These Apple Cheddar Bacon Scones are a tasty mix of sweet and savory. With chunks of fresh apples and crispy bacon, they make a wonderful breakfast or snack!
Honestly, who can resist that combo? It’s like a party for your taste buds! I love having them warm with a little butter—they’re so good you’ll be back for seconds (or thirds). 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base for your scones. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can use whole wheat flour, although it may change the texture slightly. I find that using a mixof white and whole wheat gives a nice balance!
Baking Powder: This helps your scones rise and become fluffy. If you’re out of baking powder, you can substitute by using one teaspoon of baking soda along with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice for similar results.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: The sharp flavor complements the sweetness of the apple beautifully. If you’re a fan of milder cheese, you can use mild cheddar or even pepper jack for a little kick!
Bacon: Cooked bacon adds a salty crunch. For a healthier option, turkey bacon works well, or you can use cooked sausage or even omit it for a vegetarian version.
Apple: I recommend using a tart apple like Granny Smith for a nice contrast to the cheese. If you’re looking for a sweeter option, Fuji or Honeycrisp are also great choices!
What’s the Best Way to Cut in Butter for Scones?
Cutting in butter is a crucial step because it creates flaky layers in your scones. Here’s how to do it effectively:
- Make sure your butter is cold, straight from the fridge. This helps it stay solid and prevents it from melting into the flour.
- Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to break the butter into pea-sized pieces. The goal is to have small chunks of butter suspended in the flour.
- Avoid overworking the mixture; it should look crumbly and slightly uneven. This way, you’ll end up with tender, flaky scones.
Trust me, nailing this step makes a huge difference! You’ll thank yourself when you bite into a perfectly flaky scone.
How to Make Delicious Apple Cheddar Bacon Scones
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 6 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 3/4 cup cooked bacon, chopped (about 6 slices)
- 1 small apple, peeled, cored, and finely diced
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (plus extra for brushing)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and an additional 20 minutes to bake. In total, you can enjoy these savory scones in about 35-40 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the scones from sticking. This step makes cleanup a breeze!
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. This will ensure that everything is well combined before we add the wet ingredients.
3. Cut in the Butter:
Add the cold butter cubes to the flour mixture. Using a pastry blender or your fingers, cut the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs. This is what will make your scones flaky and yummy!
4. Add Cheese, Bacon, and Apple:
Gently stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, cooked bacon pieces, and diced apple. Make sure they are evenly distributed throughout the flour mixture for tasty bites in every scone!
5. Combine Wet Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, and vanilla extract (if using). This mixture will be added to our dry ingredients.
6. Mix Together:
Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Gently mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a slightly sticky dough is perfect!
7. Shape the Dough:
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Pat it gently into a 1-inch thick circle. This will help keep the scones nice and thick when they bake.
8. Cut the Scones:
Using a sharp knife or a bench scraper, cut the dough into 8 wedges. Use a spatula to transfer the wedges to the prepared baking sheet, giving them a little space to puff up!
9. Brush and Bake:
Brush the tops of each scone lightly with extra heavy cream. This will help them develop a beautiful golden color as they bake.
10. Bake to Perfection:
Bake the scones in your preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, or until they are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
11. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly on a wire rack. Enjoy these tasty scones warm; they’re perfect for breakfast or as a delightful snack!
Happy baking! Don’t forget to share them with friends or family—you’ll be the star of breakfast!
Can I Use Different Cheese for the Scones?
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar is delicious, you can substitute it with any cheese you prefer or have on hand, such as gouda, mozzarella, or even pepper jack for a little spice. Just ensure it’s a cheese that melts nicely to keep the scone’s texture perfect.
Can I Freeze these Scones?
Yes, you can! You can freeze the unbaked scones for up to 3 months. Just place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring them to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, you can bake them straight from frozen; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
How to Store Leftover Scones?
Store any leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want them to last longer, you can refrigerate them; just reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving to enjoy them warm again.
Can I Add Other Ingredients?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in extras like chopped nuts, dried fruits, or different spices. Just keep an eye on the moisture content if adding juicy ingredients to maintain the texture of the scones.
