I remember the first time I made cheese scones. It was a chilly Saturday afternoon, and I had just come across a Jamie Oliver recipe. His recipes have a way of making you feel like you’re in a cozy kitchen, no matter where you are. That day, I was craving something comforting but didn’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Enter Jamie’s Cheese Scones-a perfect mix of simplicity and indulgence.
The smell that filled the kitchen as those scones baked was something else. Golden, cheesy, and just a hint of sharpness, they were the ultimate treat with a cup of tea. From that moment, I knew these scones would be on my go-to list for quick but delicious baking. If you’re looking for an easy, foolproof way to elevate your baking, these cheese scones are your answer.
Jamie Oliver’s Cheese Scones Recipe
Jamie Oliver’s recipe for cheese scones is one of those treasures that never fails to impress. It’s straightforward but yields scones that are light, fluffy, and perfectly cheesy. I’ve made this recipe countless times, tweaking it here and there, but the base recipe always delivers.
Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredients
- 225g self-raising flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- A pinch of salt
- 50g butter (cold and cubed)
- 75g cheddar cheese (grated, but you can experiment with other cheeses)
- 1 large egg
- 150ml milk (plus extra for brushing)
- A handful of fresh chives (optional but adds a lovely touch)
How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Cheese Scones
Making cheese scones is a breeze. It’s all about combining the right ingredients and handling them gently.
- Preheat the oven to 220°C (200°C fan) or 450°F. Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the self-raising flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. This will give your scones a nice rise.
- Cut in the butter: Add the cubed butter to the dry mixture. Use your fingertips to rub the butter into the flour until it resembles breadcrumbs. The trick is to keep your hands light to avoid warming the butter too much.
- Add cheese and chives: Stir in the grated cheddar cheese and chopped chives. This step will fill your kitchen with the most irresistible aroma.
- Mix the wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the egg and mix it with the milk. Add this liquid mixture to the flour-butter-cheese blend. Stir gently with a spoon until everything just comes together.
- Shape the dough: Lightly flour your work surface. Turn the dough out and press it down gently to about 2-3 cm thick. Use a round cutter (about 5cm wide) to cut out the scones.
- Bake: Place the scones on the baking tray, brush with a little milk, and bake for about 10-12 minutes or until golden and risen.
- Cool and serve: Let them cool slightly on a wire rack before diving in. Enjoy them with butter, jam, or even a bit more cheese!
Ingredient Science Spotlight
When it comes to baking, I love breaking down what’s going on with each ingredient. With these scones, there’s a fun science behind the magic:
- Self-raising flour: This flour is pre-mixed with baking powder. It ensures your scones rise beautifully without needing any extra yeast or complex techniques.
- Baking powder: Helps in the leavening process, giving the scones a fluffy texture.
- Cold butter: The butter needs to stay cold. This helps form those little pockets of air, which is what gives the scones their lightness. If the butter melts too soon, your scones might end up dense and tough.
- Cheese: The fat in the cheese helps keep the scones moist while providing flavor. Plus, the saltiness of the cheese really complements the slight sweetness of the scone.
- Eggs and milk: These bind everything together and create a soft dough. The milk also adds moisture, while the egg helps give the scones a beautiful golden crust.
Expert Tips
Here’s the insider info to make your cheese scones next level:
- Chill your butter: Cold butter is essential for achieving the right texture. You could even freeze it briefly before using.
- Don’t overwork the dough: Mix the dough until just combined. Overworking it will result in dense scones.
- Use a sharp cheese: A sharper cheese like aged cheddar gives the scones a wonderful depth of flavor.
- Brush with milk: Brushing the tops of the scones with milk before baking helps them develop a glossy golden crust.
- Freeze for later: You can freeze uncooked scones on a baking tray. Once they’re frozen, transfer them to a ziplock bag. When you’re ready, bake them straight from the freezer (just add a few minutes to the baking time).
Recipe Variations
This is one of those recipes where you can easily switch up ingredients depending on what you like or have on hand:
- Add herbs: Rosemary or thyme are both excellent choices. Fresh dill or parsley also work well.
- Spicy kick: Add some finely chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to give them a bit of heat.
- Different cheeses: Try Gruyère for a nuttier flavor, or a blend of Parmesan and mozzarella for a stretchy, savory scone.
- Sun-dried tomatoes: Add finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean twist.
- Vegan version: Swap butter for a plant-based alternative and use non-dairy milk. Nutritional yeast can be added for that cheesy flavor.
Final Words
Making scones is like a small victory every time. There’s something so satisfying about seeing them rise perfectly in the oven. With Jamie Oliver’s recipe, you’re guaranteed to create a batch of scones that’s fluffy, cheesy, and full of flavor. Plus, the simplicity of the recipe makes it ideal for both beginners and seasoned bakers.
Every time I make them, I’m reminded of how something so simple can bring such joy to the table.
FAQs
What Makes Jamie Oliver’s Cheese Scones So Special?
Jamie’s cheese scones are soft, buttery, and packed with cheese. The combination of simple ingredients and his technique makes them perfectly fluffy.
Can I Use A Different Type Of Cheese For Jamie Oliver’s Scones?
Absolutely! You can swap out cheddar for any cheese you like-Gruyère, Stilton, or even a mix for more flavor.
How Can I Ensure My Cheese Scones Come Out Light And Fluffy?
Make sure you don’t overwork the dough. Gently mix the ingredients and handle the dough as little as possible to keep the scones light.