Jamie Oliver’s cheese scones are a delightful treat, combining the comforting flavors of cheese with a soft, crumbly scone. Perfect for brunch, a quick snack, or as a side to your favorite soup, these scones bring a touch of gourmet to your home baking.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through Jamie Oliver’s cheese scone recipe step by step, providing tips to ensure your scones turn out perfectly every time.
What are Jamie Oliver Cheese Scones?
Jamie Oliver’s cheese scones are a savory baked good, enriched with cheese and often served as a snack or side dish. They are known for their rich, buttery texture and robust cheesy flavor, making them a favorite in many households. This recipe serves 8-10 people and takes about 30-40 minutes from start to finish.
Other Scones Recipes
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: Made with everyday kitchen staples.
- Quick to Prepare: Ready in under an hour, perfect for last-minute gatherings.
- Versatile: Ideal as a breakfast option, a side for soups, or a standalone snack.
- Comforting and Satisfying: These scones are both comforting to eat and satisfying, making them perfect for any time of day.
- Customizable: Easily adaptable with various add-ins and flavors to suit your taste or meal theme.
Ingredients Needed to Make Jamie Oliver Cheese Scones
- All-purpose flour (2 cups / 500 grams): Sifted, provides the base structure.
- Baking powder (1 tablespoon): Helps the scones rise.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances flavor.
- Unsalted butter (1/4 cup / 55 grams): Cold and cubed, for a flaky texture.
- Sharp cheddar cheese (1 cup / 225 grams, shredded): Adds richness and depth; you can substitute with any other hard cheese for variety.
- Whole milk (3/4 cup / 180 ml): Binds the dough and adds moisture. Substitute with buttermilk for a tangier taste.
- Mustard powder (1 teaspoon): Gives a slight kick, enhancing the cheesy flavor.
- Egg (1 large): For brushing on top, gives a golden finish to the scones.
Useful Equipment
- Large mixing bowl: For combining the dry ingredients.
- Grater: For shredding the cheese.
- Pastry cutter or two knives: To blend the butter into the flour.
- Baking sheet: Lined with parchment paper.
- Rolling pin: For evenly rolling out the dough.
- Round cutter: To shape the scones.
Instructions to Make Jamie Oliver Cheese Scones
Step 1: Preparation of the Dough
- Preheat the Oven: Start by heating your oven to 220°C (425°F). This high temperature is key for a perfect rise.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In your large mixing bowl, combine the sifted flour, baking powder, salt, and mustard powder. Stir these together until well mixed.
- Incorporate Butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or two knives to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs.
- Add Cheese: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, mixing until evenly distributed throughout the flour mixture.
Step 2: Forming the Scone Dough
- Add Milk Gradually: Pour in the milk slowly, stirring continuously until the dough begins to form. Use your hands to gently bring the mixture together; avoid overworking the dough to keep the scones light and fluffy.
- Roll Out the Dough: Lightly flour your work surface and roll the dough to about 2 cm in thickness. Ensure even thickness for uniform baking.
Step 3: Cutting and Baking
- Cut Out Scones: Using a round cutter, press down into the dough to cut out the scones. Place each scone on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each for expansion.
- Brush with Egg: Beat the egg lightly and brush over the top of each scone. This will give them a beautiful golden color as they bake.
- Bake: Place the tray in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes or until the scones are golden brown and well-risen.
What Do I Serve With Jamie Oliver Cheese Scones?
- Creamy Soups: Pair these scones with a bowl of tomato bisque or broccoli cheddar soup for a comforting meal.
- Salads: Serve alongside a crisp garden salad dressed with balsamic vinaigrette to balance the richness of the cheese.
- Breakfast Spreads: Offer them breakfast with a variety of spreads such as cream cheese, butter, or savory chutney.
- Charcuterie Boards: Include these scones on a charcuterie board with a selection of meats, nuts, and fruits for an elegant appetizer.
- Egg Dishes: Accompany with scrambled or poached eggs for a hearty brunch option.
- Smoked Salmon: Top the scones with smoked salmon and a dollop of crème fraîche for a luxurious treat.
Expert Tips to Make Perfect Jamie Oliver Cheese Scones
- Keep Ingredients Cold: Ensure your butter and milk are cold to help achieve flaky, tender scones.
- Do Not Overmix: Mix the dough just until it comes together to avoid developing gluten, which can make the scones tough.
- Sharp Cheese: Use extra sharp cheddar for a more intense cheese flavor that really stands out.
- Use Fresh Baking Powder: Ensure your baking powder is fresh for the best rise.
- Grate Your Own Cheese: Grate cheese from a block rather than buying pre-shredded to avoid added preservatives and achieve better melting.
Variations of Jamie Oliver Cheese Scones
- Add Herbs: Mix in fresh chives or parsley for an aromatic touch.
- Spicy Kick: Include diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper for scones with a bit of heat.
- Different Cheeses: Try using Gruyère or smoked cheese for a different flavor profile.
- Sundried Tomatoes and Olives: Add chopped sundried tomatoes and sliced olives for a Mediterranean twist.
- Whole Wheat Option: Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier texture and added nutrients.
How do I Store Jamie Oliver Cheese Scones Leftovers?
- Room Temperature: Store cooled scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerate: For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week.
How do I Reheat Jamie Oliver Cheese Scones Leftovers?
- Oven Method: Reheat in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-10 minutes.
- Microwave: For a quick option, microwave on high for 20-30 seconds, though this may soften their texture.
FAQs
What Is the Best Cheese to Use for Jamie Oliver Cheese Scones?
For Jamie Oliver cheese scones, sharp cheddar is recommended due to its rich flavor and excellent melting qualities. However, for a variation, you can use Gruyère, Parmesan, or any hard cheese that suits your taste preferences.
How Long Do Cheese Scones Stay Fresh?
Cheese scones stay fresh for up to 2 days at room temperature when stored in an airtight container. If refrigerated, they can last up to a week. Ensure they are cooled completely before storing to maintain optimal freshness.
Can Cheese Scones Be Frozen?
Yes, cheese scones can be frozen. To freeze, wrap each scone individually in cling film or place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or reheat in the oven for best results.
What Are Some Common Mistakes When Making Cheese Scones?
Common mistakes when making cheese scones include overworking the dough, which can make the scones tough, and not keeping the ingredients cold, which is crucial for achieving a flaky texture. Another mistake is using expired baking powder, which can prevent the scones from rising properly.
Where Did Cheese Scones Originate?
Cheese scones are a variation of the traditional British scone, which originated in Scotland. The original scone was a round and flat cake made from oat or barley, baked on a griddle. The modern version, which includes cheese and is baked in the oven, emerged as a popular savory treat in the UK, adapting the basic scone recipe to include savory ingredients like cheese for added flavor.
Final Words
Jamie Oliver’s cheese scones offer a fantastic way to add a British flair to your culinary repertoire. With their rich flavor and versatile serving options, these scones are sure to be a hit whether you’re hosting a brunch or simply enjoying a cozy afternoon at home. Follow these steps and tips to create delicious, perfect scones every time.