These Apple Cheddar Bacon Scones are the perfect mix of sweet and salty! With chunks of juicy apples, sharp cheddar, and crispy bacon, every bite is a tasty surprise.
Honestly, who wouldn’t love bacon in a scone? I like to enjoy them warm with a little butter. Give these a try at breakfast or snack time; they’ll definitely steal the show!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-purpose flour: This is the base for the scones, giving them structure. For a lighter option, you can try using a mix of all-purpose flour and whole wheat flour.
Butter: Cold unsalted butter is key for flaky scones. You could use coconut oil or vegan butter for a dairy-free version, but keep it cold for the best texture.
Sharp cheddar: This adds a rich, tangy flavor. If you want something milder, go for regular cheddar. For a fun twist, use pepper jack for a spicy kick!
Apple: I prefer using a tart apple like Granny Smith for a balanced flavor. If you have a sweet apple on hand, that works too! Just remember to adjust the sugar slightly if needed.
Bacon: Crispy bacon brings a lovely saltiness. If you’re vegetarian, use a plant-based bacon substitute or skip it entirely—just increase the cheese for more flavor.
How Do You Get Flaky Scones Every Time?
To make sure your scones turn out flaky, you’ll want to pay careful attention to the butter mixing technique. The colder the butter, the better. Here’s how to do it right:
- Use cold butter straight from the fridge. Cut it into small cubes before adding it to your flour mix.
- Mix gently until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs with some larger butter pieces. This helps create those lovely flaky layers.
- Don’t over-mix after adding the buttermilk; just stir until the dough holds together.
- Chilling your formed dough for about 15 minutes before baking can help achieve an even flakier texture.
Following these tips ensures you get the best texture for your scones every time!
How to Make Apple Cheddar Bacon Scones
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Scones:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
- 3/4 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 small apple, peeled, cored and diced (about 1/2 cup)
- 6 slices bacon, cooked until crisp and chopped (about 1/2 cup)
- 2/3 cup buttermilk (plus extra for brushing)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and 20 minutes to bake. Plan for a total of about 35 minutes from start to finish! You’ll have delicious scones ready to enjoy in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While that heats up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper so nothing sticks to it.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, and black pepper. This will be the base of your scones.
3. Cut in the Butter:
Add the cold butter cubes to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, mix until the texture resembles coarse crumbs, with some chunks of butter still visible. This is what makes them flaky!
4. Add Cheese, Apples, and Bacon:
Gently stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, diced apples, and chopped bacon until everything is evenly mixed in.
5. Combine with Buttermilk:
Pour the buttermilk into the mixture. Using a fork or wooden spoon, mix gently just until it comes together—don’t over-mix! The dough should be a little shaggy, but not sticky.
6. Shape the Dough:
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Pat it into an 8-inch circle, about 1-inch thick. It doesn’t have to be perfect!
7. Cut into Wedges:
Use a sharp knife to cut the dough into 8 wedges. You can also use a biscuit cutter if you prefer round scones.
8. Bake the Scones:
Carefully transfer the wedges to your prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between them. Brush the tops with a bit of extra buttermilk to help them brown nicely in the oven.
9. Cool and Serve:
Bake the scones for 18-22 minutes, or until they’re golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. When done, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly on a wire rack.
10. Enjoy!
These scones are best warm, especially with a little butter spread on top. They pair wonderfully with your favorite hot beverage! Enjoy every bite of your delicious Apple Cheddar Bacon Scones!
Can I Use Different Cheese in This Recipe?
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar works great, you can experiment with other cheeses like gouda, Monterey jack, or even feta for a unique flavor. Just keep in mind that the taste of the cheese will influence the final flavor of the scone.
How Do I Make These Scones Vegan?
You can easily make these scones vegan by substituting the butter with a plant-based alternative and using a dairy-free milk (like almond or oat milk) mixed with a little lemon juice to create a buttermilk substitute.
Can I Freeze Unbaked Scones?
Yes! You can freeze the cut, unbaked scones. Just place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag once solid. When ready to bake, you can bake them straight from frozen—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time!
How Should I Store Leftover Scones?
Store any leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the fridge for up to a week. To refresh them, simply warm them in the oven for a few minutes before serving!
