These sweet and savory Apple Cheddar Bacon Scones are a delightful treat for any time of day. The mix of crisp bacon, sharp cheddar, and juicy apples creates a yummy flavor combination!
Imagine popping one of these warm scones with a cup of coffee in hand. Let’s be real, bacon makes everything better, right? 😄 They’re perfect for breakfast or a fun snack!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-purpose flour: This is your go-to flour for making scones. If you’re looking to make them gluten-free, consider using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Just make sure it contains a binding agent!
Baking powder: This helps your scones rise and get that light texture. If you’re out, a mix of baking soda and cream of tartar can work in a pinch—1/4 tsp baking soda plus 1/2 tsp cream of tartar equals roughly 1 tsp of baking powder.
Cheddar cheese: I recommend sharp cheddar for its bold flavor, but feel free to use mild cheddar or even pepper jack for a spicy twist. If cheese isn’t your thing, try omitting it for a simple apple scone.
Cooked bacon: This adds a savory touch. If you’re vegetarian or vegan, you can replace bacon with chopped sun-dried tomatoes or olives for added flavor, or use a smoke-flavored seasoning.
Apples: I prefer Granny Smith for their tartness, but you can swap in any apple you like. Honeycrisp or Fuji would add a nice sweetness. Just avoid soft apples as they might turn mushy.
How Do You Get Flaky Scones Every Time?
Creating flaky scones is all about handling the dough carefully and using cold ingredients. Here’s how to get it right:
- Start with very cold butter. This creates steam when baked, giving you a lovely flaky texture. You can even freeze it for a bit before cutting it into the flour.
- Don’t overmix your dough. Mix until just combined; a few lumps are perfectly fine. Overmixing makes scones tough instead of light and fluffy.
- Chill your cut scones if you have time. It helps maintain their shape during baking and makes them even flakier!
Follow these tips, and you’ll have delicious, airy scones bursting with flavor! Enjoy them fresh out of the oven for the best experience.
Apple Cheddar Bacon Scones
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tbsp cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon, chopped
- 1 cup apple, peeled and finely diced (preferably a crisp variety like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 3/4 cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 15 minutes for prep and 15-18 minutes for baking, making the total time approximately 30-35 minutes. Let’s get started on these scrumptious scones!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it warms up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to keep those scones from sticking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar until well combined. This creates a nice base for your scones.
3. Add the Butter:
Next, toss in the cold butter cubes. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut the butter into the flour mixture. You want it to resemble coarse crumbs, with some pea-sized pieces throughout for that flaky goodness!
4. Incorporate Cheese, Bacon, and Apples:
Now, it’s time to stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, chopped bacon, and diced apple. Make sure everything is evenly mixed so each bite has a delightful combination of flavors.
5. Prepare the Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth. This will add moisture and richness to your scones.
6. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Pour the wet mixture into the flour mixture. Gently stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; the dough should be slightly sticky!
7. Shape the Dough:
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and pat it into a rough circle about 1 inch thick. We’re getting close!
8. Cut Out the Scones:
Using a biscuit cutter or a round glass, cut out scones and place them on the prepared baking sheet. If there are any scraps left, gather them up, reform the dough, and cut out more scones.
9. Optional Garnish:
For a fun touch, sprinkle a bit of extra cheddar and bacon bits on top of the scones before baking. They’ll look even more appetizing!
10. Bake:
Pop them in the oven and bake for 15-18 minutes or until they are golden brown on top. The aroma will be irresistible!
11. Cool and Serve:
Once they’re out of the oven, let them cool slightly. Then serve warm or at room temperature. You can enjoy these delicious scones as-is or with a slather of butter!
These scones bring together the tart sweetness of apples, the sharpness of cheddar, and the savory crunch of bacon for a perfect balance. They’re not just a treat; they’re a celebration of flavor. Enjoy them for breakfast, brunch, or as an afternoon snack!
Can I Substitute the Buttermilk?
Absolutely! If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can create a quick substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to 3/4 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it thickens slightly before using it in the recipe.
How Should I Store Leftover Scones?
Store any leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you’d like to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to a month. Just make sure to wrap them well and reheat in the oven when you’re ready to enjoy!
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Yes! While sharp cheddar is recommended, you can use other cheese varieties based on your preference. Gruyère or pepper jack would also work beautifully for different flavor profiles. Just keep in mind that flavor intensity will vary!
What Type of Apples Work Best for These Scones?
For the best results, opt for a crisp apple variety like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, which provide a nice tartness and hold their shape when baked. Avoid softer varieties that may become mushy.
