How to Make Rich and Savory Jalapeño Cheddar Scones at Home
A cheese-rich pastry with a lively kick that elevates breakfast or dinner plates.
Jalape Cheddar Scones: A Bold Twist on a Classic Treat
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Savory scones have swiftly claimed their spot on the table, and Jalape Cheddar Scones are an outstanding example of why. Tender and flaky, balanced with sharp cheddar cheese and the lively heat of jalapes, these scones are as welcome at breakfast as they are alongside a bowl of chili or a hearty salad. If you crave something more exciting than a sweet treat, this recipe will add a dash of heat and a ton of flavor to your baking repertoire.
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Why Jalape Cheddar Scones Stand Out
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- Depth of Flavor: The contrast between rich, tangy cheese and bright, spicy peppers creates layers of taste in each bite.
- Perfect Texture: Crisp exterior with a buttery, tender interior.
- Versatility: Ideal as a breakfast pastry, an accompaniment to soups or salads, or even a savory snack.
- Simple Techniques: No stand mixer required—just basic tools and your hands!
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Ingredients at a Glance
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| Ingredient | Amount | Description |
|---|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 3 1/4 cups | Plus more for dusting |
| Baking powder | 4 tsp | Provides lift and flakiness |
| Kosher salt | 1 tsp | Enhances flavor |
| Unsalted butter | 1 stick (cold) | Cubed; provides richness |
| Jalapes (pickled or fresh) | 1/2 cup, chopped | Adds spice and tang |
| Jalape brine | 1 tbsp (optional) | Extra zing |
| Sharp cheddar cheese | 8 oz (about 2 cups), shredded/cubed | Melty, robust flavor |
| Heavy cream | 1 cup (+ more if needed) | Moisture and tenderness |
| Large egg | 1 | Binds the dough |
| Milk | Optional (up to 1/2 cup) | Makes dough more pliable |
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Step-by-Step Directions for Perfect Jalape Cheddar Scones
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- n Preheat the Oven
nSet your oven to 400F (if using a conventional oven) or 375F for convection. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
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- n Prepare the Dry Ingredients
nSift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl. Sifting ensures even distribution and a lighter crumb.
n - n Cut in the Butter
nAdd cold, cubed unsalted butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry blender, two knives, or your fingertips to cut the butter in until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Do not overwork—the tiny bits of butter will create steamy pockets for a flaky scone.
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- n Add Cheese and Jalapes
nGently fold in the shredded or cubed cheddar cheese and chopped jalapes. Toss to coat with flour. For an intensified flavor, splash in a little jalape brine if using pickled peppers.
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- n Mix Wet Ingredients
nWhisk together heavy cream, egg, and jalape juice (and milk, if desired) in a separate bowl. This mixture will moisten the dough and unite all the flavors.
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- n Combine and Form the Dough
nPour the cream mixture over the dry ingredients. Stir gently with a fork or spatula until the dough just comes together. It should be a bit crumbly but moist enough to hold shape—add a splash more cream or milk if too dry.
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- n Shape and Cut the Dough
nTurn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Use your hands to bring it together into a rough rectangle. With a rolling pin or palms, flatten to about 1-inch thickness. Trim the edges for a neater look. Cut the dough crosswise and lengthwise into rectangles, then diagonally to yield 16 triangles, or go classic and cut rounds into wedges.
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- n Bake to Golden Perfection
nArrange the triangles on your prepared baking sheet, slightly apart. Sprinkle remaining cheese on top of each scone. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until tops are golden and cheese melts into tempting brown speckles. Let cool on the baking sheet for 10-15 minutes, then transfer to a rack if desired.
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Tips for Scone Success
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- Keep ingredients cold: Cold butter and cream create flakiness—in hot weather, chill your mixing bowl beforehand.
- Don’t overwork the dough: Handle gently to prevent tough scones. It’s fine for the dough to look a little rough.
- Customize spice level: Use fresh jalapes for a cleaner heat, or pickled for tang and mellow spice. Remove seeds for milder scones.
- Freeze for later: Scones freeze well—shape and freeze unbaked scones, then bake from frozen, adding just a couple extra minutes to the bake time.
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Flavor Variations and Add-Ins
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- Herbs: Add 2 tablespoons of chopped chives, scallions, or parsley for garden-fresh notes.
- Spices: Fold in a half teaspoon of garlic powder, smoked paprika, or cracked black pepper for extra depth.
- Cheese Choices: Try pepper jack, Monterey Jack, or a smoky gouda in place of or alongside cheddar.
- Meaty Add-ins: Crumbled cooked bacon or chopped ham can turn these scones into a protein-rich breakfast.
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Serving Suggestions
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- Pair with chili or soup: Scones make excellent companions to robust chilis, creamy chowders, or tomato-based stews.
- Breakfast sandwich: Split and fill with scrambled eggs and extra cheese, or crisp bacon for a spicy breakfast.
- Salad side: Use instead of a bread roll for leafy green salads or grain bowls for extra heartiness.
- Brunch platter: Arrange alongside fruit, cheese, and charcuterie for an impressive brunch spread.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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Q: Can I substitute the heavy cream with milk or buttermilk?
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What others are reading
A: Yes. While heavy cream produces the richest scones, you can substitute with whole milk or buttermilk. Buttermilk will yield a slightly tangier, more tender texture. If using a thinner liquid, reduce the amount slightly and add more only if needed to bring the dough together.
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Q: Do I have to use pickled jalapes?
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A: No, both pickled and fresh jalapes work well. Pickled provide tang and gentle heat, while fresh offer cleaner spice. If using fresh, deseed for a milder bite, and chop finely for even distribution.
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Q: What’s the best way to store leftover scones?
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A: Let scones cool completely, then store in an airtight container. For longer storage, freeze individually and reheat in a 300F oven for 8-10 minutes before serving.
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Q: Can I make these scones ahead of time?
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A: Absolutely. Shape the dough, cut into scones, and freeze on a tray. Once solid, transfer to a freezer bag. Bake fresh from frozen, increasing baking time by about 2-4 minutes.
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Q: How do I get a flakier texture?
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A: Use cold butter and minimal mixing. Pea-sized bits of visible butter in the dough create steam as scones bake, leading to tender, layered interiors.
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Expert Tips for the Perfect Jalape Cheddar Scones
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- Dice cheddar cheese for pockets of melty goodness. Shredded cheese works, but cubes produce larger bursts of flavor throughout the scone.
- Scone size matters. For mini scones, divide the dough into 2-inch squares or cut smaller triangles. Baking time will reduce by a few minutes.
- Brush tops with egg wash. For a shinier, deeper golden finish, brush unbaked scones with beaten egg before baking.
- Experiment with toppings. Sprinkle extra cheese or cracked black pepper on top before baking for a bakery-style look.
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More Savory Scone Inspiration
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- Bacon Cheddar Chive Scones
- Rosemary Parmesan Scones
- Sun-dried Tomato Feta Scones
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Enjoy exploring the world of savory scones—you’ll find more combinations that can be tailored to your favorite spices, cheeses, and seasonal ingredients.
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Nutrition Information (Estimate per Scone)
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| Serving Size | Calories | Fat | Carbs | Protein |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 scone (1/16 recipe) | Approx. 210 | 11g | 22g | 6g |
n*Nutrition will vary based on precise ingredients and portioning.nn
Final Thoughts
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Jalape Cheddar Scones bring bakery-level flavor and texture to your kitchen with just a handful of simple, quality ingredients. Whether you serve them warm with butter, alongside spicy chili, or pack them for an on-the-go breakfast, this robust, cheesy, and gently spicy scone will quickly become a favorite. Happy baking!
References
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a36078998/jalapeno-cheddar-scones-recipe/
- https://www.kneadsomesweets.com/jalapeno-cheddar-scones/
- https://bakeitwithlove.com/jalapeno-cheddar-scones/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a11775/jalapeno-cheddar-scones/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/meals-menus/g45014735/scone-recipes/
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