Flaky Ham and Cheese Scones

Name: Flaky Ham and Cheese Scones
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon sugar; 1 tablespoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon kosher salt; ½ cup unsalted butter, cut into cubes; ¾ cup buttermilk; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; ⅓ cup diced ham; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

The first time I made savory scones, I was intimidated. I’d always thought of scones as sweet, crumbly pastries for tea time. But one chilly Saturday morning, staring at leftover ham from the night before, I decided to try something new—and the result was magical. These ham and cheese scones came out of the oven golden, warm, and packed with flavor, and I couldn’t believe how simple the process was.

This recipe is perfect for beginners. It requires just one bowl, simple pantry staples, and no special baking experience. You’ll learn foundational baking techniques like working with cold butter and forming dough—plus, the results are incredibly rewarding. These scones are great for breakfast, brunch, or a snack, and they freeze beautifully, making them ideal for quick and healthy meals all week long.

Why This Recipe is Special

It transforms basic ingredients into something hearty and impressive.

The scones are savory, flaky, and filled with cheesy goodness.
It’s flexible—perfect for using up leftover ham, cheese, or herbs.
The steps are beginner-friendly and forgiving.

The result is a comforting, bakery-style snack or meal prep item.

Ingredients and Preparation

Flour
Forms the base of the scone and gives it structure. All-purpose flour works best, but gluten-free blends can be substituted.

Sugar
A touch of sweetness to balance the savory flavors.

Baking Powder
Acts as the leavening agent, giving the scones their lift and soft crumb.

Garlic Powder
Adds depth and enhances the savory profile without overpowering.

Butter
Cold, cubed butter is key for flaky layers and a tender texture. As it melts in the oven, it creates steam that lifts the dough.

Buttermilk
Adds tang and moisture, resulting in a soft and rich scone. You can make a substitute by adding lemon juice or vinegar to milk.

Cheese
Cheddar brings sharpness and body. Feel free to experiment with Monterey Jack, Swiss, Gouda, or Pepper Jack for different flavor profiles.

Ham
Provides a salty, meaty bite. Leftover holiday ham, deli slices, pancetta, or even crispy bacon bits are great options.

Chives
Add freshness and a mild onion note. Green onions, parsley, rosemary, or thyme can also be used.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 Preheat your oven to 425°F. Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This prevents sticking and ensures even browning.

Step 2 In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt. This ensures even distribution of the dry ingredients and a uniform dough.

Step 3 Add cold, cubed butter to the bowl. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to work the butter into the dry mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Don’t overmix—the small bits of butter are what make the scones flaky.

Step 4 Stir in the buttermilk, shredded cheese, diced ham, and chopped chives. Mix until a rough dough forms. It should be soft but not sticky.

Step 5 Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Gently knead it 3–4 times until it just comes together. Flatten into an 8-inch circle about 1 inch thick.

Step 6 Using a knife or bench scraper, cut the dough into 8 wedges. Place them spaced apart on your prepared baking sheet.

Step 7 Bake in the preheated oven for 18–20 minutes, or until the scones are firm to the touch and golden brown. Cool slightly before serving warm.

Beginner Tips and Notes

Keep the butter cold. Cold butter creates steam during baking, leading to those desirable flaky layers.

Don’t overmix. Overworking the dough makes the scones tough. Mix just until combined.
No buttermilk? Use 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar, let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
Add-ins are flexible. Don’t have chives? Try green onions or thyme. No ham? Use cooked bacon or sausage.

Use a grater. For even better butter distribution, freeze your butter and grate it into the flour mixture.
Store smart. Refrigerate in an airtight container for 2–3 days or freeze them for longer storage.

Serving Suggestions

For breakfast: Serve with a pat of butter and a poached egg.

With soup: Pair with broccoli cheddar soup, chicken stew, or clam chowder for a comforting meal.
As a snack: Enjoy with cream cheese or a bit of hot honey for a twist.
Storage: Keep leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F, covered in foil, for 5–10 minutes.

Freezing: Freeze unbaked scones for up to 2 months. Bake straight from the freezer after thawing overnight in the fridge.

Conclusion

These easy ham and cheese scones are a fantastic first recipe for anyone diving into baking. They’re simple, customizable, and pack big flavor into every bite. Whether you’re planning brunch, meal prepping, or using up leftovers, this is a go-to recipe you’ll turn to again and again. If you give it a try, let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear how you made it your own!

FAQ About Ham and Cheese Scones

Can I freeze these scones before baking?

Yes, absolutely. After cutting the dough into wedges, freeze them on a baking sheet for one hour, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake directly from frozen or thaw overnight in the fridge before baking for the freshest texture.

What can I use if I don’t have buttermilk?

You can make a homemade substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until it curdles slightly, then use it as you would regular buttermilk.

Can I make these scones vegetarian?

Yes! Just omit the ham and consider replacing it with sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, or sun-dried tomatoes for a vegetarian twist that still brings lots of flavor.

Why is cold butter important for scones?

Cold butter melts during baking, creating steam that helps the scones puff up and form flaky, tender layers. Warm butter mixes in too thoroughly and leads to a dense texture.

More Relevant Recipes