These Apple Cheddar Bacon Scones are a tasty mix of sweet and salty! With bits of crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, and juicy apple chunks, they’re perfect for breakfast or a snack.
Who can resist bacon and cheese in a warm scone? They’re great with morning coffee or even as a fun treat later in the day. I love whipped butter on mine—yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base for the scones. If you want a healthier option, you can use whole wheat flour or a gluten-free flour blend. Just note it may change the texture a bit.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: For that bold taste, sharp cheddar is ideal. If you’re looking for a milder flavor, regular cheddar or Monterey Jack works well. I love adding a little extra cheese for an even cheesier scone!
Bacon: Crispy bacon adds a nice saltiness. Turkey bacon or pancetta can be good alternatives if you prefer less fat or a different flavor.
Apple: I recommend using a tart apple like Granny Smith for a good balance against the savory flavors. If those aren’t available, any firm apple will do—just avoid overly sweet varieties.
Buttermilk: This helps give the scones a nice rise and tender texture. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can mix regular milk with a splash of lemon juice or vinegar to simulate the acidity.
How Do You Achieve Fluffy, Flaky Scones?
Getting the right texture for your scones is essential! Here’s how to do it:
- Use cold butter: Keep your butter in the fridge until you’re ready to use it. The cold butter creates steam when baking, helping the scones rise.
- Don’t overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until barely combined. Overmixing can lead to tough scones.
- Pat and cut: Gently pat the dough into shape instead of rolling it out. This helps keep the layers intact.
- Chill if needed: If you find the dough is very soft, chill it for a bit before cutting into wedges. This can help maintain their shape while baking.
Following these tips will lead you to a perfectly textured scone every time!
Apple Cheddar Bacon Scones
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 6 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 medium apple, peeled, cored, and finely diced
- 6 strips bacon, cooked until crisp and chopped
- 3/4 cup buttermilk (plus extra for brushing)
- 1 large egg
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe will take about 15 minutes to prep and 20 minutes to bake, for a total of approximately 35 minutes. These scones are quick to make, so you’ll be enjoying them in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This will prevent the scones from sticking!
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and black pepper. This helps to evenly distribute all those dry ingredients, making sure every bite is delicious!
3. Cut in the Butter:
Add the cold, small pieces of butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to mix until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs with some pea-sized bits of butter still visible. This will give the scones a nice flaky texture.
4. Add the Cheddar, Apple, and Bacon:
Now it’s time to stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, diced apple, and chopped bacon. Mix these gently to ensure an even distribution throughout the dough.
5. Combine Wet Ingredients:
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and egg until mixed well. This will add moisture and richness to the scone dough.
6. Mix the Dough:
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Use a spatula to fold everything together gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—the dough should still be slightly sticky, but everything should be incorporated.
7. Shape the Dough:
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Pat it into a circle that’s about 8 inches in diameter and about 1 inch thick. Don’t worry about it looking perfect; rustic is beautiful!
8. Cut the Wedges:
Using a sharp knife or a bench scraper, cut the dough into 6 equal wedges. This will make it easy to separate them for baking!
9. Place Them on the Baking Sheet:
Arrange the wedges on the prepared baking sheet, making sure to leave a little space between each one. This allows them to expand as they bake.
10. Brush with Buttermilk:
To give the tops a lovely golden color, brush them gently with some additional buttermilk. This adds a nice glossy finish!
11. Bake:
Put the baking sheet in the oven and bake for about 18-22 minutes, or until the scones are golden brown. You can check them by inserting a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean, they are done!
12. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the scones from the oven and let them cool slightly on a wire rack. Serve warm and enjoy these flavorful treats with butter or your favorite spread!
These savory-sweet scones are perfect for any occasion, bringing together the crispiness of bacon, the tang of cheddar, and the delightful sweetness of apples. Enjoy your baking!
Can I Use Different Cheese for the Scones?
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar gives a great flavor, you can use any cheese you prefer—Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a kick work wonderfully too!
What Type of Apple Should I Use?
Tart apples like Granny Smith are ideal as they balance the savory flavors well. However, if they’re not available, any firm apple will work. Just avoid super sweet varieties.
Can I Make These Scones Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough and then refrigerate it wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 2 days before baking. Just remember to let the dough come to room temperature before shaping and baking.
How Should I Store Leftover Scones?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to a month. Just reheat in the oven to crisp them up again!
