These sharp cheddar and chive sourdough scones are a tasty treat! They’re cheesy, flavorful, and perfect for breakfast or a snack. Plus, they’re easy to make and super enjoyable!
Don’t be surprised if you gobble them up quickly—who can resist that cheesy goodness? I love serving them warm with a bit of butter on the side. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sourdough Starter: An active starter is key for these scones. If you don’t have one, you can use store-bought sour cream or yogurt, but the flavor will change a bit!
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar adds a nice bite. If you want something milder, you can switch it out for medium cheddar or even a flavorful Gouda. Try using a blend for fun!
Chives: Fresh chives brighten the scones. If you can’t find fresh, green onions work as a substitute. You can also experiment with herbs like parsley or thyme for a different twist!
Buttermilk: This gives moisture and a slight tang. If you don’t have buttermilk, mix milk with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for a few minutes. It works just as well!
How Do I Ensure My Scones Are Flaky and Tender?
The key to achieving flaky and tender scones is in how you handle the dough. Make sure your butter is very cold, and handle the dough as little as possible. Overmixing can lead to tough scones.
- Start by cutting the cold butter into the flour until you see pea-sized crumbs.
- When adding the wet ingredients, mix just until everything is combined—no need to knead.
- Gently pat the dough into a disk instead of rolling it out, and don’t worry if it looks a bit rough; that’s normal!
Taking these steps will ensure your scones come out light and fluffy every time!
How to Make Sharp Cheddar and Chive Sourdough Scones
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup (240g) sourdough starter (100% hydration, active)
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 4 tablespoons (56g) cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
- 1 cup (100g) sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup (120ml) buttermilk, plus extra for brushing
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious scone recipe will take about 10 minutes to prepare and around 15-20 minutes to bake. You’ll be able to enjoy warm, cheesy scones in about 30 to 35 minutes total. Perfect for a quick breakfast or a delightful snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). While it warms up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper; this prevents the scones from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar. This helps ensure that everything is evenly distributed, which is important for the best flavor and texture.
3. Cut in the Butter:
Add the cold cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using your fingertips or a pastry cutter, work the butter into the flour until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. Don’t worry if some chunks of butter are still visible; they’ll make the scones nice and flaky!
4. Add the Cheddar and Chives:
Now, stir in the grated sharp cheddar cheese and finely chopped chives. Make sure they are evenly mixed in, so every scone has that delicious flavor!
5. Mix in the Wet Ingredients:
Next, pour in the sourdough starter and buttermilk. Gently mix everything together until a dough forms. Be careful not to overmix; you want it to be just combined!
6. Shape the Dough:
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently pat it into a round disk about 1-inch thick. Don’t roll it out; just shape it with your hands to keep those nice layers.
7. Cut the Scones:
Using a sharp knife, cut the disk into 8 equal triangular wedges. This will make it easy to grab one for a delicious snack!
8. Prepare for Baking:
Carefully transfer the scone wedges onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart. This allows them to rise without sticking together.
9. Brush with Buttermilk:
For a beautifully golden crust, brush the tops of the scones lightly with a little bit of buttermilk. This step makes them shine!
10. Bake:
Place the baking sheet in the oven and let the scones bake for 15 to 20 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they’re risen and golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
11. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, take them out of the oven and let the scones cool on a wire rack for a few minutes. They’re best served warm, so enjoy them with a bit of butter or your favorite spread!
Can I Use a Different Type of Cheese?
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar is delicious, you can use any type of cheese you prefer, such as mozzarella for a milder taste, or even feta for a tangy flavor. Mix and match to find your favorite cheese combination!
How Can I Make These Scones Dairy-Free?
You can easily make this recipe dairy-free by using a dairy-free butter substitute and non-dairy milk (like almond, soy, or oat milk) in place of the buttermilk. Just add a splash of vinegar to the non-dairy milk to mimic buttermilk’s acidity before using!
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Chives?
No worries! If you’re out of fresh chives, you can substitute them with dried chives or other herbs you have on hand, like scallions or even parsley. Fresh herbs provide a more vibrant flavor, but dried ones will work in a pinch!
How Should I Store Leftover Scones?
Keep any leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to store them longer, you can freeze them in a resealable bag for up to a month. To reheat, just pop them in the oven for a few minutes until warmed through!
