These delightful scones combine sharp cheddar and fresh chives for a tasty treat. They are perfect for breakfast or snack time, with a golden crust and soft inside!
Every bite is cheesy goodness with a hint of chive. I love having them with butter or just as they are. Make a batch and enjoy the aroma filling your kitchen! 🥖
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Flour: All-purpose flour provides the right texture. If you want a healthier alternative, you could use whole wheat flour, though it may slightly alter the texture.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: This cheese gives the scones their distinct flavor. If you want to try something different, you can swap it for Gruyère or a mix of cheeses, but sharp cheddar really stands out in this recipe.
Fresh Chives: Chives add a lovely onion-like flavor. If you don’t have fresh chives on hand, green onions or even dried herbs could be used, but fresh is always best for brightness.
Sourdough Starter: An active, unfed sourdough starter is essential for the scones’ rise. If you don’t have starter, you can mix some yogurt or buttermilk with a little baking powder instead, but the flavor will change.
Buttermilk: This adds moisture and tang. If you don’t have it, you can make a substitute by adding a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to regular milk and letting it sit for 5-10 minutes.
How Do You Get That Perfect Scone Texture?
The key to achieving a light and fluffy scone is in how you handle the dough. Overworking it can lead to dense scones, so here are some tips to ensure success:
- Use cold butter. It helps create a flaky texture, so cut the butter and keep it chilled until ready to use.
- Mix gently. When combining wet and dry ingredients, stir just until everything is moistened. It’s okay if the dough is a little crumbly.
- Don’t skip the initial shaping. Patting out the dough rather than rolling it out preserves the layers which create a lighter texture.
- Cut evenly. Use a sharp knife for cutting into wedges to ensure they bake uniformly.
These simple adjustments can help you achieve the perfect scone every time!
Sharp Cheddar And Chive Sourdough Scones
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup fresh chives, finely chopped
- 1 cup sourdough starter (active, unfed)
- 1/2 cup buttermilk (plus extra for brushing)
- 1 tsp honey or sugar (optional, for slight sweetness)
Time Needed:
This recipe will take about 10 minutes for prep and 15-18 minutes for baking, totaling around 30 minutes until you can enjoy these warm, cheesy scones!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). While the oven heats up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well mixed. This is the base for your scones.
3. Cut in the Butter:
Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, mix the butter into the flour until it looks like coarse crumbs, with some pea-sized pieces remaining for that flaky texture.
4. Add Cheese and Chives:
Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese and finely chopped fresh chives, mixing until evenly distributed. The flavors are starting to come together!
5. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, combine the sourdough starter, buttermilk, and honey (if you’re using it). Mix them well until everything is nicely blended.
6. Combine Wet and Dry:
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and gently mix with a wooden spoon or spatula. Be careful not to overwork the dough — just mix until everything is combined.
7. Shape the Dough:
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and gently pat it into a 1-inch thick circle, about 8 inches in diameter. Remember to keep it nice and fluffy!
8. Cut into Wedges:
Using a sharp knife, cut the dough into 8 equal wedges. This will help them bake evenly.
9. Transfer to Baking Sheet:
Place the wedges on the prepared baking sheet, making sure to space them about 2 inches apart. This gives them room to rise and expand.
10. Brush with Buttermilk:
Lightly brush the tops of the scones with buttermilk to help them brown beautifully in the oven.
11. Bake:
Bake the scones in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until they are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
12. Cool and Serve:
Remove the scones from the oven and let them cool slightly on a wire rack. Serve warm with butter or your favorite spread. Enjoy every cheesy, delicious bite!
These Sharp Cheddar and Chive Sourdough Scones are perfect for breakfast or as a tasty snack. They’re sure to impress!
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar gives these scones a wonderful flavor, you can experiment with other cheeses like Gruyère, mozzarella, or even a smoked cheese for a unique twist. Just keep in mind that the flavor will vary.
What If I Don’t Have Buttermilk?
No problem! You can create a quick substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to a cup of milk. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, and it will thicken slightly and provide that tangy flavor similar to buttermilk!
How Should I Store Leftover Scones?
Store leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy!
Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough and shape it into wedges, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Just be sure to let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before baking to ensure they rise well!
