Step-by-Step Guide to Cheddar Bacon Scones
Scones are typically served with a cup of tea and are frequently linked with sweet flavors. However, if you're prepared to try something new, how about making these bacon cheddar scones? These are great as a snack or for breakfast or brunch. With the deep flavors of crispy bacon and strong cheddar cheese, they're sure to become a new favorite. Additionally, I'll offer some helpful baking advice to guarantee that your scones always turn out perfectly.
Methods for Making Bacon Cheddar Scones
Get your ingredients together first. What you will need to buy at the grocery store is listed here.
Ingredients for Bacon Cheddar Scones
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Flour. This recipe was created using all-purpose flour, but pastry flour is also a fantastic option. A harder scone may result from the larger protein content of bread flour, which more readily forms gluten.
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Sugar. Despite being a savory recipe, the addition of sugar balances the flavors and adds a lovely color to the crust.
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powder for baking. To help elevate the scones and prevent them from getting too dense, baking powder is employed.
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Butter. We're using unsalted butter, but you may skip the 1/2 teaspoon of salt if you only have salted butter on hand.
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Cheese. For this dish, we used sharp cheddar, but for a little spiciness, you could also use Gruyere or Pepperjack.
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Bacon. Before adding the bacon bits to the dough, make sure to chop them finely. Many small pieces of bacon properly spaced throughout the scones are preferable to a few big, chewy pieces!
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chives. It's simple to ignore these tiny greens, but they give the scones a delicious savory and herbaceous taste.
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Cream. To prevent the flavor from being diluted, heavy cream—also referred to as heavy whipping cream—is used in place of milk. Heavy cream serves two purposes in this recipe. It is also drizzled on top to give the scones a golden hue after baking.
How to Prepare Cheddar Bacon Scones
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Mix the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt in a big bowl. When the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, add the cold butter and work it into the flour with a pastry cutter or a fork.
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Add all the chives and one cup of the grated cheese and fold to combine. Using a wooden spoon or spatula, whisk in 2/3 cup of heavy cream until the ingredients just comes together to form a dough (it will be crumbly and dry).
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Transfer the dough onto a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Shape the dough into an 8-inch-wide, 1-inch-thick disk with your hands. Cut the dough into eight wedges with a floured knife.
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Scatter the remaining grated cheese over the scones after brushing them with heavy cream on the sides and tops. Put the scones in the fridge to cool for 15 to 30 minutes. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit in the interim.
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Place the scones in the oven that has been prepared and bake them for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool on a wire rack for ten minutes.
What's the secret to creating delicious scones?
It's possible that the butter melted into the dough too quickly, which is why your scones don't have that distinctive flaky feel. Tiny pockets are formed in the scones' structure when the butter is sliced into the flour to produce a coarse crumb texture. To prevent the butter from melting when baking scones, it's crucial to keep the dough as cool as possible. The most effective method for doing this is to:
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Remain cool by storing the cream and butter in the refrigerator until you're ready to use them.
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No hands: To mix the butter into the flour, use a pastry cutter or fork rather than your hands. The butter will warm up too soon due to the heat from your skin!
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Work quickly: Before beginning to create the scones, ensure sure you have measured and prepped the materials. The prepared dough and butter should not be left out on the counter for an extended period of time.
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Chill out: While the oven is preheating, the formed scones benefit from a chill in the refrigerator.
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How to Bake the Best Scones
Here are some additional tips to make your scones appear like they came from a bakery, in addition to the suggestion we shared in the part above on how to make beautiful scones.
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Cold Ingredients: Using cold ingredients, particularly the butter, is one of the most important parts of creating scones. During baking, steam produced by cold butter gives the scones their flaky texture and aids in their rising. You can even refrigerate your mixing bowl and utensils if your kitchen is warm.
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Avoid Overmixing: Tough scones may arise from overmixing the dough. Just combine the ingredients by mixing them. If the dough appears a little rough or shaggy, that's acceptable.
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Use Fresh Baking Powder: An essential leavening ingredient for scones is baking powder. For the best rise, make sure your baking powder is fresh—no more than six months old.
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Evenly Distribute Ingredients: Make sure that the dough is evenly covered with mix-ins, such as cheese and bacon. This guarantees that there is a sufficient quantity of the tasty components in every scone.
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The right way to cut scones is to cut them straight down with a sharp knife. Sawing back and forth might seal the edges and make it difficult for the scones to rise correctly.
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On the Baking Sheet: Arrange the scones on the baking sheet so that there is adequate room between them. This promotes even baking by allowing heat to flow.
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Avoid Overbaking: Pay attention to your scones as they are about to bake. They should feel a little firm to the touch and are golden brown. Scones that are overbaked may become dry.
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Freeze Before Baking: Try chilling the scones for 15 to 20 minutes before baking to give them an additional flaky texture. Flakier layers are produced as a result of further chilling the butter.
Conclusion Regarding This Recipe for Savory Scone
A deliciously salty and savory take on a traditional treat are Bacon Cheddar Scones. They are an irresistible addition to any meal because of their flavor profile and ideal texture balance. These scones are a hit whether you eat them for breakfast, brunch, or as a savory snack. You'll be making scones like a pro in no time if you follow these tips and tricks. So get ready to savor the deliciousness of handmade Cheddar Bacon Scones, preheat your oven, and roll up your sleeves!