These Sourdough Cheese Scones are fluffy and cheesy bites of goodness! Made with tangy sourdough and melted cheese, they make a perfect snack or breakfast treat.
I love how easy they are to whip up. Just mix, shape, and bake! They disappear fast, so make sure to save some for yourself before sharing! 😉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base for your scones, providing structure. If you want a healthier alternative, try using whole wheat flour, but you might need to adjust the liquid a bit since whole wheat absorbs more moisture.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: I love the tangy flavor sharp cheddar brings. If you’re not a fan of cheddar, feel free to substitute with any cheese of your choice, like Gruyère, pepper jack, or even feta for a twist.
Sourdough Starter: An essential ingredient that not only adds flavor but also helps with the texture. Make sure it’s active! If you don’t have sourdough starter, Greek yogurt can be a great substitute, lending a similar tanginess.
Cold Butter: Using cold butter helps create flaky layers. If you’re out of butter, coconut oil or margarine can work, but be sure to keep them cold, just like the butter.
How Do I Achieve Flaky Layers in Scones?
Creating those lovely flaky layers in scones is all about how you handle the dough. Here’s my favorite technique:
- After mixing your wet and dry ingredients, handle the dough gently to avoid overworking it. Overmixing can lead to tough scones.
- Pat the dough into a rectangle about 1 inch thick instead of rolling it. This keeps the texture light and airy.
- Folding the dough over itself a few times helps create layers. Just a few folds are enough!
- Cut the scones straight down without twisting the cutter—that helps them rise evenly.
Following these tips will help you bake scones that are tender inside and flaky on the outside. Enjoy baking!
How to Make Delicious Sourdough Cheese Scones
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- 1 cup sourdough starter (active, unfed with no added flour or water)
- 1/3 cup buttermilk (plus extra for brushing)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful scone recipe takes about 10 minutes for preparation and another 15-18 minutes to bake. Overall, you can expect to enjoy these fluffy, cheesy scones in about 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven
First, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). While it’s warming up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. This makes for easy cleanup!
2. Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, take your whisk and combine the flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda. Give it a good mix until everything is well blended.
3. Add the Butter
Next, toss in the cold cubed butter. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut the butter into the flour mixture until it looks like coarse crumbs, with a few small pea-sized pieces remaining. This is the secret to having a flaky texture!
4. Mix in the Cheese
Add the grated sharp cheddar cheese to the mix. Stir gently until the cheese is evenly distributed in the flour mixture. Such a delicious addition, right?
5. Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate small bowl, mix together the sourdough starter and buttermilk. This mixture adds that wonderful tangy flavor!
6. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, stir gently until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix; the dough will be sticky, which is just fine!
7. Shape the Dough
Turn the dough onto a well-floured surface. Pat it into a rectangle about 1 inch thick. Fold the dough over a few times to create flaky layers, then pat it back down to 1-inch thickness.
8. Cut Out the Scones
Using a floured biscuit cutter or round cutter, cut out your scones and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Don’t forget to gather any scraps, reshape, and cut more scones!
9. Brush with Buttermilk
For a lovely golden crust, brush the tops of the scones with a bit of buttermilk.
10. Bake the Scones
Now it’s time to bake! Place your scones in the oven and let them bake for about 15-18 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top and cooked through. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
11. Cool and Serve
Once baked, remove the scones from the oven and transfer them to a wire rack to cool slightly. These scones are best enjoyed warm, with a little butter or jam!
Enjoy your homemade Sourdough Cheese Scones! They’re perfect for breakfast, a snack, or whenever you want a tasty treat!
Can I Use a Different Type of Cheese?
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar is a favorite for its bold flavor, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Gouda, Gruyère, or even feta for a unique twist.
What If My Sourdough Starter Isn’t Active?
It’s best to use an active sourdough starter for optimal results. If yours isn’t active, you can feed it 4-6 hours before using it in the recipe. If you’re short on time, using plain Greek yogurt can be a great substitute!
How Should I Store Leftover Scones?
Store any leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you need to keep them longer, refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze for up to three months—just be sure to let them cool completely first!
Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the dough ahead of time, but it’s best to shape and bake the scones right before serving for the best texture. If you must make them in advance, shape the scones, refrigerate them on a baking sheet, and bake directly from the fridge, adding a few minutes to the baking time.