Name: Savoury scones
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 9
Ingredients: 4 cups self-raising flour, plus extra; 1/2 tsp baking powder; 1 Tbsp caster sugar; Pinch sea-salt flakes; 75g unsalted butter, chilled, chopped, plus 150g extra, softened; Freshly ground black pepper; 1 small (120g) zucchini, coarsely grated; 1 1/2 cups buttermilk, plus extra, to brush; 1/2 cup grated tasty cheese, plus extra 1/4 cup; 2 Tbsp chopped chives, plus extra, to serve; Paprika, to sprinkle

Combine cheese and chives your savoury scones that are less-fuss, more-taste bake.

These are the perfect side for winter soups, roasted salads or instead of having a slice of bread with your dish!

Ingredients

4 cups self-raising flour, plus extra

1/2 tsp baking powder

1 Tbsp caster sugar

Pinch sea-salt flakes

75g unsalted butter, chilled, chopped, plus 150g extra, softened

Freshly ground black pepper

1 small (120g) zucchini, coarsely grated

1 1/2 cups buttermilk, plus extra, to brush

1/2 cup grated tasty cheese, plus extra 1/4 cup

2 Tbsp chopped chives, plus extra, to serve

Paprika, to sprinkle

Method

Step 1

Preheat oven to 200°C fan- forced (220°C conventional). Line a large baking tray with baking paper.

Step 2

Sift flour and baking powder into a large bowl. Stir in sugar and salt. Rub in butter until just combined. Season with pepper.

Step 3

Squeeze excess water from zucchini. Make a well in flour mixture. Add zucchini, buttermilk, cheese and chives. Stir with a flat-bladed knife until almost combined and mixture has formed a soft, sticky dough.

Step 4

Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface. Press dough out to a 2.5cm-thick oval. Using a large, lightly floured knife, cut into 9 scones and put on prepared tray about 1cm apart. Brush with a little extra buttermilk. Top with extra cheese and sprinkle with paprika. Bake for 25 minutes, or until golden and cooked through. Set aside to cool for 5 minutes.

Step 5

Meanwhile, using an electric mixer, beat extra butter for 5 minutes or until light and fluffy. Season with pepper, sprinkle with extra chives. Serve scones, warm or cold, with whipped butter.

savoury scones with butter and wooden spoon

What goes well with savoury scones?

Savoury scones go well with a multitude of recipes. If your recipe would work well with a crunchy slice of bread, it would work well with a savoury scone as well! The following recipes would be perfect with a savoury scone on the side:

Tomato soup
Pumpkin soup
Stews and stroganoff
Scrambled or poached eggs
Smoked salmon or gravlax
Roasted vegetables, including honey carrots, roast pumpkin or cauliflower
Charcuterie, with marinated olives and cheese

Why are my scones dry and crumbly?

Your scones may be dry and crumbly if you overwork your dough when kneading and shaping, or if you leave them in the oven for too long. When baking in the oven, keep an eye on your scones through the window, but don’t open the oven and let out all the air!

How to tell when scones are done?

The best way to tell if scones are ready is by pressing down on the top of them. If their tops are firm to touch, they’re ready to come out of the oven.

How to keep scones fresh until the next day overnight?

The best way to keep your scones fresh overnight is by placing them in an air-tight container. If you store your scones on an uncovered plate or in a container without a lid, they will dry out and go stale.

Can you freeze savory scones?

You can freeze already-baked scones. Make sure your scones are completely cool before placing them in an air-tight container. They will last up to 3 months in your freezer. It is not recommended to freeze uncooked scone dough.

Kim Coverdale