These sharp cheddar and chive sourdough scones are fluffy, cheesy bites that are sure to make your taste buds dance! They’re perfect as a snack or a side with your soup.
Trust me, chives and cheddar together are like best friends in the baking world! I love serving them warm with a bit of butter. You’ll want to make these scones again and again!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This provides the structure for your scones. You can substitute it with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor, but keep in mind it may result in a denser scone.
Sourdough Starter: You can use active sourdough for more tangy flavor, but discard works too! If you don’t have sourdough starter, try plain yogurt or a little vinegar mixed into regular milk.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: This cheese adds a rich flavor. If you prefer a milder taste, go for medium cheddar. Alternatively, you could use gouda or pepper jack for a different twist.
Fresh Chives: Chives add a mild onion flavor. Substitute with green onions or even fresh herbs like thyme or parsley if needed.
Buttermilk: It gives the scones moisture and tang. In a pinch, mix regular milk with a bit of vinegar or lemon juice to mimic buttermilk.
How Do You Get the Perfect Scone Texture?
A key part of making scones is cutting in the butter. This step helps create that flaky texture you want. Here’s how to do it right:
- Keep your butter cold—it should be firm and diced into small pieces.
- Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour mixture until you see pea-sized clumps. Don’t overdo it!
After adding the wet ingredients, mix gently. Over-mixing can toughen your scones. Just combine until there’s no flour left. This helps keep them tender and light, which is what you want!
How to Make Sharp Cheddar and Chive Sourdough Scones
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Scones:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sourdough starter (discard or active)
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 6 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, diced
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives, finely chopped
- 3/4 cup buttermilk (plus extra for brushing)
- Optional: extra cheddar for topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes for prep and 15-20 minutes for baking, totaling around 30 minutes. Quick and simple, these delicious scones are perfect for a snack or breakfast!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prep:
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). While that’s heating up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, sugar, and salt. This ensures everything is well combined!
3. Cut in the Butter:
Now it’s time to add the cold, diced butter to your flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the butter into the dry ingredients until it looks like coarse crumbs. This is key for that flaky texture.
4. Add Cheese and Chives:
Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese and chopped chives evenly. This will add great flavor throughout the scones!
5. Combine Wet Ingredients:
Add your sourdough starter and buttermilk to the bowl. Gently mix until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix, as this can make the scones tough!
6. Shape the Dough:
Flour a clean surface and turn your dough out onto it. Pat the dough into a round disk about 1 inch thick. Keep it gentle!
7. Cut the Wedges:
Using a sharp knife, cut the disk into 6 or 8 triangular wedges. Give them some space as you slice; they’ll spread a little while baking.
8. Prepare for Baking:
Transfer the wedges to your prepared baking sheet. Make sure to space them apart so they have room to rise.
9. Brush and Top:
Brush the tops lightly with extra buttermilk. If you want, sprinkle a bit more shredded cheddar cheese on top—because who doesn’t love more cheese?
10. Bake the Scones:
Pop them in your preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they are golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
11. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove your scones from the oven and let them cool slightly on a wire rack. Enjoy them warm with a bit of butter for a tasty treat!
Happy baking! Your kitchen will smell heavenly with these sharp cheddar and chive sourdough scones!
Can I Use Regular Yeast Instead of Sourdough Starter?
While this recipe specifically uses sourdough starter to create a unique flavor and texture, you can substitute it with an equal amount of regular yeast. Mix the yeast with warm water and a touch of sugar to activate it before incorporating it into the dough.
What If I Don’t Have Buttermilk?
No worries! You can make your own buttermilk by combining 3/4 cup of regular milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it thickens slightly, then use it as directed 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. For longer storage, place them in the fridge for up to a week or freeze them. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes.
Can I Add Other Ingredients?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in your favorite ingredients. Options like cooked bacon, diced jalapeños, or even different types of cheese can add a delightful twist to these scones!
