Bacon Cheddar Scones

What Makes These Scones So Good?

Unlike traditional rolled scones, these are made using an easy drop-style dough that comes together quickly with minimal handling. That means less work and wonderfully tender scones every time.

Cold butter creates little pockets of steam as the scones bake, producing a light, flaky texture. Crispy bacon adds smoky richness, sharp cheddar melts into every bite, and fresh spinach brings color and a boost of vegetables without overpowering the other flavors.

Ingredients and Their Role in the Scones

These simple ingredients each play an important part in creating flavorful, buttery bacon cheese scones with a tender crumb. This is what you'll need:

• All-purpose flour - Provides the structure for the scones.
• Sugar - A small amount balances the savory flavors without making the scones sweet.
• Baking powder - Gives the scones their beautiful rise.
• Kosher salt - Enhances all the flavors.
• Cold unsalted butter - Creates flaky layers and a tender texture.
• Half & half - Adds richness and moisture while bringing the dough together.
• Fresh spinach - Adds color, nutrition, and a subtle earthy flavor.
• Sharp cheddar cheese - Brings bold cheesy flavor and melts beautifully throughout the scones.
• Cooked bacon - Adds smoky, savory goodness in every bite.
• Green onions - Provide a mild onion flavor that brightens the rich ingredients.

Ingredient Notes

A few simple ingredient choices will give you the best results.

Cheese

Freshly shredded sharp cheddar melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese and provides the boldest flavor. Mild cheddar also works if you prefer a less pronounced cheese flavor.

Spinach

Fresh spinach is recommended for the best texture. If using frozen spinach, thaw it completely and squeeze out as much moisture as possible before adding it to the dough.

Half & Half

Half & half creates rich, tender scones. If needed, you can substitute whole milk, although the finished scones won't be quite as rich.

Why Use Cold Butter?

One of the secrets to flaky scones is using very cold butter. As the butter melts in the hot oven, it creates tiny pockets of steam that lift the dough and produce tender, flaky layers.

For the best texture, keep the butter refrigerated until you're ready to use it, and work it into the flour quickly so it stays cold.

How to Make Bacon and Cheddar Scones

Making this bacon cheddar scones recipe couldn't be easier. Here's what to do:

1. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
2. Cut cold butter into cubes to make it easier to work into the flour mixture.
3. Using a pastry cutter (or a food processor), cut the butter into the flour. Don't worry if there are a few pieces of butter left in the mix as those sweet pockets of butter in the finished scone are delicious.
4. Add in the bacon, cheese, spinach, and green onions to the butter-flour mixture. The green onions can be a little strong, so go easy if you don't like a heavy onion flavor.
5. Mix well.
6. Pour in the half and half and stir or work with hands until all portions of the mix are moistened. 

Dough is ready. This is the correct consistency or texture to work for after the liquid is added. You should be able to squeeze it together and have the dough hold its shape. If the dough is too crumbly, add a bit more liquid. Be careful here as you don't want a wet dough.

7. Shape into 10 balls and place on a parchment or silicone mat-lined cookie sheet. Place about 1-2" apart so the outside can achieve that crusty texture.

8. Bake immediately at 425°F for 13 minutes. You want to bake it while dough is still cold.

For the tastiest, most delicious bacon scone, serve fresh from the oven with a little butter. Enjoy!

Recipe Tips for Success

These cheddar bacon scones are wonderfully easy to make, and a few simple techniques will help ensure they bake up tall, flaky, and full of savory flavor every time.

• Use very cold butter. This is the most important tip! Cold butter creates pockets of steam as the scones bake, giving them a higher rise and flaky texture.
• Use freshly shredded cheese. It melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese and gives the scones a richer flavor.
• Add just enough half & half. The dough should hold together without feeling wet or sticky. If needed, add a little more half & half, one tablespoon at a time.
• Work quickly. Mix and shape the dough without handling it too much so the butter stays cold and the little pieces remain intact.
• Don't overmix the dough. Stir just until the ingredients are moistened. Overmixing develops the gluten, resulting in denser, heavier scones.
• Bake the dough while it's still cold. Don't let the shaped scones sit at room temperature for long. Cold dough produces the best rise.
• Serve warm. These scones are especially delicious fresh from the oven with a little butter.

Recipe Variations to Make Them Your Own

These savory scones are easy to customize with your favorite cheeses, vegetables, and breakfast ingredients.

• Ham: Replace the bacon with diced cooked ham.
• Vegetarian: Omit the bacon for a delicious meatless version.
• Cheese: Try smoked Gouda, Gruyère, Pepper Jack, Swiss, or Parmesan instead of cheddar.
• Green onions: Substitute fresh chives for a milder onion flavor.
• Vegetables: Add finely chopped bell peppers and sweet onion for extra color and flavor.
• Spinach: Replace the spinach with ¼ cup chopped fresh basil or ½ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (not oil-packed).
• Egg: Add one egg to the dough for a slightly richer, softer-textured scone.
• Extra cheesy topping: Before baking, brush the tops lightly with milk and sprinkle with additional shredded cheese.
• Spicy: Stir in a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a finely diced jalapeño for a little heat.

How to Store, Freeze, and Reheat

These bacon cheddar scones are ideal for making ahead, making busy mornings much easier.

Once completely cooled, store the scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

For longer storage, place the cooled scones in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Wrapping them individually before freezing makes it easy to grab just one or two as needed.

To reheat, place the scones on a baking sheet, cover loosely with aluminum foil, and warm in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave one for about 20 to 30 seconds, although the oven does the best job of restoring the flaky texture.

More Grab-and-Go Breakfast Recipes

If you love easy breakfasts that can be made ahead, here are a few more delicious recipes to try.

• Baked Lemon Blueberry Donuts are soft, bright, and topped with a sweet lemon glaze.
• Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins combine wholesome oats, bananas, and chocolate chips for a satisfying breakfast.
• Peach Muffins are filled with juicy peaches and warm cinnamon flavor.
• Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies are packed with wholesome ingredients and perfect for busy mornings.
• Pumpkin Scones are a bakery-style favorite with warm fall spices.

Find lots of easy breakfast recipes here on 2CM!