Small Batch Ham and Cheese Scones

This savory ham and cheese scones recipe yields 4 delicate, buttery scones packed with bits of chopped ham and cheese.

These lovely ham and cheese scones are buttery and delicate and this small batch scone recipe will give you 4 savory scones.

Scones are one of life’s simplest pleasures. Nothing beats pulling a tray of warm, homemade scones out of the oven to enjoy with coffee or tea. 

Why We Love This Recipe

Homemade scones are as easy to make as biscuits. They’ve actually become one of my favorite breads to bake and once you try them, I bet they will become yours too.

We usually think of scones as sweet, not savory. But these rich, buttery, flaky cheese scones are the perfect accompaniment to soup, salads, or just about any main dish meal.

These savory scones are packed with creamy cheese and bits of diced ham, chopped scallions and a surprise ingredient, horseradish!

Horseradish may not be an ingredient you would likely find in scones, however it imparts a wonderfully unique flavor. Although I’m a fan, you could absolutely leave the horseradish out if you’d like.

RELATED: Single Serving Comfort Food Recipes

Ingredient Notes

See recipe box below for ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions.

• Flour: 1 cup of all-purpose flour is the standard amount of flour needed for homemade scones. You will also need a small amount for your hands and for dusting your work surface
• Sugar: I recommend using 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar.
• Baking powder and baking soda: Gives a little lift to the scones.
• Salt and black pepper: Adds flavor.
• Butter: Use 4 tablespoons of cold, salted butter. Make sure to keep the butter in the refrigerator until you are ready to use it. Cold butter is essential in making the best tasting scones. It ensures the scones will be flaky with crisp edges.
• Egg : 1 egg yolk is used to make the dough. It adds flavor and provides structure. Use the egg white to brush on top of the scones. The egg white gives the scones a clear shine.
• Milk: Use any percentage cow’s milk (whole, skim, 1%, or 2%). You can also use almond milk, half & half, or cream instead.
• Horseradish: This ingredient is optional but I love the way horseradish adds spice and flavor to the scones. It is used in the scone batter as well as in the scone cream topping.
• Ham: Use 3-ounces (about 1/2 cup) of diced or cubed ham.
• Cheese: I love using Gruyere in this scone recipe but feel free to use your favorite cheese.
• Scallions: Add these to the scones before baking.

How To Make This Recipe

Step 1: Begin by whisking together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, baking soda, and a pinch of black pepper.

Step 2: Cut cold butter into the flour mixture until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, the egg yolk, and horseradish. Pour into the flour mixture.

Step 4: Finally, fold in diced ham, shredded cheese, and chopped scallions.

Step 5: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured work surface. Knead very lightly and form a circle. Cut the dough into 4 triangles and place on a baking sheet.

Step 6: Lightly brush the tops of the scones with the egg white and top with additional cheese.

Step 7: Bake for 12-15 minutes. Remove scones from the oven and allow to cool.

Step 8: As a lovely topping, whisk heavy cream and a little horseradish together. As you whisk the two together, the cream thickens. Add a spoonful of the horseradish cream to the tops of the scones, if you’d like.

Ways To Use Leftover Ingredients

If you have any ham or cheese left over from this scone recipe you might like to consider using them in either of these single serving recipes:

• Ham: Crustless Spinach Quiche
• Cheese: French Onion Soup
• Egg white: If you choose not to brush the egg white over the tops of the scones, you might like to use it in these small batch recipes: Small Batch Meringues, Two Vanilla Cupcakes, Two Chocolate Cupcakes

Expert Tips

Scones are a key component of a traditional afternoon tea. However, scones are lovely for breakfast, brunch, and even dessert. With these easy tips your scones will turn out perfect every single time.

• Be sure to use cold ingredients.
  • The secret to flaky scones is to start with cold ingredients. Make sure your butter, eggs and milk are all cold. Just like making pastry, the fat has to be cold. If the butter gets warm, it melts and mixes into the flour.
• Don’t overwork the dough.
  • Once you add in the liquid (eggs, milk, etc.) stir the dough very little to combine. Remember to handle the dough as little as possible. Over-mixing the dough will lead to scones that are rather chewy instead of light and flaky.

RELATED: Small Batch Clotted Cream Recipe

Frequently Asked Questions

Other Small Batch Scone Recipes

• Apple Cinnamon Scones
• Triple Chocolate Scones
• Strawberry White Chocolate Scones
• Lemon Poppy Seed Scones

For more information on the cooking and baking dishes I use in our “recipes for one”, please visit our FAQ page.

For examples of the dishes used at One Dish Kitchen, please visit our Store page.

If you’ve tried these ham and cheese scones or any recipe on One Dish Kitchen please let me know how you liked it by rating the recipe and telling me about it in the comment section below.

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