Kamil Perry
Bacon and cheese scones are a savoury twist on the classic scone. They are made using a combination of flour, butter, milk, egg, cheese, and bacon. The bacon is typically fried until crispy and chopped into small pieces, while the cheese is grated. These ingredients are then combined and baked in the oven. The resulting scones have a rich, buttery flavour and a tender crumb, with pops of melty cheese and crispy bits. They are perfect for breakfast or as a snack and can be served warm with butter or split in half and smothered in butter.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Oven temperature | 200C/400F/180FAN/Gas6 |
| Cheese | Cheddar, gouda, mozzarella, feta, pepper jack, Swiss, havarti, white cheddar, sharp (yellow) cheddar |
| Bacon | Streaky, smoked bacon, thick-cut bacon, thin-cut bacon, back bacon, cooked bacon |
| Other ingredients | Butter, milk, egg, chives, scallions, flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, pepper, spices, green onions, onion powder, garlic powder, ham, sausage, black pepper |
| Bake time | 15-30 minutes |
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What You'll Learn
How to cook the bacon
To make bacon and cheese scones, you'll need to cook the bacon first. Here's a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to cook bacon to perfection:
How to Cook Bacon:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to the desired temperature. Most recipes recommend heating it to around 400°F (200°C or Gas Mark 6). This temperature works well for both regular and thick-cut bacon.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Sheet
Line a large baking sheet or rimmed baking pan with parchment paper or heavy-duty foil. This makes cleanup easier and prevents the bacon from sticking to the pan.
Step 3: Arrange the Bacon
Place the bacon slices on the prepared baking sheet. Ensure they are in a single layer and not overlapping, as this promotes even cooking. If you are cooking a large batch, you may need to use two baking sheets.
Step 4: Bake the Bacon
Place the baking sheet with the bacon into the preheated oven. Bake the bacon for 10 to 20 minutes, depending on your desired level of crispiness. Thicker slices may need more time, while thinner slices will cook faster.
Step 5: Flip and Continue Baking (Optional)
If you prefer your bacon extra crispy, you can flip the slices with kitchen tongs after the initial baking period. Then, return the bacon to the oven and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes.
Step 6: Drain and Serve
Once the bacon has reached your desired level of crispiness, remove it from the oven. Transfer the bacon slices to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess grease. Serve the bacon as desired, or if making bacon and cheese scones, chop the bacon into small pieces before adding it to the scone mixture.
Cooking bacon in the oven is a convenient and mess-free way to prepare this delicious ingredient for your scones. It allows you to multitask in the kitchen and creates evenly cooked, crispy bacon every time. Enjoy experimenting with this method and indulging in your homemade bacon and cheese scones!
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How to cook the scones
First, preheat your oven to 200C/400F/180C fan/Gas 6 and grease a 12-hole muffin tin or line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Then, cook the bacon in a frying pan over medium heat until golden and cooked through. Transfer the bacon to kitchen paper to drain any excess grease, then chop it into small pieces.
Next, combine the flour, butter, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl, using your fingers or a box grater to mix until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs. You can also add spices, garlic powder, onion powder, and sugar to the dry mixture. Make a well in the centre of the bowl and pour in the milk, oil, and egg. Mix until the flour is mostly moistened (lumps will remain).
Stir in the bacon, chives, and grated cheese, then shape the dough into a circle, about 2.5 cm high. Cut the dough into squares or wedges, then glaze the scones with a mixture of egg and water, brushing it on with a pastry brush.
Finally, bake the scones for 15-20 minutes or until well-risen and golden brown. Allow to cool for a few minutes on the tray, then transfer to a cooling rack. These scones are best served warm from the oven, split in half, and spread with butter.
You can also freeze the scones before or after baking and reheat them in the oven or for 10 seconds in the microwave.
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What type of cheese to use
When making bacon and cheese scones, the type of cheese you use is important. The cheese is one of the star ingredients, so it's worth choosing a variety that will complement the bacon and add flavour to the scones.
A popular choice for bacon and cheese scones is cheddar. Cheddar has a strong flavour that can stand up to the saltiness of the bacon. It also melts well, which gives the scones a creamy texture. You can use either sharp or mild cheddar, depending on your preference. Sharp cheddar will give the scones a bolder flavour, while mild cheddar will make them creamier. Smoked cheddar can also add a nice smoky flavour to the scones.
Monterey Jack is another good option for bacon and cheese scones. It has a mild flavour that won't overpower the bacon, and it melts well, giving the scones a nice, creamy texture. Combining Monterey Jack with cheddar is a great way to get the best of both cheeses.
If you want to experiment with other types of cheese, you could try something like Gruyère, which has a strong flavour and melts well, or even a blue cheese, which would give the scones a tangy flavour.
Ultimately, the type of cheese you use in your bacon and cheese scones is up to your personal preference. Choose a cheese that you enjoy and that pairs well with the type of bacon you're using.
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What to serve with the scones
Bacon and cheese scones are a delicious treat, and there are many options for what to serve with them. Here are some ideas:
Breakfast or Brunch
Bacon and cheese scones are a great addition to a hearty breakfast or brunch. They can be served alongside eggs, crispy bacon, and a fruit salad. You can also pair them with other breakfast favourites like quiche or whipped cream and berries for a sweeter option.
Tea Time
Scones are a quintessential part of afternoon tea. They can be served warm with butter, or for a colder scone, try cream cheese. A cup of tea, coffee, or orange juice is the perfect beverage to accompany them.
Lunch
For a light lunch, bacon and cheese scones can be served with a salad, as suggested by a recipe from Scotland. They can also form the base for a decadent treat like Sloppy Joes.
Picnic
Bacon and cheese scones travel well, making them ideal for a picnic. Pack them along with some other snacks and enjoy them outdoors!
Cocktail Hour
For a savoury option during cocktail hour, bacon and cheese scones can be a tasty treat to accompany your favourite cocktail, like a Bloody Mary.
With their buttery, flaky texture and savoury flavours, bacon and cheese scones are a versatile option that can be served in a variety of ways to suit your preferences!
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How to store the scones
Bacon and cheese scones are best served warm, straight out of the oven. However, if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days.
If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. Place them in a single layer on a plate or baking sheet lined with parchment paper and cover them with plastic wrap or foil. Alternatively, you can freeze them for up to three months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil, or place them in a freezer bag.
To reheat, you can either warm them in the oven or pop them in the microwave for about 10 seconds. If they're frozen, thaw them first and then reheat them in the oven or microwave.
For an extra treat, try spreading butter or cream cheese on your scones while they're still warm.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need flour, butter, milk, oil, egg, streaky bacon, and mature cheddar cheese. You can also add chives, scallions, or garlic powder for extra flavour.
You will need a frying pan, a mixing bowl, a baking tray, and a pastry brush. You may also want a food processor and a dinner knife.
First, fry the bacon until cooked through, then drain and chop into small pieces. Next, combine the flour, butter, milk, oil, and egg in a bowl. Stir in the bacon, then spoon the batter into a muffin tin or onto a baking tray. Finally, bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes at 200C/400F/180FAN/Gas6 until golden brown.
