These Sharp Cheddar and Chive Sourdough Scones are a tasty treat! With the rich flavor of sharp cheddar and fresh chives, they’re perfect for any brunch or snack time.
Trust me, everyone will be reaching for seconds (or thirds!). I love enjoying them warm from the oven, and they make a great companion to soup or a simple salad!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base for your scones. If you need a gluten-free option, you can try a gluten-free all-purpose blend. Just make sure it has xanthan gum for the best texture.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Adds a rich flavor to the scones. If you want something milder, you can use medium cheddar or even a mix of cheeses like Monterey Jack instead.
Chives: Fresh chives bring a lovely onion-like flavor. If you can’t find them, green onions or shallots work as nice substitutes. They’ll give you a similar taste!
Sourdough Starter: Active and unfed starter gives these scones a unique tang. If you don’t have sourdough starter, you can replace it with plain yogurt or more buttermilk, but the scones won’t have the same depth of flavor.
Buttermilk: This adds moisture and tenderness. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can create a substitute by mixing milk with a splash of vinegar or lemon juice. Just let it sit for 5-10 minutes before using.
How Do I Cut Butter Into The Flour Mixture Properly?
Cutting butter into the flour is an essential step that gives your scones a flaky texture. Here’s how to do it:
- Make sure your butter is very cold; this helps create those flaky layers.
- Use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to work the butter into the dry ingredients. Aim for small pea-sized pieces.
- Don’t worry about being perfect—some larger chunks are okay! They’ll melt during baking and create nice pockets in your scones.
Remember, the less you handle the mixture after adding the wet ingredients, the more tender your scones will be. Enjoy baking!
How to Make Sharp Cheddar and Chive Sourdough Scones
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp sugar
Other Ingredients:
- 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 a little extra for brushing)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and around 15-20 minutes to bake, making a total of about 30-35 minutes. Just enough time to get some delicious scones fresh out of the oven!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First things first! Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). While it’s heating up, take a moment to line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will keep the scones from sticking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar. Whisk these together to ensure they’re evenly mixed—this is key for proper rising!
3. Cut in the Butter:
Add your cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut the butter into the flour until you have a mixture that looks like coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces. This step is super important for flakiness!
4. Add Cheese and Chives:
Next, stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese and the finely chopped fresh chives. Mix them in evenly so every bite has that tasty flavor.
5. Combine Wet Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, mix your active sourdough starter and buttermilk together until they are well combined. This will make your scone dough moist and tangy!
6. Bring It All Together:
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently with a wooden spoon until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix—the goal is to keep those scones tender and fluffy!
7. Shape the Dough:
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently pat it into a round shape that’s about 1-inch thick. No need to roll it out—keeping it thick is perfect!
8. Cut the Scones:
Using a knife or a bench scraper, carefully cut the round into 8 equal wedges. You can make each wedge as big or small as you like, just remember that baking times may vary slightly.
9. Prepare for Baking:
Transfer the wedges to your prepared baking sheet. Make sure to leave a little space between each scone so they can rise nicely in the oven.
10. Brush with Buttermilk:
For a lovely golden color, lightly brush the tops of the scones with a bit of extra buttermilk. This will help them brown beautifully.
11. Bake:
Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when they turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
12. Cool and Serve:
Once they’re baked, take them out of the oven and let them cool for a few minutes on a wire rack. Serve them warm, either on their own or with a bit of butter and jam for a delicious treat!
Enjoy your homemade Sharp Cheddar and Chive Sourdough Scones!
What Can I Substitute for Sourdough Starter?
If you don’t have sourdough starter, you can replace it with an equal amount of plain yogurt or additional buttermilk. Keep in mind that the flavor and texture will be a bit different, but they will still be delicious!
Can I Make These Scones Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and cut the scones, then refrigerate them for up to 24 hours. Just bake them when you’re ready for fresh scones. They might need an extra minute or two in the oven if they’re chilled.
How Should I Store Leftover Scones?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, wrap them tightly and freeze for up to a month. Just thaw and warm them in the oven before serving!
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Yes! While sharp cheddar is delicious, you can experiment with other cheeses like Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or even feta for a unique twist. Just make sure they are shredded for even mixing!
