These Cheesy Vegetable Scones are a savory delight, combining the richness of cheddar and Swiss cheese with the freshness of vegetables like spring onion and bell pepper. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a snack, they are quick to prepare and utterly satisfying.
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients
- For the Scone Dough:
- 375g (3 cups) all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1/2 cup (113g) cold butter, cubed
- 1 cup (240ml) cold buttermilk
- Additional Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup (60g) grated Cheddar cheese (plus extra for sprinkling)
- 1/2 cup (60g) grated Swiss cheese or other types of cheese
- 1 stalk spring onion or chive, chopped
- A handful of chopped pumpkin or sweet potato (optional)
- A handful of chopped red bell pepper or red chili (optional)
- 1 egg, beaten (for brushing) or melted butter
Directions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°C (392°F).
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper.
- Add Butter: Cut the cold butter into the dry mixture using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the texture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Incorporate Cheese and Vegetables: Stir in the grated Cheddar, grated Swiss cheese, spring onion, and optional vegetables like pumpkin or red bell pepper.
- Add Buttermilk: Pour in the cold buttermilk and gently mix until the dough just comes together. Avoid overmixing to keep the scones tender.
- Shape the Dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Gather it into a ball and flatten it into a disc about 1 inch thick.
- Divide the Dough: Use a knife or bench scraper to divide the disc into 8 equal wedges.
- Prepare for Baking: Place the wedges on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops with beaten egg or melted butter and sprinkle with extra grated cheese.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the scones are golden brown and cooked through.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the scones to cool slightly on a wire rack before serving warm.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a dollop of butter or cream cheese.
- Pair with a hearty soup or stew for a comforting meal.
- Enjoy as a snack with tea or coffee.
Cooking Tips
- Use very cold butter and buttermilk for flaky scones.
- Handle the dough gently to avoid overworking it, which can make the scones dense.
- Customize with your favorite cheeses and vegetables for unique flavors.
Nutritional Benefits
- Cheese: Rich in calcium and protein.
- Vegetables: Provide vitamins and fiber.
- Buttermilk: Adds a tangy flavor and keeps the scones tender.
Dietary Information
- Contains gluten, dairy, and eggs.
- Can be made vegetarian by using vegetarian-friendly cheese.
Nutritional Facts (per scone, approximate)
- Calories: 260
- Protein: 8g
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
Storage
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Reheat in the oven to restore freshness.
- Freeze baked scones for up to 2 months; thaw and reheat before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Packed with cheesy, savory goodness in every bite.
- Easy to make with pantry staples and customizable vegetables.
- Perfect for any meal or as a snack.
- Delicious warm from the oven or reheated.
Conclusion
Cheesy Vegetable Scones are a quick and flavorful way to elevate your snack or meal game. With their flaky texture and rich, cheesy filling, these scones are sure to become a household favorite. Enjoy them fresh out of the oven for the ultimate treat!
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use whole wheat flour? Yes, but the texture may be slightly denser.
- Can I replace buttermilk? Use milk mixed with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar as a substitute.
- What other vegetables can I use? Zucchini, spinach, or caramelized onions work well.
- Can I make them gluten-free? Use a gluten-free flour blend for best results.
- How do I store leftovers? Keep them in an airtight container and reheat in the oven.
- Can I freeze the dough? Yes, shape the dough, freeze on a tray, and bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time.
- What can I pair these with? Serve with soup, chili, or as a side to a salad.
- Can I add herbs? Yes, thyme, rosemary, or parsley complement the flavors well.
- Do I need to chill the dough? It’s not necessary but chilling can help create flakier scones.
- Can I skip the egg wash? Yes, but the tops won’t be as golden or shiny.