Jalapeño Cheddar Scones: Bold Flavor in Every Bite
Enjoy golden triangles that balance rich cheese flavor with a lively pepper kick.
Scones aren’t just for sweet treats—they can be the ultimate savory sidekick. Jalapeño Cheddar Scones are a flavorful twist on the classic biscuit, boasting a tender, flaky texture punctuated by pockets of sharp cheddar cheese and the spicy punch of jalapeños. Perfect with a bowl of steaming chili or as a snack at brunch, these scones blend comfort and kick, making them a favorite in the world of home baking.
Why You’ll Love Jalapeño Cheddar Scones
- Perfect Balance of Flavors: The sharpness of cheddar meets the fiery notes of pickled jalapeños for a savory bite that stands out.
- Flaky Texture: Made with cold butter and heavy cream or whole milk, these scones bake up with a soft crumb and golden crust.
- Easy to Make: Simple, straightforward steps make these scones accessible to bakers of all levels.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve them alongside chili, soup, scrambled eggs, or enjoy them as a snack on their own.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 3 1/4 cups | Plus more for dusting |
| Baking powder | 4 tsp | Ensures a high rise and tender crumb |
| Kosher salt | 1 tsp | Balances flavors |
| Unsalted butter | 1 stick | Cold, cut in pieces for flakiness |
| Pickled jalapeños | 1/2 cup sliced, chopped | Plus 1 tbsp brine (optional for extra flavor) |
| Sharp cheddar cheese | 8 oz (2 cups shredded) | Provides richness and flavor |
| Heavy cream | 1 cup | Add more as needed |
| Large egg | 1 | Binds and enriches the dough |
Step-by-Step Directions
- Prep the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy clean-up and to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
Sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt into a large bowl. Sifting ensures an even distribution of the leavening agent and salt, and eliminates any lumps.
- Cut in the Butter:
Add cold, unsalted butter pieces to the dry mixture. Using a pastry blender or two knives, cut the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs—small, pea-sized pieces of butter are key to flaky scones.
- Add Cheese and Jalapeños:
Toss in two-thirds of the shredded cheddar cheese and the chopped pickled jalapeños. If desired, pour 1 tablespoon of jalapeño brine for an extra kick. Toss until coated in the flour-butter mixture.
- Prepare Wet Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, egg, and reserved jalapeño brine. This mixture helps bind the dough and enriches the flavor.
- Form the Dough:
Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients, then slowly pour in the cream mixture. Using a fork, stir gently until the dough just comes together. It should remain slightly crumbly—add a splash more cream only if too dry to handle.
- Shape and Cut:
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently press it into a rough rectangle, about 8 x 12 inches. Trim the edges if necessary, then cut crosswise and lengthwise to form rectangles. Cut each rectangle diagonally, yielding 16 triangles for classic scone shape.
- Bake:
Arrange triangles on your prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle with the remaining cheese. Bake for 20–25 minutes, until the tops are lightly golden and the cheese is beginning to brown.
- Cool:
Let scones cool on the baking sheet for about 15 minutes, then transfer to a rack to cool completely. This helps retain moisture and allows flavors to settle.
Expert Tips for Perfect Scones
- Use Cold Ingredients: Cold butter and cream keep the scones flaky. Warm butter can make the dough dense.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined; overworking activates gluten and toughens the scones.
- Chill Before Baking (Optional): If you have time, briefly chill shaped scones before baking for even better rise and tenderness.
- Customize Your Heat: Use fresh jalapeños for more spice, pickled for tanginess. Adjust quantity to taste.
- Sharp Cheddar for Flavor: Mild cheese softens the punch, but sharp cheddar stands out in flavor and texture.
Variations and Substitutions
- Cheese Options: Swap cheddar for pepper jack, Monterey Jack, or even gouda for unique flavors.
- Add-Ins: Chives, cooked bacon, or green onions add extra savory notes.
- Flour Alternatives: Substitute part of the flour with whole wheat for a rustic touch.
- Milk vs. Cream: Whole milk can replace heavy cream for a lighter scone, but cream creates richer texture.
- Vegan or Dairy-Free: Use plant-based milk and vegan cheese/butter alternatives.
Serving Suggestions
- With Chili: These scones are a flavorful companion to hearty stews or chili—soak up the broth or enjoy with a dollop of sour cream.
- Breakfast Sandwiches: Split and fill with scrambled eggs, bacon, or sausage for a spicy sandwich.
- Soups & Salads: Serve alongside creamy tomato soup, vegetable chowder, or a crisp green salad.
- Snack-on-the-Go: Enjoy warm or cold; these scones travel well for lunchboxes and picnics.
Storing and Freezing
- Room Temperature: Store cooled scones in an airtight container up to 2 days.
- Refrigeration: Keep in the fridge up to 1 week for best flavor and texture.
- Freezing: Freeze baked scones up to 2 months. Thaw, then refresh in a low oven before serving.
- Freezing Dough: Unbaked, cut scones can be frozen and then baked straight from the freezer, adding a minute or two to bake time.
What others are reading
Baking Tools You’ll Need
- Parchment-lined baking sheet
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Pastry blender or two sturdy knives
- Rolling pin (optional for shaping)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use fresh jalapeños instead of pickled?
A: Yes! Fresh jalapeños add more heat and a brighter flavor profile. Dice finely and remove seeds for less spice, or leave some seeds for extra fire.
Q: How do I avoid tough scones?
A: Keep ingredients cold and mix gently. Overworking the dough will lead to chewy or dry scones—handle as little as possible.
Q: Can I make these scones gluten-free?
A: Substitute with a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend for results similar to traditional scones. Baking times may vary slightly.
Q: What can I use instead of cheddar?
A: Any melting cheese with strong flavor—Pepper Jack, Gruyère, or smoked gouda—works beautifully for a new twist.
Q: How do I get golden tops on my scones?
A: For a glossy golden finish, brush tops lightly with egg wash before sprinkling with cheese and baking.
Nutrition Information (Estimated per scone)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180-210 |
| Fat | 12g |
| Protein | 6g |
| Carbohydrates | 18g |
| Sodium | 320mg |
Final Thoughts: The Savory Side of Scones
Jalapeño Cheddar Scones embody everything a good savory bake should—crisp, golden edges, melting cheese, and that welcome hit of chile heat. Their versatility, ease, and punchy flavor make them a staple for any meal where you want more than a standard biscuit. Whether enjoyed fresh from the oven or reheated for quick snacks, these scones take humble ingredients and turn them into something memorable and mouthwatering for any gathering.
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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