These savory scones are packed with crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, and fresh scallions that give an exciting twist to traditional scones. They’re perfect for lifting your breakfast, brunch, or snack game!
This scone recipe addresses dryness, blandness, and toughness issues often found in baked goods, delivering a flavorful breakfast option instead.
I remember the first time I tried baking scones; they ended up dry and crumbling. With this recipe, I’ve found a way to keep them moist while also adding those rich, savory toppings. It’s been a lifesaver during busy mornings, especially when folks drop by unexpectedly.
What makes this recipe shine is its simplicity. In just 45 minutes, you’ll pull out warm, flaky scones that look and taste like they came from a bakery. With eight servings ready to go, they’re an easy option for sharing or meal prepping throughout the week.
If you’re interested in serving enjoyable baked goods, check out my Lemon Lavender Scones next!
Table of contents
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Rich and Satisfying Texture The combination of cold grated butter with flour results in a tender, flaky scone that’s absolutely satisfying to bite into. Each layer promises a light and airy feel, making these savory scones a delight at any meal.
- Bold Flavor Profile Loaded with crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, and fresh scallions, these scones pack a flavor punch. The savory elements work beautifully, providing a delightful contrast to the tender texture.
- Make Ahead Convenience Prep these scones ahead of time! You can freeze them before baking, ensuring that you’ll have a fresh batch ready to go whenever you want a quick breakfast or snack.
- Versatile Pairings These savory scones shine at breakfast, lunch, or even as a snack. Try them with soups, salads, or alongside your favorite spreads for a tasty twist that fits any occasion.
Savory Bacon Cheddar Scallion Scones
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cool Time:
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
Delicious savory scones made with scallions and white cheddar, perfect for breakfast or snacks.
Ingredients
- 2 cups (256 g) unbleached all-purpose flour
- 4 tbsp (56 g) unsalted butter, cold, grated
- 1 cup (120 g) freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 3/4 cup (about 3 oz / 85 g) crispy thick-cut bacon, cooked and chopped
- 2/3 cup (about 40 g) thinly sliced fresh scallions (green onions), firm and bright green stalks
- 1 cup + 2 tbsp (250 ml) cold heavy cream
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten (for egg wash, optional)
- 2 3/4 tsp baking powder, checked for freshness
- 1/2 tsp fine sea salt
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 4 tsp granulated sugar
- Optional: flaky sea salt for sprinkling on top before baking
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups flour, 2 3/4 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp onion powder, 1/2 tsp fine sea salt, 4 tsp granulated sugar, and freshly cracked black pepper to taste until evenly combined.
- Step 2: Grate cold unsalted butter into the dry mixture. Using your fingers, mix the butter into the flour until the mixture is crumbly and you see small bits of butter coated with flour. This helps build flaky layers.
- Step 3: Gently fold in the sliced scallions, shredded sharp cheddar, and chopped crispy bacon using a spatula, ensuring even distribution without overmixing.
- Step 4: Make a well in the center of the dry ingredient mixture and pour in 1 cup + 2 tbsp of cold heavy cream. This directs the liquid for more uniform mixing and reduces overworking.
- Step 5: Using a rubber spatula, fold the mixture just until combined. Then scoop up the dough and let it fall gently through your fingers to break apart clumps. Avoid overmixing to keep the dough tender.
- Step 6: Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Gently pat it into an 8-inch (20 cm) round disc, taking care not to overwork it to preserve flaky texture. If the dough feels sticky, lightly dust your hands with flour.
- Step 7: Using a knife or bench scraper dipped in flour, cut the dough into 8 equal wedges. This sizing ensures even baking.
- Step 8: Preheat the oven to 400°F (205°C). Place wedges on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush the tops with beaten egg or additional cream. Optionally sprinkle flaky sea salt on top. Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown and an internal temperature of 175°F (80°C) is achieved. Rotate the tray after 12 minutes if needed to ensure even browning.
Notes
- Room Temperature: Store scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain texture and flavor.
- Refrigeration: Wrap scones in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container. Refrigerate up to 7 days.
- Freezing: Individually wrap scones with aluminum foil or plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Use thick-cut bacon, pan-fried or baked until crispy, to avoid sogginess in the scones.
- Grate cold butter finely and keep it chilled to create flaky layers. The butter melts during baking, creating pockets of steam for a tender crumb.
- Freshly shred sharp cheddar cheese yourself rather than using pre-shredded to improve melting and flavor integration.
- Fresh, firm scallions with bright green shafts contribute a mild onion flavor.
- Check baking powder freshness; stale baking powder will reduce rise.
- If dough feels sticky, lightly flour your hands and work surface.
- For a more flavorful golden crust, brush with extra cream just before baking.
- If scones bake dry, try adding an additional tablespoon of cream next time for added moisture.
- Rotate baking tray halfway through baking to encourage even browning.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 scone
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4 tsp
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: high due to butter, bacon, cheddar, and cream
- Saturated Fat: significant from butter and cream
- Unsaturated Fat: included in the fat content
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30-40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10-15g
- Cholesterol: not quantified
Ingredient Notes
- Bacon: Choose thick-cut bacon for extra flavor and texture. Bake or pan-fry it until crispy; this will keep it from becoming soggy in the scones.
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Go for a good quality, aged sharp cheddar to really enhance the scone’s taste. Shred it yourself for better melt and flavor integration.
- Scallions: Fresh scallions are key for that nice, mild onion flavor. Look for firm, bright green stalks with no discoloration for the best results.
- All-purpose Flour: Use unbleached all-purpose flour for a tender crumb. Make sure it’s fresh; stale flour can impact the texture of your scones.
- Heavy Cream: Heavy cream adds richness and helps achieve a fluffy texture. If you’re out, you can substitute with whole milk mixed with a bit of melted butter.
- Baking Powder: This ingredient gives your scones lift. Check the expiration date to make sure it’s still active for a good rise in your scones.
- Black Pepper: Freshly cracked black pepper enhances the savory aspect of the scones. Adjust to taste for added warmth and flavor without being overpowering.
- Bacon: Choose thick-cut bacon for extra flavor and texture. Bake or pan-fry it until crispy; this will keep it from becoming soggy in the scones.
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Go for a good quality, aged sharp cheddar to really enhance the scone’s taste. Shred it yourself for better melt and flavor integration.
- Scallions: Fresh scallions are key for that nice, mild onion flavor. Look for firm, bright green stalks with no discoloration for the best results.
- All-purpose Flour: Use unbleached all-purpose flour for a tender crumb. Make sure it’s fresh; stale flour can impact the texture of your scones.
- Heavy Cream: Heavy cream adds richness and helps achieve a fluffy texture. If you’re out, you can substitute with whole milk mixed with a bit of melted butter.
- Baking Powder: This ingredient gives your scones lift. Check the expiration date to make sure it’s still active for a good rise in your scones.
- Black Pepper: Freshly cracked black pepper enhances the savory aspect of the scones. Adjust to taste for added warmth and flavor without being overpowering.
Recipe Tips
- If the dough feels sticky when forming, lightly dust your hands with flour to prevent sticking during shaping.
- When the scones are baking, keep an eye on them after 12 minutes; rotate the tray if needed to ensure even browning.
- If you notice that your scones are not rising well, double-check your baking powder for freshness before using 2 3/4 teaspoons in the recipe.
- For a more flavorful crust, brush the scones with extra cream right before baking, as this helps achieve a golden color.
- If your scones seem dry after baking, consider adding an extra tablespoon of cream to the dough for better moisture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve savory bacon cheddar scallion scones alongside fresh fruit or a garden salad. Pair with a warm bowl of tomato soup or creamy potato soup for a hearty meal.
Add to brunch spread featuring a variety of cheeses or savory pastries. Use leftover scones in a breakfast sandwich with scrambled eggs and more crispy bacon.
Top with a dollop of sour cream or garlic herb cream cheese for extra flavor. A sprinkle of chives or extra scallions provides freshness along with flaky sea salt for finishing touches.
Recipe variations
- You can use smoked gouda or pepper jack instead of sharp cheddar in the dough to give your savory scones a milder or spicier cheese flavor.
- Add 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika or 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper for a subtle smoky or spicy kick alongside the garlic powder and onion powder.
- Either crispy cooked pancetta or cooked sausage crumbles can replace bacon, providing a different meaty texture but maintaining the savory element of the scones.
- If you want to double the batch for a larger brunch, use 4 cups of flour, 2 cups cheddar, 1 1/2 cups bacon, and 2 cups plus 4 tablespoons heavy cream. Baking times remain about the same, but bake in batches if needed.
Save This Recipe!
How to Store?
To keep your savory bacon cheddar scallion scones fresh and delicious, follow these storage tips:
Room Temperature: Place scones in an airtight container. Store at room temperature up to 2 days to preserve texture and flavor.
Refrigeration: Wrap scones in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container. Keep refrigerated up to 7 days to maintain freshness.
Freezing: Wrap scones individually with aluminum foil or plastic wrap, then place in a freezer container. Freeze up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Other Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoyed this savory 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!
