These apple cheddar bacon scones are the perfect mix of sweet and savory! With bits of crispy bacon and sharp cheddar cheese blended with fresh apple chunks, every bite is a tasty surprise.
Honestly, it’s hard to pick just one favorite part! The crispy bacon makes my heart sing, while the juicy apples add a nice touch. I love serving them warm with a bit of butter—yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base for your scones. If you’re gluten-free, you can try a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. I find that using a blend with some almond flour helps keep them light!
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives a bold flavor, but you can swap it for mild cheddar or even pepper jack for a spicy twist. I love mixing different cheeses for a richer taste!
Bacon: Crispy bacon adds a great crunch. If you’re vegetarian, you could use cooked turkey bacon or even smoked tempeh for a nice flavor without the meat. I prefer to use thick-cut bacon to keep that tasty bite!
Apple: Granny Smith is my go-to for that bite of tartness. If you want something sweeter, Honeycrisp or Fuji apples work well, too. Just make sure to chop them small so they mix in nicely!
Heavy Cream: This keeps the scones rich and moist. If you want a lighter version, buttermilk or plain yogurt can work as substitutes; just adjust the quantity for texture. I sometimes add a splash of vanilla for an extra kick!
How Do You Make Sure Your Scones Are Flaky?
Achieving that perfect flaky texture in your scones takes a bit of care. The key is to handle the dough as little as possible. Here’s how to do it:
- Keep your butter cold; it’s essential! Chop it into small cubes and put it back in the fridge until ready to use.
- When mixing the butter into the flour, work quickly. You want it to remain pebbly in texture; avoid melting the butter with your warmth!
- Gently fold in your wet ingredients until just combined. Stop as soon as the dough holds together—overmixing is a no-no!
- Finally, when cutting your scones, use a sharp knife to maintain those distinct edges, which helps them rise better.
By following these tips, you’ll serve up light, airy scones that are sure to impress!
How to Make Apple Cheddar Bacon Scones
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 3/4 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon, chopped
- 1/2 cup finely diced apple (such as Granny Smith)
- 3/4 cup heavy cream (plus extra for brushing)
- 1 large egg
- Optional: 1/4 tsp black pepper or smoked paprika for a subtle flavor kick
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prep and around 18-22 minutes to bake, totaling approximately 35-40 minutes. You’ll have delicious, warm scones ready to enjoy in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it’s heating up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper so your scones don’t stick.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt. This combination is the base of your scones, so make sure it’s well-mixed!
3. Cut in the Butter:
Take the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix it into the flour. You want the mixture to look like coarse crumbs—don’t worry if there are a few larger pieces!
4. Stir in the Yummy Add-Ins:
Now it’s time to add the fun ingredients! Gently fold in the shredded cheddar cheese, chopped bacon, and diced apple until everything is evenly distributed throughout the dough.
5. Whisk the Wet Ingredients:
In a small bowl, whisk together the heavy cream and egg until they are well combined. This will help bind your scones together.
6. Combine Mixtures:
Pour the cream mixture into your dry ingredients and gently stir until the dough starts to come together—it’s okay if it’s a little sticky! Just be careful not to overmix; you want tender scones!
7. Knead and Shape the Dough:
Lightly dust your work surface with flour, then turn the dough out and knead it gently a few times until it holds together. Pat the dough into a circle about 1-inch thick.
8. Cut and Place on Baking Sheet:
Using a sharp knife, cut the dough into 8 wedges (like a pizza) and carefully move them to your prepared baking sheet.
9. Brush for Shine:
For a beautiful golden finish, brush the tops of your scones with a bit of extra heavy cream.
10. Bake!
Now it’s time to bake! Place your scones in the preheated oven and bake for 18-22 minutes, or until they are golden brown and a little puffed up.
11. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the scones from the oven and let them cool slightly on a wire rack. Serve them warm and enjoy plain or with a bit of butter for an extra treat!
These scones bring together the sweet and tart flavors of apples with the sharpness of cheddar and the savory goodness of bacon. They make a wonderful breakfast or brunch option that everyone will love!
Can I Use a Different Type of Cheese?
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar is fantastic, you can swap it out for mild cheddar, colby jack, or even pepper jack for a bit of heat. Just make sure to shred the cheese for even melting!
How Do I Store Leftover Scones?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them! Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes.
Can I Make These Scones Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time! Shape your scones, place them on the baking sheet, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, just brush with cream and pop them in the oven—no need to adjust the baking time!
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use buttermilk or plain yogurt instead of heavy cream. Just keep in mind that using buttermilk may give your scones a slightly tangy flavor, but it can be delicious!
