These sharp cheddar and chive sourdough scones are a dreamy mix of cheesy goodness and herby flavor. They’re flaky, tasty, and perfect for breakfast or a snack!
Who can resist the aroma of baking cheese? I love enjoying these warm with a pat of butter. They never last long at my house, and you might find the kids sneaking extras! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: A staple for scones, but you could mix in whole wheat flour for a different texture. If you’re gluten-free, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: This brings the iconic flavor to the scones. For a twist, use Monterey Jack for a milder taste or even feta for a crumbly texture.
Chives: They add a fresh, mild onion flavor. If chives are hard to find, green onions or parsley can work as nice substitutes.
Sourdough Starter: Sourdough is key for depth in flavor. If you don’t have any, replacement is tricky; consider using yogurt or additional buttermilk with a bit of baking soda for similar tang.
Buttermilk: This gives moisture and flavor. If you’re out, mix milk with a splash of vinegar or lemon juice to mimic buttermilk.
How Do I Ensure My Scones Are Flaky?
The secret to flaky scones is working with cold ingredients. The butter should be ice-cold when added to the flour. This way, when baked, the butter melts, creating steam that puffs up the dough.
- Start by chilling your bowl and tools if you can. This helps keep everything cold.
- Add the butter and quickly work it in until you see pea-sized clumps. Don’t over mix, or you’ll lose that flakiness.
- Handle the dough gently. Only mix until everything comes together; it’s ok if there are a few lumps!
Using these tips will help you achieve those perfect, flaky scones everyone loves!
Sharp Cheddar And Chive Sourdough Scones
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 6 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup sourdough starter (active or discard)
- 1/2 cup buttermilk (plus extra for brushing)
- 1 large egg
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep, plus an additional 20-25 minutes for baking. You’ll enjoy delicious, cheesy scones in roughly 40-45 minutes from start to finish—perfect for breakfast or snacks!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Once it’s ready, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and black pepper. This helps to distribute the leavening agents evenly throughout the flour.
3. Cut in the Butter:
Add the cold butter cubes to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, work the butter into the flour until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces of butter still visible. This is important for that flaky texture!
4. Add Cheese and Chives:
Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese and finely chopped chives. Make sure they are mixed evenly throughout the flour mixture.
5. Combine Wet Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the sourdough starter, buttermilk, and egg until everything is well combined.
6. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Gently fold everything together with a spatula or spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; the dough should be a bit sticky.
7. Shape the Dough:
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently pat it into a round disk about 1 inch thick.
8. Cut the Scones:
Use a sharp knife or a bench scraper to cut the disk into 8 triangular wedges. This will give you perfect scone shapes!
9. Prepare for Baking:
Carefully transfer the wedges to the lined baking sheet. Brush the tops lightly with buttermilk for a nice golden crust.
10. Bake!:
Bake in the preheated oven for about 18-22 minutes, or until the scones are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The aroma will be irresistible!
11. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the scones from the oven and let them cool slightly on the baking sheet. After a few minutes, transfer them to a wire rack to cool down completely.
12. Enjoy:
Serve your scones warm or at room temperature. They are delightful on their own, with butter, or your favorite spread!
These scones will be flaky with a crisp golden crust, rich with sharp cheddar and fragrant with fresh chives, perfectly showcasing the tangy depth from the sourdough starter. Enjoy!
Can I Use a Different Type of Cheese?
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar is the star here, you can substitute it with other cheeses like Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or even feta for a different flavor profile. Just make sure the cheese is semi-firm so it melts nicely!
What If I Don’t Have Sourdough Starter?
No worries! You can replace the sourdough starter with 1/2 cup of plain yogurt or an additional 1/2 cup of buttermilk. If using buttermilk, consider adding a splash of vinegar or lemon juice to mimic the tangy flavor of sourdough.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, wrap them tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Just reheat in the oven or microwave when you’re ready to enjoy!
Can I Add Other Herbs or Spices?
Yes! Feel free to experiment with other herbs like dill, rosemary, or thyme to customize the flavor. Just keep in mind to adjust the quantity to avoid overpowering the scone. 1-2 tablespoons of fresh herbs should work nicely!
