overmixing; leave a bit of flour visible for ideal texture.
- Step 5: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and gently pat it into a rectangle. Cut the dough into triangles or rounds as preferred. Chill the shaped dough in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes to help maintain its shape during baking.
- Step 6: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Brush the tops of the chilled scones with 1 tablespoon of milk or heavy cream to promote a golden crust. Bake on a baking sheet for 25 to 30 minutes, or until lightly browned and scones sound hollow when tapped. If scones look pale mid-bake, brush again with milk or cream.
- Step 7: Remove scones from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack for a few minutes before serving. This allows the interior to set and enhances flavor.
Notes
- Room Temperature: Store scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain texture and flavor.
- Refrigeration: Place scones in an airtight container and refrigerate up to 5 days. Reheat gently to restore taste.
- Freezing: Wrap scones tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, place in a freezer container, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- If dough feels too sticky, add 1-2 tablespoons of flour gradually while mixing to achieve the right consistency without overworking it.
- Make sure baking powder is fresh and used in the full amount of 2.5 teaspoons to ensure proper rise.
- Butter pieces should be no larger than pea-sized when cutting into flour for a flaky texture.
- If wet spots appear on scones after baking, extend the baking time by 2-3 minutes until dry and golden.
- Gently warm scones in a low oven or microwave before serving to enhance freshness and flavor.
- Serve these scones alongside a fresh garden salad or a bowl of hearty vegetable soup. Pair with savory dips such as spinach dip or roasted red pepper hummus. Use as a base for brunch sliders or mini sandwiches with cream cheese and smoked salmon. Add to a charcuterie board with cheeses, olives, crackers, or a basket of fresh fruit. Top with garlic herb butter, whipped cream cheese spread, extra chives, or a pinch of smoked paprika for added flavor.
- Substitute turkey bacon for a lighter option.
- Use Monterey Jack cheese for a milder taste profile.
- Swap fresh chives with green onions if chives are unavailable.
- For a gluten-free version, use a measure-for-measure gluten-free flour blend and ensure baking powder is gluten-free.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute butter with coconut oil and heavy cream with milk, noting texture changes.
- Choose thick-cut bacon and cook until crispy for extra crunch.
- Grate sharp cheddar cheese yourself for better melting.
- Use fresh, vibrant green chives for brightness and slight onion flavor.
- Use good-quality all-purpose flour; avoid self-rising flour unless adjusting baking powder.
- Keep butter cold before mixing to ensure flaky scones.
- Honey or maple syrup can be added for slight sweetness if desired (amount not included in original recipe).
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 scone
- Calories: Not provided
- Sugar: Not provided
- Sodium: Not provided
- Fat: Not provided
- Saturated Fat: Not provided
- Unsaturated Fat: Not provided
- Trans Fat: Not provided
- Carbohydrates: Not provided
- Fiber: Not provided
- Protein: Not provided
- Cholesterol: Not provided
Ingredient Notes
- Bacon: Go for thick-cut bacon for a hearty bite. Cook it until crispy for an extra crunch in your scones. You can use turkey bacon as a lighter option.
- Cheddar cheese: Use sharp cheddar for a bold flavor that stands out. Grate it yourself for better melting quality. If you prefer, Monterey Jack can offer a milder taste.
- Chives: Fresh chives brighten the scones with a slight onion flavor. Look for vibrant green stalks. You can swap with green onions if chives aren’t available.
- All-purpose flour: Use a good-quality all-purpose flour for structure. Avoid self-rising flour unless you adjust the baking powder. Gluten-free options like a measure-for-measure blend work as well!
- Baking powder: This lifts the scones, giving them a light texture. Ensure it’s fresh for the best rise, or substitute with baking soda and lemon juice in a pinch.
- Unsalted butter: For utmost control over the saltiness, unsalted butter is best. Cold butter creates flaky layers, so keep it chilled until mixing. Coconut oil can substitute if needed.
- Heavy cream: Adds richness and moisture to the scones. Adjust with milk for a lighter option, but keep in mind it may alter the texture slightly.
- Honey: Just a touch adds a hint of sweetness. Use local honey for flavor depth. Maple syrup can elegantly replace it if you’re looking for a vegan alternative.
- Bacon: Go for thick-cut bacon for a hearty bite. Cook it until crispy for an extra crunch in your scones. You can use turkey bacon as a lighter option.
- Cheddar cheese: Use sharp cheddar for a bold flavor that stands out. Grate it yourself for better melting quality. If you prefer, Monterey Jack can offer a milder taste.
- Chives: Fresh chives brighten the scones with a slight onion flavor. Look for vibrant green stalks. You can swap with green onions if chives aren’t available.
- All-purpose flour: Use a good-quality all-purpose flour for structure. Avoid self-rising flour unless you adjust the baking powder. Gluten-free options like a measure-for-measure blend work as well!
- Baking powder: This lifts the scones, giving them a light texture. Ensure it’s fresh for the best rise, or substitute with baking soda and lemon juice in a pinch.
- Unsalted butter: For utmost control over the saltiness, unsalted butter is best. Cold butter creates flaky layers, so keep it chilled until mixing. Coconut oil can substitute if needed.
- Heavy cream: Adds richness and moisture to the scones. Adjust with milk for a lighter option, but keep in mind it may alter the texture slightly.
- Honey: Just a touch adds a hint of sweetness. Use local honey for flavor depth. Maple syrup can elegantly replace it if you’re looking for a vegan alternative.
Recipe Tips
- If scone dough feels too sticky, sprinkle in an additional 1-2 tablespoons of flour while mixing to achieve the right consistency without overworking the dough.
- When scones don’t rise as expected, double-check that your baking powder is fresh; use 2.5 teaspoons and ensure it’s not past its expiration date.
- If your scones look pale after baking, brush with 1 tablespoon of milk or heavy cream halfway through baking for a golden finish.
- For uneven texture, ensure that butter pieces are no larger than pea-sized when cutting into the flour; this contributes to a flaky texture.
- If you notice wet spots on the scones, extend the baking time by about 2-3 minutes until they are golden and dry on top.
Serving Suggestions
Serve bacon cheddar chive scones alongside a fresh garden salad or a bowl of hearty vegetable soup. Pair with savory dips like spinach dip or roasted red pepper hummus for added flavor.
Use bacon cheddar chive scones to make brunch sliders or mini sandwiches with cream cheese and smoked salmon. Add to a charcuterie board featuring cheeses, olives, and assorted crackers or a basket of fruit.
Top scones with a drizzle of garlic herb butter or serve with whipped cream cheese spread. Sprinkle with additional chives or a pinch of smoked paprika for a flavorful finish.
Recipe variations
- You can use turkey bacon or diced ham instead of cooked bacon for a different protein addition in the scones.
- Add 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika along with the 1/4 teaspoon salt for a subtle smoky flavor boost to the dough.
- Either sharp cheddar or gouda cheese works well in this recipe; swapping the chives with 1/4 cup green onions is a good alternative.
- If making more, double the ingredients to yield 16 scones; bake on two greased baking sheets, watching bake time closely for even cooking.
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How to Store?
To keep your bacon cheddar chive scones fresh and delicious, follow these storage tips:
Room Temperature: Place scones in an airtight container and keep at room temperature up to 2 days to maintain texture and flavor.
Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container inside the refrigerator up to 5 days. Reheat gently before serving for best taste.
Freezing: Wrap scones in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place in a freezer container. Freeze up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature.
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If you enjoyed this bacon cheddar chive scones or any other recipe on my blog, please leave a ⭐ star rating and let me know how it went in the comments below. I appreciate taking time to read about this recipe, thank you!
