Scrumptious English Cheese Scones Recipe
Greetings food lovers! Today, I am delighted to share with you a recipe that is close to my heart – English Cheese Scones. These fluffy cheese scones are a traditional tea-time treat in Britain and have been enjoyed for generations.
Scones are a staple of the British baking tradition and come in many shapes, sizes, and flavors. They can be sweet or savory, but for this recipe, we will be focusing on the cheesy variety.
These scones are made with cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese, which gives them their bold, tangy flavor. The addition of red pepper flakes adds a slight kick to the scones’ taste and is perfect when paired with a cup of tea or your favorite hot beverage.
My version of English Cheese Scones is not only delicious but also easy-to-follow, even for beginner bakers. You only need a few simple ingredients, some of which you might already have in your pantry.
Ladies and gentlemen, I can assure you that this cheesy goodness will leave everyone wanting more! So let’s grab our aprons and head to the kitchen to whip up some delicious English Cheese Scones!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Cheese scones are a beloved treat in England, and this English Cheese Scones recipe is sure to impress even the most discerning palate. Here’s why you’ll love this recipe:
1. The perfect balance of flavors: The combination of sharp cheddar cheese, parmesan cheese, and a pinch of red pepper flakes create an explosion of tangy, savory flavors in every bite.
2. Fluffy texture: These scones have a tender, crumbly interior that melts in your mouth thanks to the addition of sparkling water to the dough.
3. Versatility: English Cheese Scones are a versatile treat that can be served as breakfast, brunch, or as part of an afternoon tea.
4. Easy to make: With just a few simple ingredients and some baking powder, you can whip up a batch of these delicious scones in no time!
5. Exceptionally cheesy: If you’re a fan of cheese, then these scones will be perfect for you! This recipe calls for generous amounts of mature cheddar and parmesan which ensures that each cheese-loving bite is bursting with flavor.
Whether you enjoy them fresh out of the oven or toasted for breakfast the next day, these cheesy delights are sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire once you give them a try.
Ingredient List
Before creating the perfect English Cheese Scones, it is important to prepare all of the necessary ingredients. English Cheddar Cheese adds a tangy flavor to these savory scones, which can be combined with the spice of red pepper flakes. The butter, eggs and sparkling water are crucial in making sure that your scones come out fluffy and moist. Make sure to grab all-purpose flour, baking powder and salt to help give shape and structure to the dough.
Below is a list of all the recipe ingredients you’ll need for a classic cheese scone recipe.
Ingredients for English Cheese Scones Recipe:
- 225g Self-raising flour
- 55g Unsalted Butter
- 55g Mature Cheddar Cheese, grated
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Mustard Powder
- A pinch of Cayenne Pepper
- Approximately 100ml Sparkling Water (or Soda Water)
- 1 egg, beaten (for glaze)
For additional variation, try other cheeses such as parmesan, or add herbs such as chives or rosemary. Don’t be afraid to personalize and experiment with this classic recipe!
The Recipe How-To
Now that you know what makes these Cheese Scones so great, let’s get into the recipe itself. Follow along with these step-by-step instructions to create your own delicious batch of scones.
Ingredients
- 225g Self-Raising Flour
- 55g Unsalted Butter
- 55g Grated Mature Cheddar Cheese
- 1/2 tsp Mustard Powder
- Pinch of Salt
- 1 Egg
- 125ml Sparkling Water
Note: You can substitute self-raising flour for plain flour and add 2 tsp of baking powder, do not overmix.
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan). Sift the self-raising flour and mustard powder into a large mixing bowl, then rub in the butter until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs.
Step 2: Add a pinch of salt and about two-thirds of the grated cheddar cheese, saving the rest for garnish. Mix well.
Step 3: Beat an egg in a separate bowl and mix with sparkling water. Gradually stir into the flour mixture until a soft dough forms. You may need to add slightly more or less water depending on the flour you use.
Step 4: Turn out onto a floured surface and knead very lightly, just enough to bring the dough together. Over-kneading will result in tough scones.
Step 5: Pat out to roughly 2cm thickness, then cut into rounds using a fluted cutter, approximately 5cm in diameter. Don’t twist the cutter when cutting them as this can cause an uneven rise.
Step 6: Place on a lightly greased baking tray and brush the tops with beaten egg. Sprinkle with red pepper flakes and any remaining cheddar cheese.
Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until golden-brown and well-risen. Transfer to a wire rack to cool.
That’s it! You’re now ready to enjoy these delicious Cheese Scones fresh from the oven.
Tip: For extra flavor, try adding chopped chives or red onion to the scone mixture.
Substitutions and Variations
Looking to mix things up a bit with your cheese scones recipe? Don’t be afraid to get creative with some substitutions and variations!
– Cheese Variations: While cheddar and parmesan are the classic cheese choices for this scone recipe, feel free to mix it up with a different type of cheese. Try mature English cheddar or experiment with cheesy combinations such as cheddar and chive or feta and herb.
– Flour Substitutions: If you don’t have self-raising flour on hand, you can easily make your own by combining one cup of all-purpose flour with 1 and 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. For a gluten-free version, substitute the self-raising flour for a suitable gluten-free option.
– Butter Options: If you prefer a slightly saltier taste in your scones, opt for salted butter instead of unsalted. Alternatively, if you’re looking for a healthier option, consider using a plant-based butter instead.
– Spice Profiles: Want to add some kick to your cheese scones? Experiment with different spice profiles such as cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes. For an extra tangy flavour, try adding 1 tsp of English mustard powder to the recipe.
– Liquid Alternatives: If you don’t have sparkling water or soda water on hand, there’s no need to worry. You can use regular tap water as an alternative. Want to add some richness to your scones? Swap out some of the sparkling water for buttermilk instead.
With these substitutions and variations, the possibilities are endless when it comes to creating unique and tasty scones recipes that suit your taste buds. Don’t be afraid to experiment and try new ingredients – who knows, you might even discover a new favourite!
Serving and Pairing
Now that you have baked your delicious English Cheese Scones, it’s time to serve them up in style. These scones are the perfect addition to a brunch table, but can also be enjoyed for breakfast or as a mid-afternoon snack.
Serve your warm scones with a generous dollop of butter and some homemade jam or marmalade. If you’re feeling adventurous, try serving them with avocado or tomato slices and a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a savory twist.
Pair these savory scones with a strong cup of English breakfast tea or a refreshing glass of iced tea. For a fancy brunch, consider pairing with mimosas or champagne for an added touch of elegance.
If you prefer coffee over tea, we recommend a strong black coffee like espresso or Americano to balance the richness of the cheese.
These scones also pair well with soups and salads, making for a filling lunch option. Try serving them alongside a bowl of creamy tomato soup or as an accompaniment to a crisp Caesar salad.
With their cheesy flavor and light texture, these scones are sure to be crowd-pleasers no matter how you choose to serve them. Enjoy!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
These English Cheese Scones are best served fresh out of the oven, but if you have leftovers, don’t worry! You can store them easily and reheat them for a tasty snack or breakfast.
To make them ahead of time, prepare the dough and shape the scones as directed in the recipe. Instead of baking them right away, cover them tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 2 days. When ready to bake, remove them from the fridge and let them sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before baking as directed.
If you have leftover baked scones, they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.
To reheat baked scones, preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Take the scones out of the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Then place them on a baking sheet and bake for 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
Alternatively, you can use a microwave to reheat scones. Wrap one or two scones tightly in damp paper towels and microwave on high for 10-15 seconds until warmed through.
Remember not to reheat the scones too many times as this may cause dryness or tough texture. With these tips, you’ll never have to waste any English Cheese Scones again!
Tips for Perfect Results
To ensure your English Cheese Scones come out perfectly, here are some tips that might be useful in creating the best scones for your taste buds:
1. Use Cold Butter: It is essential to use cold, unsalted butter when making scones. The cold butter, when cut into flour, gives the dough its flakiness and ensures the scones rise beautifully in the oven. If your butter is too warm during preparation, the dough may become too sticky or even spread during baking.
2. Handle the Dough with Care: Avoid overworking the dough as this can result in tough scones. Mix just until all ingredients are incorporated, and then gently knead dough a few times to shape it into a circle.
3. Be Mindful of Your Oven Temperature: Preheat your oven to 425 °F (218 °C) at least 15 minutes before baking to create an ideal temperature for your scones. Keep an eye on your scones while they are baking as different ovens have varying heating temperatures and baking times.
4. Measure Accurately: Baking requires accuracy of measurements since slight changes can affect the outcome of scones. Ensure that you measure every ingredient correctly and accurately using measuring cups and spoons.
5. Add Flavorful Ingredients: Adding chives or red pepper flakes to the recipe will give an extra kick of flavor to your cheese scones. You can also experiment with different types of cheeses like parmesan or goat cheese for a distinct taste.
6. Don’t Overfill Your Baking Sheet: Space out the scones on your baking sheet at least two inches apart to prevent them from sticking together while baking.
By following these tips, you will be well on your way to mastering a great English Cheese Scone recipe every time without any possible hiccups along the way!
FAQ
Now that you’ve learned everything about this English Cheese Scones Recipe, let me tell you some of the most frequently asked questions from fellow chefs out there.
What is the trick in making good scones?
When making scones, it’s important to handle the dough with care in order to keep the texture crumbly and loose. To achieve this, it’s best to avoid over-kneading the mixture which can cause the gluten to tighten up and make the scones too tight or springy. Additionally, it’s important to sieve the flour and baking powder together as this ensures an even distribution of the ingredients, leading to a better rise.
What is the secret to moist scones?
Having a moist scone is not difficult to achieve, as just a splash more of milk can make a huge difference. A popular method to achieve this is by incorporating a small amount of buttermilk into the recipe.
How to make Paul Hollywood cheese scones?
For this recipe, we’ll need 250g of strong white bread flour, along with ½ teaspoon of fine salt and 25g of baking powder. I prefer to use butter in this recipe, cut into small pieces, so it’s easier to incorporate. We’ll also need one medium free-range egg and 110ml of whole milk. And, of course, we can’t forget the star of the show – 150g of grated mature cheddar!
What do you eat with cheese scones?
Ploughman’s pickle is a zesty and sharp condiment that complements cheese perfectly. It is great to pair with cold cuts of ham, along with a dollop of sweet chilli sauce for a punch of flavour. A fresh salad can also be great on the side, providing a crisp and refreshing bite. For a sweeter note, try incorporating some strawberry jam or tangy tomato chutney to the mix. For a more substantial option, add chunks of your favourite cheese and slices of juicy apple to complete the ensemble.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, it’s no surprise why English cheese scones have remained such a beloved classic in British cuisine. With their fluffy texture and delicious mix of savory cheeses and spices, these scones are simply irresistible. Whether you’re looking to serve them at a family gathering or just looking for a delightful snack, this recipe has everything you need to make some truly memorable treats.
So why not give it a try? With just a few simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you’ll be well on your way to creating your own batch of delicious cheese scones in no time! And who knows? You just might discover a new favorite dish that you’ll want to make again and again. So what are you waiting for? Get baking today and start enjoying the tasty delights of these amazing English cheese scones!
English Cheese Scones Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb all-purpose flour, with 8 teaspoons of baking powder added
- 4 -5 ounces butter (use margarine at a pinch but butter tastes better)
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (can be omitted)
- 4 ounces grated parmesan cheese (use the stuff that comes ready grated not your good parmesan)
- 4 ounces extra strong cheddar cheese, grated
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 eggs, beaten
- sparkling water or soda water, to mix
Instructions
- Rub the butter into the flour until it resembles breadcrumbs and no lumps of butter remain.
- Add the two types of grated cheese, the salt and the hot pepper flakes.
- make a well in the centre and add the beaten eggs with the splash of soda or mineral water and mix all ingredients together until a soft dough is formed. Add a little more water if necessary but take care not to make the dough too sticky.
- Place the dough on a clean floured surface and knead it very slightly until it is smooth.
- Roll out with a rolling pin until approximately 3/4 inch thick, then use a round cookie cutter to cut out rounds.
- Place the rounds on a baking sheet.
- Bake at 200 degrees celsius for around 15 to 20 minutes or until the scones are golden brown on top.
- Cool on a cooling rack.
Nutrition
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Brian is a British chef cum food blogger who has been in the kitchen since he was a young lad. Growing up in Manchester, he developed a passion for cooking and a keen eye for the perfect dish. He now runs his own blog and YouTube channel, which is dedicated to sharing his passion for food with the world.