Savory Cheese Scones

A rich, make-ahead recipe for delicious scones, that are frozen before baking, and can be adapted with any of your favorite ingredients. When you are ready to serve these, take them directly from the freezer and pop them into the oven.

• Ready In: 1 hr 20 mins
• Serves: 8
• Yields: 16 scones

Ingredients

• 2 3⁄4 cups all-purpose flour (can use 1/2 whole wheat)
• 2  tablespoons sugar
• 4  teaspoons baking powder
• 1⁄4 teaspoon salt
• 10  tablespoons butter, melted
• 6  ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 10  ounces deli ham (optional)
• 1⁄4 cup chives, chopped
• 1⁄4 cup bell pepper, chopped
• 1  cup heavy cream
• 1⁄4 cup sour cream

Directions

1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, stir together flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. Drizzle in the melted butter, and stir well. Stir in the cheddar, ham or bacon, chives, and chopped pepper.
3. In a small bowl, stir together the sour cream and the heavy cream.
4. Add the creams to the dry ingredients and stir just until everything is moistened and the dough sticks together.
5. Turn the dough out on to a floured surface. Using your floured hands, form the dough into 2 rounds that are 1 inch thick and 6-7 inches in diameter. Cut each round into 8 wedges, then transfer all to the prepared baking sheet.
6. Freeze at least 10 minutes, if baking immediately. Or freeze until firm and place in a ziplock baggie until ready to serve.
7. When ready to bake, preheat oven to 375 degrees. Place frozen scones evenly spaced about 2 inches apart, on a lightly greased baking sheet.
8. Sprinkle the scones with a small amount of shredded cheese if desired.
9. Bake for 20 minutes until golden and slightly firm, but not too brown.
10. Serve warm.