Herbs To Elevate Your Cheese Scone Experience

There are many herbs that go well with cheese scones. Chives, thyme, rosemary, dill, oregano, and marjoram are all popular choices. Some recipes also include parsley, sage, and basil. You can use fresh or dried herbs, but the ratio for dried herbs is 3:1 (3x as much fresh herb as dried).

Chives, thyme, rosemary, dill, and oregano are herbs that go well with cheese scones

Chives and thyme are a great combination for cheese scones, adding a subtle freshness and vibrance to the dough. Chives, in particular, are known for their delicate onion flavour, which can enhance the savoury profile of the scones. Thyme, on the other hand, brings an earthy and slightly citrusy note to the mix.

Rosemary is another herb that pairs well with cheese scones. Its strong, woody aroma and pungent pine flavour can add a unique twist to the traditional cheese scone. Dill is also a suitable herb, offering a subtle sweetness and a hint of tanginess that can complement the cheese.

Lastly, oregano can be a wonderful addition to cheese scones. It has a bold, earthy flavour with a hint of bitterness, creating a complex and satisfying taste experience when paired with cheese.

When using these herbs, it's important to chop them finely, especially the woodier varieties like rosemary. You can also experiment with mixing and matching these herbs to find your perfect flavour combination.

So, the next time you're whipping up a batch of cheese scones, don't be afraid to get creative with your herb choices and explore the delightful flavours that chives, thyme, rosemary, dill, and oregano have to offer.

Cheddar, Gruyere, mozzarella, Swiss cheese, Monterey Jack, and feta are cheese options

Herbs and cheese are a match made in heaven. The right herbs can enhance the flavour of your cheese scones, and there are plenty of fun combinations to try out. Here are some herb pairings for the cheeses you listed:

Cheddar

One of the most common and delicious cheeses in American cuisine, cheddar is beautifully partnered with sage. This earthy herb is brilliant against the nuttiness of cheddar cheese, especially sharp cheddar, without losing its uniqueness against the strong flavour of the cheese. Other herbs that work well with cheddar include chives and thyme.

Gruyere

Gruyere is a versatile cheese that can be paired with a variety of herbs. Fresh herbs like chives, thyme, and rosemary work well, as does lemon zest. You can also experiment with spices like whole grain mustard and black pepper.

Mozzarella

When it comes to herbs, basil and mozzarella are one of the most iconic pairings. If you're not a fan of basil, rosemary can also work well.

Swiss Cheese

The sweet nature of Swiss cheese works best with dill or chives because of its sweet and flavourful essence.

Monterey Jack

Monterey Jack is paired nicely with the fresh notes of dill or oregano, which complement the stronger notes of this cheese.

Feta

Feta is strong and briny, and basil is woody and fresh, so the two pair very well together. Oregano also works well with feta, as its fresh, woody flavour complements the cheese's briny afternotes.

Scones are best served hot out of the oven

When it comes to herbs, the options are endless. Chives, thyme, rosemary, dill, oregano, and marjoram are all excellent choices. You can use fresh or dried herbs, but remember that the ratio for dried herbs is 3:1, so you'll need three times as much fresh herb as dried. For example, if a recipe calls for two tablespoons of fresh herbs, you would use two teaspoons of dried herbs.

As for the cheese, a strong, sharp cheddar will give your scones the best flavour. However, you can also experiment with other varieties such as Gruyere, mozzarella, Swiss cheese, Monterey Jack, or feta.

Now, let's talk about the baking process. The key to achieving the perfect texture in your cheese and herb scones is to handle the dough as little as possible. You want to avoid melting the butter, which is essential for creating a light and airy texture. Once you've formed the dough, cut it into desired shapes using a cookie or pastry cutter, and place them on a baking tray. Brush the tops with melted butter, and then bake them until they're golden brown.

For an extra touch of indulgence, you can brush the tops of the scones with additional butter after they've finished baking and place them under the grill for a minute to lightly brown them. Just be careful not to leave them under the grill for too long, or they may dry out.

So, there you have it! Cheese and herb scones are a delicious treat, best enjoyed fresh out of the oven. With their savoury flavour and warm, fluffy texture, they are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Scones are a quick and easy snack

One of the most popular savoury scone flavours is cheese and herb. This flavour combination is a twist on the classic scone, adding a punch of flavour to the traditional recipe. The cheese and herb scone recipe is also a great way to use up any leftover cheese or herbs you may have in your fridge.

The basic ingredients for cheese and herb scones are flour, baking powder, butter, milk, and of course, cheese and herbs. The type of cheese and herbs you use can vary depending on your preference. Some popular cheese options include sharp cheddar, Gruyere, mozzarella, Swiss cheese, Monterey Jack, or feta. As for herbs, you can use fresh or dried herbs such as chives, oregano, thyme, dill, rosemary, or parsley.

The process of making cheese and herb scones is quite simple. First, you mix the dry ingredients, then cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Next, you add the cheese, herbs, and wet ingredients, and mix until a dough forms. Then, you shape the dough into a circle, cut it into wedges, and bake in the oven until golden brown. The entire process, including baking, usually takes less than 30 minutes, making it a quick and easy snack to whip up whenever you're craving something delicious.

Cheese and herb scones are best served warm, straight out of the oven. They are perfect as a snack on their own or can be served with butter, jam, or even a brothy soup. So, the next time you're looking for a quick and tasty snack, why not try making some cheese and herb scones? They're sure to be a hit!

The dough should be handled as little as possible

Handling the dough as little as possible is a key step in making scones. This is because the more you handle the dough, the more chance there is for the butter to melt. Melting butter will not give you the desired texture. The butter should be cold and cut into small pieces. You can also grate the butter and then place it in the freezer. This makes it very easy to blend into the flour without overworking the dough or melting the butter.

If you are making cheese scones, the same principle applies. The dough should be handled as little as possible to prevent the butter from melting. This will ensure that the scones have a light texture.

In addition to handling the dough as little as possible, there are other steps you can take to ensure your scones have a light and flaky texture. Firstly, it is important to create pockets of fat in the dough by rubbing in the butter (or other type of solid fat) into the flour. This can be done by hand or with a food processor or stand mixer.

Another important factor is to avoid creating a gluten network. This is achieved by not over-kneading the dough and by using a solid fat such as butter, margarine, lard, or shortening instead of a liquid oil. Liquid oil will spread out too much and will not be able to make large pockets of fat.

By following these tips, you can ensure that your cheese scones have a light and flaky texture.

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