Cheese scones are a delightful treat loved by food enthusiasts around the world. These savory baked goods, made with a combination of flour, butter, cheese, and other ingredients, are known for their light and fluffy texture and rich cheesy flavor. One of the most renowned cheese scone recipes comes from the esteemed baker, Mary Berry. Her recipe has gained popularity for its simplicity and delicious results.
Imagine sinking your teeth into a warm, freshly baked cheese scone that’s oozing with cheesy goodness. The aroma fills the air, and the taste lingers on your palate, leaving you craving for more. Whether enjoyed as a snack, at a picnic, or as part of a meal, cheese scones offer a delightful indulgence that appeals to peop[le of all ages.
In this article, we will explore the wonderful world of cheese scones, delve into Mary Berry’s famous recipe, and discover the joy of baking these delectable treats. Get ready to embark on a flavorful journey that will leave you longing for a bite of these mouthwatering cheese scones.
The Ingredients and Equipment
The required ingredients for Cheese Scone By Mary Berry Recipe are:
- 250g (2 cups) self-raising flour (If you don’t have self-raising flour, you can use 2 cups of all-purpose or plain flour plus 2 tsp of baking powder)
- A pinch of salt
- 60g (1/4 cup) butter
- 125g (1 cup) cheddar cheese (you can also use other hard, strong cheeses like red Leicester or Parmesan)
- 1/2 tsp mustard powder (optional)
- 1 egg
- 160ml (2/3 cup) milk (approximately)
For alternative options or substitutions:
If you don’t have mustard powder, you can simply omit it from the recipe. It adds flavor to the cheese but is not essential.
You can experiment with different types of cheeses based on your preference. Cheddar works well, but you can try other flavorful cheeses like red Leicester or Parmesan.
Equipment
The necessary equipment and tools for baking the scones include:
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Digital scales (optional)
- Cheese grater
- Rolling pin
- Cutter (or a glass if you don’t have one)
- Baking trays
- Greaseproof or parchment paper
- Wire rack (for cooling the scones)
These basic kitchen tools should be sufficient to prepare and bake the Mary Berry cheese scones.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Cheese Scone By Mary Berry Recipe
To prepare the dough for Cheese Scone By Mary Berry Recipe, follow these step-by-step instructions:
- Start by measuring 250g (2 cups) of self-raising flour into a mixing bowl. Add a pinch of salt to the flour.
- Cut 60g (1/4 cup) of butter into small pieces and add them to the bowl with the flour. Make sure the butter is cold for best results.
- Using your fingertips, gently rub the butter into the flour. Keep rubbing the mixture together until it resembles fine breadcrumbs. This process helps incorporate the butter evenly into the flour.
- Once the butter and flour are well mixed, it should have a breadcrumb-like texture. This means that the small pieces of butter are evenly distributed throughout the flour mixture.
- Grate 125g (1 cup) of cheddar cheese and add it to the flour mixture along with 1/2 teaspoon of mustard powder. You can also use other hard, strong cheeses like red Leicester or parmesan if desired.
- Mix the cheese and mustard powder into the flour mixture using your hands or a spoon. Ensure that the cheese is evenly distributed throughout the dough.
At this stage, the dough for Cheese Scone By Mary Berry Recipe is ready. The butter has been incorporated into the flour, and the cheese and mustard powder have been mixed in. The dough should have a slightly crumbly texture due to the presence of grated cheese. It is now time to proceed to the next steps of making and baking the scones.
Shaping and Baking the Scones
To shape and bake the cheese scones, follow these steps:
- Sprinkle some flour on your work surface. Take the dough and roll it out with a rolling pin or pat it down with your hands until it reaches the desired thickness, about 1.5-2cm.
- Use a cutter or a glass to cut out the scones from the rolled-out dough. Place the scones onto a baking tray lined with greaseproof or parchment paper. Make sure to leave some space between the scones for them to expand while baking.
- If you’d like, you can brush the tops of each scone with a little milk. This will give them a golden color when baked. Sprinkle some finely grated cheese on top of the scones for an extra cheesy flavor and a nice crust.
- Preheat your oven to 220°C (200°C fan or 425°F).
- Place the baking tray with the scones into the preheated oven. Bake the cheese scones for approximately 12 minutes or until they are golden brown and have risen.
- Once baked, remove the scones from the oven and transfer them to a wire rack to cool slightly.
These cheese scones are best enjoyed warm, served with butter or more cheese. They can be a delicious snack or a tasty addition to a picnic or lunchtime treat.
Serving and Storing for cheese scones
To serve the cheese scones, it is recommended to enjoy them warm with butter or additional cheese. The scones are delicious straight from the oven, and the butter or extra cheese will complement their flavor.
If you have leftover cheese scones or want to store them for later, here are some tips:
- Allow the scones to cool completely before storing them. This will help prevent moisture buildup and maintain their texture.
- Place the cooled scones in an airtight container. A plastic container or a zip-top bag works well for this purpose.
- Store the container of cheese scones in a cool, dry place, such as a pantry or cupboard. Avoid exposing them to direct sunlight or excessive heat, as it can cause them to spoil faster.
- The cheese scones can typically be stored for 1 to 2 days in an airtight container. After this period, their freshness and texture may start to decline. For longer-term storage, it is recommended to freeze them.
- If you plan to freeze the scones, it’s best to do so before baking them. Place the unbaked scones on a baking tray and freeze them for a few hours until firm. Then transfer them to a freezer bag or an airtight container. They can be kept frozen for a few months.
- When you’re ready to enjoy the frozen cheese scones, preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan) or equivalent. Place the frozen scones on a baking tray lined with parchment paper and bake them for approximately 15-20 minutes or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- Remember to adjust the baking time accordingly if you’re baking the scones from frozen, as they may require a few extra minutes in the oven.
By following these suggestions, you can keep your cheese scones fresh and enjoy them even beyond the day of baking.
Variations in cheese scones
Variations can add a delightful twist to the basic cheese scone recipe. Here are some ideas to explore:
- Herb Infusion: Enhance the flavor by adding chopped herbs to the scone mixture. In addition to wild garlic, you can consider incorporating herbs like thyme, rosemary, or chives. This will bring a fresh and aromatic touch to your cheese scones.
- Spices and Seasonings: Experiment with spices and seasonings to customize the taste. For a hint of heat, sprinkle some chili flakes or add a dash of paprika. You can also try incorporating garlic powder, onion powder, or dried mixed herbs for added depth of flavor.
- Vegetable Variations: Boost the nutritional value of your scones by incorporating finely chopped vegetables. Try adding sautéed onions, bell peppers, or grated zucchini. Just make sure to squeeze out any excess moisture from the vegetables before adding them to the dough.
- Mixed Cheese: Instead of using just one type of cheese, mix different varieties to create a more complex flavor profile. Consider combining cheddar with Parmesan, Gruyère, or blue cheese. Experiment with different cheese combinations to find your favorite blend.
- Savory Additions: To make your scones heartier, you can include additional ingredients like cooked and crumbled bacon, diced ham, or sun-dried tomatoes. These savory additions will provide extra texture and flavor.
Also Read: Delicious Mary Berry Bread Sauce Recipe
Cheese Scone By Mary Berry Recipe
Equipment
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Digital scales(optional)
- Cheese grater
- Rolling Pin
- Cutter (or a glass ifyou don't have one)
- Baking trays
- Greaseproof or parchment paper
- Wire rack (for cooling the scones)
Ingredients
- 250 g self-raising flour
- pinch salt
- ¼ cup Butter
- 1 cup cheddar cheese
- ½ tbsp mustard powder
- ⅔ cup milk
Instructions
Dough for Cheese Scone
- Start by measuring250g (2 cups) of self-raising flour into a mixing bowl. Add a pinch of salt tothe flour.
- Cut 60g (1/4 cup) ofbutter into small pieces and add them to the bowl with the flour. Make sure thebutter is cold for best results.
- Using yourfingertips, gently rub the butter into the flour. Keep rubbing the mixture together until it resembles fine breadcrumbs. This process helps incorporate the butter evenly into the flour.your fingertips
- Once the butter and flour are well mixed, it should have a breadcrumb-like texture. This means that the small pieces of butter are evenly distributed throughout the flour mixture.
- Grate 125g (1 cup) of cheddar cheese and add it to the flour mixture along with 1/2 teaspoon of mustard powder. You can also use other hard, strong cheeses like red Leicester or parmesan if desired.
- Mix the cheese and mustard powder into the flour mixture using your hands or a spoon. Ensure that the cheese is evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Shaping and Baking the Scones
- Sprinkle some flouron your work surface. Take the dough and roll it out with a rolling pin or patit down with your hands until it reaches the desired thickness, about 1.5-2cm.
- Use a cutter or a glass to cut out the scones from the rolled-out dough. Place the scones onto a baking tray lined with greaseproof or parchment paper. Make sure to leave some space between the scones for them to expand while baking.
- If you'd like, you can brush the tops of each scone with a little milk. This will give them a golden color when baked. Sprinkle some finely grated cheese on top of the scones for an extra cheesy flavor and a nice crust.
- Preheat your oven to 220°C(200°C fan or 425°F).
- Place the baking tray with the scones into the preheated oven. Bake the cheese scones for approximately 12 minutes or until they are golden brown and have risen.
- Once baked, remove the scones from the oven and transfer them to a wire rack to cool slightly.
How long will the cheese scones keep?
According to the information provided, if you want to keep the cheese scones for longer, you can put them in an airtight container. They should stay fresh for a day or two. Before serving, you can warm them slightly to freshen them up.
Can I freeze the cheese scones?
Yes, scones generally freeze well. Once they have cooled down, you can place them in a freezer bag or an airtight container. They should keep in the freezer for a few months. When you want to serve them, you may want to warm them before serving.
Can I make the scones without mustard powder?
Yes, if you don’t have mustard powder, you can still make the scones without it. The mustard powder adds flavor to the scones, but you can omit it if you don’t have any on hand. The scones will still be delicious without it.
How much baking powder should I use if using plain flour?
If you’re using plain flour instead of self-raising flour, you will need to add 2 teaspoons of baking powder for every 2 cups of plain flour. Additionally, you can also add a pinch of salt to the flour mixture.
Can I make the scones without eggs?
The provided recipe includes one egg, and eggs are typically used in scone recipes to provide moisture and help with binding. However, if you have dietary restrictions or prefer to make eggless scones, you can try using an egg substitute such as mashed bananas, applesauce, or a commercial egg replacement product. Keep in mind that the texture and taste of the scones may be slightly different without eggs.
