Bushra Griffith
There are many ways to elevate a cheese scone, from the type of cheese used to the toppings. The cheese scone is a versatile treat, and the right toppings can make it even better. A mature cheddar is a popular choice, but some recipes call for a mix of cheeses, such as cheddar and parmesan, to add a zing of flavour. To finish, a final sprinkling of cheese is often added to the top of the scone before baking, but other toppings include poppy seeds, sesame seeds, onion seeds, and fresh herbs such as chives.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese | Cheddar, Gruyere, Parmesan, Feta, Blue Cheese |
| Herbs | Chives, Scallions, Shallots, Sun-dried tomatoes |
| Spices | Cayenne Pepper, Black Pepper, Mustard Powder, Paprika |
| Other toppings | Butter, Jam, Honey, Seeds (poppy, sesame, onion), Garlic Powder, Bacon bits, Pesto |
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What You'll Learn
Chives, scallions, or herbs
Chives are a natural pairing with cheese and can add a mild, oniony flavour to your scones without being overpowering. You can use fresh chives chopped from your herb garden, or dried chives. If you don't have chives, scallions or green onions can be used instead.
To make your cheese and chive scones, whisk together your dry ingredients before mixing in some buttermilk and the other ingredients. You can also use milk or heavy cream instead of buttermilk. If you don't have buttermilk, you can make it by adding a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to a cup of milk and letting it stand at room temperature for 10 minutes. You can also add other ingredients like bacon, garlic, or black pepper for some extra flavour.
Once you've mixed your dry and wet ingredients, add your cheese and chives and gently combine. Divide your scone dough in two, roll each half into a circle, and cut into wedges. Brush the scones with an egg wash and let them rest for about 10 minutes before baking. Sprinkle each scone with grated cheese and bake until golden brown.
If you want to freeze your cheese and chive scones, you can do so before or after baking. To freeze before baking, cut the scone dough into wedges, place on a baking sheet, and freeze for an hour. Then, layer them into a bag or container. To bake from frozen, add a few minutes to the bake time or thaw overnight and bake as directed.
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Cayenne pepper or mustard powder
Cayenne pepper and mustard powder can be added to cheese scones to give them a spicy kick and enhance their flavour. Cayenne pepper can be added to the dough, or sprinkled on top of the scones. It can be used in combination with mustard powder to add a spicy back-note that complements the cheese flavour.
The amount of cayenne pepper and mustard powder used depends on personal preference. Some recipes suggest adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dry ingredients, while others recommend adding a bit more to taste. The same goes for mustard powder, which can be omitted for a milder flavour or used in larger quantities to taste.
When making cheese scones, it is important to use a well-flavoured cheese such as extra-mature cheddar, aged gruyère, quality parmesan, or a strong blue cheese. The type of cheese used will affect the overall flavour of the scones, so it is important to choose a cheese that pairs well with the cayenne pepper and mustard powder.
In addition to the cheese, cayenne pepper, and mustard powder, other ingredients that can be added to cheese scones include fresh or dried herbs, nuts, seeds, olives, or chilli. The dough can also be made with milk, butter, and flour, and it is important to ensure that the butter is cold when mixed into the flour to create a flakier texture.
Overall, cayenne pepper and mustard powder can be a great way to add some extra flavour and spice to cheese scones, and can be adjusted to personal preference.
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Cheddar, Gruyère, or Parmesan
When making cheese scones, mature, strong cheeses are the best. Cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan are all strong-flavoured cheeses that can be used to create delicious cheese scones.
For cheddar scones, a mature, strong cheddar is ideal. The cheese is folded into the dough, ensuring a savoury flavour in every bite. You can also add extra cheese on top of the scones for an even richer flavour. Some recipes suggest adding chives or green onions to the dough, or sprinkling the tops of the scones with poppy seeds or sesame seeds.
Gruyère is another excellent option for cheese scones. Its savoury flavour and beautiful melting texture make it a perfect choice for baking. Gruyère scones can be served as they are, or with additional toppings. Fresh chives are a popular pairing with this variety of scone.
Finally, Parmesan is a great choice for those who want an extra punch of flavour. Parmesan can be added to the dough, or sprinkled on top of the scones before baking. For an extra cheesy touch, try mixing Parmesan with cheddar on top of the scones.
Regardless of the cheese you choose, remember that the key to a good cheese scone is a wet dough and minimal handling. So, don't be afraid to get your hands messy!
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Butter or yoghurt
Butter is the fat of choice in most cheese scone recipes. However, the consistency of butter varies from recipe to recipe. For example, baker Justin Gellatly uses chilled butter, while the chefs at Penrhyn Castle prefer theirs softened, and Bertie, the chef at Scorch-O-Rama cafe in Scorching Bay, Wellington, New Zealand, melts the butter before use. Keeping the butter cool is generally recommended, as it melts more slowly, creating pockets in the dough as it rises and giving the finished scone a flakier texture.
On the other hand, some recipes suggest using yoghurt instead of butter. Plain, full-fat, or Greek yoghurt works best for tender, fluffy scones. It adds richness and moisture to the dough. To make yoghurt cheese scones, combine flour, baking powder, salt, shredded cheese, chives (optional), and black pepper (optional) in a large bowl. Then, add the yoghurt and mix until a soft, shaggy dough forms. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and gently form it into a soft dough. Avoid overworking the dough to keep the scones light and fluffy. Cut the dough into rectangles and then slice across to form individual scones. Place the scones on a lined baking sheet and brush them with yoghurt or milk. Sprinkle cheese on top of the scones before baking.
Both butter and yoghurt cheese scones can be served with a variety of toppings and sides. For instance, buttered cheese scones go well with a cup of tea, soup, or salad. They can also be served with condiments such as strawberry jam, chutney, or Marmite. Similarly, yoghurt cheese scones can be enjoyed warm with butter or as a side to soup or stew.
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Poppy seeds or sesame seeds
Poppy seeds and sesame seeds are commonly used in baking and can be purchased at most grocery stores. They can also be found at specialty food stores and online. Both types of seeds have a nutty flavour and a crunchy texture, making them a great addition to cheese scones.
When using poppy seeds, it is important to note that they have a tendency to get stuck in teeth, so it may be a good idea to offer toothpicks or dental floss to your guests. Additionally, poppy seeds can be expensive, so using them sparingly on top of the scones can help to keep costs down.
Sesame seeds, on the other hand, are generally more affordable and can be purchased in larger quantities. They also have a stronger flavour than poppy seeds, so a little can go a long way. Toasting the sesame seeds before sprinkling them on top of the scones can enhance their flavour and make them even crunchier.
Whether you choose poppy seeds, sesame seeds, or a combination of both, adding seeds to the tops of your cheese scones is a great way to enhance their flavour, texture, and appearance.
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Frequently asked questions
Here are some topping ideas for cheese scones:
- Grated cheese
- Poppy seeds
- Sesame seeds
- Cayenne pepper
- Parmesan
- Onion seeds
- Mustard powder
- Chives
- Garlic powder
- Black pepper
- Butter
Mature cheddar cheese is a popular choice for cheese scones. However, you can also use a mix of different types of cheese, such as feta, parmesan, gruyère, or blue cheese.
Cheese scones are best served warm with butter or your favourite savoury toppings. They also go well with soup or chutney.
Leftover cheese scones can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days or frozen for up to three months. To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave or oven until warm.
