Irresistible Mini Cheddar Bacon Scones: The Ultimate Savory Treat

While many people might associate scones with sweet flavors like blueberry or chocolate chip, there’s a whole world of savory possibilities just waiting to be explored. For me, discovering the versatility of scones was a delightful journey that started later in life. But I’ve certainly made up for lost time! Among my diverse repertoire of scone creations, these Mini Cheddar Bacon Scones stand out as an absolute favorite. They are incredibly rich, flavorful, and perfect for any time you’re craving a satisfying, savory bite.

One common characteristic of bakery scones is their generous size. While impressive, such large scones can sometimes be a bit much, especially given their rich nature. That’s why I prefer to make these a bit smaller. I call them “mini” because it perfectly captures their delightful, bite-sized appeal, even if they aren’t strictly miniature. This recipe yields eight perfectly portioned scones, making them ideal for a family breakfast, a light brunch, or even an afternoon snack. And for those times when you need fewer at once, or want to get a head start, the unbaked dough triangles freeze beautifully, ready to be baked from frozen whenever a craving strikes.

Imagine waking up to the aroma of freshly baked scones without all the morning prep work. That’s precisely the convenience these make-ahead Cheddar Bacon Scones offer. Having a stash of frozen scone dough triangles in your freezer is a game-changer for busy mornings or unexpected guests. Just pull them out, pop them on a baking sheet, and bake. It’s that simple to achieve warm, fluffy, homemade scones with minimal effort on demand.

The Irresistible Appeal of Savory Scones

While sweet scones hold a special place in many hearts, savory scones like these Cheddar Bacon Scones offer a uniquely satisfying experience. They bridge the gap between a light breakfast pastry and a hearty bread, making them incredibly versatile. The sharp, salty notes of cheddar cheese combined with the smoky, crispy bits of bacon create a flavor profile that is both comforting and exciting. Unlike their sweet counterparts, these scones don’t require any jams or creams to be enjoyed; they are perfect on their own, or as a delightful accompaniment to a bowl of soup, a hearty chili, or even a weekend roast.

Why “Mini” Makes Them Perfect

The term “mini” isn’t just for aesthetics here; it’s a key to enjoying these rich treats without feeling overwhelmed. Because Cheddar Bacon Scones are packed with flavor and a good amount of butter and cheese, a smaller portion size is ideal. These “mini” scones allow you to savor every bite without overindulging, making them perfect for individual servings at a brunch buffet, as part of a varied breakfast platter, or even as elegant appetizers for a gathering. Their compact size also ensures more even baking and a lovely golden-brown crust on all sides.

Mastering the Art of Make-Ahead Scones

One of the best features of this recipe for Mini Cheddar Bacon Scones is its freezer-friendliness. Preparing the dough ahead of time and freezing it in individual portions is a brilliant strategy for meal prep. It means you’re always just 20 minutes away from a batch of warm, homemade scones. To freeze the unbaked dough, simply arrange the cut triangles on a parchment-lined baking sheet and place them in the freezer until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight freezer bag or container. This prevents them from sticking together and helps maintain their shape and freshness for several weeks.

When you’re ready to bake, there’s no need to thaw! Just place the frozen scone triangles on a parchment-lined baking sheet, brush with an egg wash (or heavy cream for extra richness), and bake directly from frozen. You’ll typically need to add an extra 2-5 minutes to the usual baking time to account for the frozen dough, but keep an eye on them until they are beautifully golden brown and cooked through. This method is incredibly convenient and ensures you always have a delicious, fresh-baked treat at your fingertips, whether for an impromptu breakfast, an afternoon tea, or a last-minute brunch.

Key Ingredients for Perfect Savory Scones

The magic of these Mini Cheddar Bacon Scones lies in the quality and balance of their simple ingredients. Starting with all-purpose flour provides the essential structure. For lift and fluffiness, baking powder is crucial; adjust the amount slightly if you prefer a denser or puffier scone. A touch of salt enhances all the flavors, and I recommend adjusting it if you’re using salted butter or prefer a bolder taste. A small amount of sugar might seem out of place in a savory scone, but it helps with browning and balances the salty and tangy notes beautifully.

The star ingredients, of course, are the shredded sharp cheddar cheese and crispy, chopped bacon. Sharp cheddar provides a robust, tangy flavor that stands up well to the richness of the bacon. Using pre-cooked and crumbled bacon, or cooking it yourself to a perfect crisp, ensures delicious pockets of smoky goodness in every bite. Diced green onions add a fresh, subtle oniony kick and a pop of color, while a generous amount of ground black pepper introduces a welcome warmth and spiciness that elevates the overall profile. Don’t be shy with the pepper – it’s part of what makes these scones so wonderfully peppery!

Crucially, cold unsalted butter is key to flaky scones. Grating the butter into the flour mixture ensures it’s evenly distributed and remains in small, cold pieces, which creates steam during baking and results in that desirable tender, flaky texture. Finally, buttermilk contributes a tangy flavor and a wonderfully soft crumb. Its acidity reacts with the baking powder, further aiding in the scone’s rise. Always start with the recommended amount and add more gradually, a tablespoon at a time, until your dough just comes together – careful not to overmix!

Below you’ll find the complete recipe, crafted for perfect results every time. I often experiment with my recipes, so if you have any questions or decide to put your own spin on these delicious scones, please don’t hesitate to reach out!

• Chipotle Bacon Cornbread
• Rosemary Bacon Chicken over Lemon Garlic Pasta
• Cheddar Cheese Biscuits
• Baked Penne with Spinach, Roasted Peppers and Bacon
• Quiche for Two or Three

Recipe

Mini Cheddar Bacon Scones

Anna

These small scones, affectionately known as Mini Cheddar Bacon Scones, boast a delightful peppery kick. If you’re preparing them for young children or prefer a milder flavor, feel free to reduce the amount of black pepper by half.

Print Recipe
Pin Recipe

Prep Time
10 minutes mins

Cook Time
20 minutes mins

Total Time
30 minutes mins

Course
Breakfast

Cuisine
American

Servings
8

Ingredients

 

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (approx. 200 grams)
• 1 ¾ teaspoons baking powder**
• ½ teaspoon salt (reduce to ¼ if using salted butter, or adjust to your preference for saltiness)
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (very cold, cut into small pieces or grated)
• ⅔ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 3 tablespoons diced green onions
• 4 slices of bacon (cooked until crispy and chopped into ½ inch pieces; feel free to add more if desired for extra flavor)
• ½ cup plus 2 to 4 tablespoons buttermilk (cold)
• 2 tablespoons lightly beaten egg or heavy cream (for brushing the tops of the scones)

Instructions

 

• Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, and ground black pepper. For the butter, you can either cut it into tiny cubes or, my preferred method, use a cheese grater to grate the cold butter directly over the flour mixture. After every few grates, gently toss the butter with the flour using your fingertips to coat it. Continue this until all the butter is incorporated and the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Finally, stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese.
• Add the diced green onions, crispy chopped bacon, and the initial ½ cup of cold buttermilk to the flour mixture. Mix gently with a fork or your hands just until the ingredients are blended. At this stage, the dough will likely still appear a little dry and crumbly. Continue adding the remaining buttermilk, one tablespoon at a time, mixing minimally after each addition, until the dough just barely comes together and forms a cohesive mass. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough scones.
• Turn the scone dough out onto a lightly floured surface or a large pastry mat. Gently knead the dough a few times, just enough to bring any loose flour into the mass. Avoid excessive kneading. Shape the dough into a rough rectangle, approximately 4×8 inches in size and about ¾ inch thick. Cut this rectangle in half crosswise to create two 4-inch squares. Then, cut each square diagonally from corner to corner to form two triangles. This will give you four larger scones. For “mini” scones, cut each of these triangles in half again, yielding eight smaller triangles in total.
• Carefully arrange the scone triangles onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between each scone. Brush the tops of the scones with the lightly beaten egg or heavy cream. This will give them a beautiful golden sheen and a slightly crisp crust. Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the scones are cooked through. If baking from frozen, add an extra 2-5 minutes to the baking time. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

If you prefer a scone that is less puffy and a bit denser, you can reduce the amount of baking powder to just 1 ½ teaspoons. For a richer flavor, consider using heavy cream instead of egg wash for brushing the tops. Remember, cold butter and minimal handling are key to light and flaky scones!

Keyword
Cheddar Bacon, Scones, Savory Scones, Breakfast, Brunch

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Serving Suggestions and Delicious Variations

These Mini Cheddar Bacon Scones are incredibly flavorful on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with a variety of accompaniments. For a simple breakfast, enjoy them warm with a smear of plain butter or a dollop of cream cheese. They make an excellent side for scrambled eggs or a frittata, complementing the richness of the eggs perfectly. For a heartier meal, serve them alongside a warm bowl of tomato soup, a robust chili, or a savory stew – their flaky texture and rich flavor soak up and enhance the liquid beautifully.

Feeling adventurous? You can easily customize this recipe to suit your taste. Consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the dough for an extra spicy kick. Fresh herbs like chives, rosemary, or thyme would also make fantastic additions, adding an aromatic depth. You could experiment with different types of cheese, such as smoked gouda, gruyere, or a spicy pepper jack, to change up the flavor profile. For a vegetarian option, you could substitute the bacon with sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers, or even a mix of sautéed mushrooms for an equally delightful savory scone. The possibilities are endless!

A Timeless Treat for Any Occasion

Whether you’re hosting a sophisticated brunch, preparing a quick and satisfying breakfast, or simply looking for a delightful savory snack, these Mini Cheddar Bacon Scones are sure to impress. Their comforting flavors, coupled with the convenience of being able to make them ahead, make them a truly indispensable recipe. Give them a try, and you might just find that these savory scones become your new go-to baked good, proving that sometimes the best things come in small, flavorful packages.