
Introduction to Cottage Cheese & Bacon Scones
There’s something magical about the aroma of freshly baked goods wafting through the kitchen. It takes me back to lazy Sunday mornings, where the world outside felt still, and breakfast was a cherished ritual. These Cottage Cheese & Bacon Scones are not just a recipe; they’re a warm hug on a plate. Perfect for a quick breakfast or a delightful snack, they combine the rich creaminess of cottage cheese with the savory crunch of bacon. Whether you’re rushing out the door or hosting friends, these scones are sure to impress and satisfy. Let’s dive into this delicious adventure!
Why You’ll Love This Cottage Cheese & Bacon Scones
These Cottage Cheese & Bacon Scones are a game-changer for busy mornings. They come together in just 35 minutes, making them a quick solution for breakfast or a snack. The combination of creamy cottage cheese and crispy bacon creates a flavor explosion that’s hard to resist. Plus, they’re versatile enough to adapt to your taste, ensuring everyone at the table will be asking for seconds!
Ingredients for Cottage Cheese & Bacon Scones
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating these delightful Cottage Cheese & Bacon Scones. Here’s what you’ll need:
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of your scones, providing structure and a light texture.
- Baking powder: This leavening agent helps the scones rise, giving them that fluffy interior.
- Sea salt: A pinch enhances the flavors, balancing the richness of the cheese and bacon.
- Freshly ground black pepper: Adds a subtle kick, elevating the savory profile of the scones.
- Unsalted butter: Chilled and diced, it creates flaky layers and a rich taste.
- Cottage cheese: The star ingredient! It adds moisture and a creamy texture, making the scones tender.
- Crispy bacon: Chopped into bits, it brings a savory crunch that pairs perfectly with the cheese.
- Scallions: Finely sliced, they add a fresh, oniony flavor that brightens the scones.
- Large egg: This binds the ingredients together and contributes to the scone’s richness.
- Buttermilk: A splash adds tanginess and helps achieve that perfect dough consistency.
For those looking to mix things up, consider these optional ingredients:
- Shredded cheddar cheese: A delightful addition for extra cheesiness.
- Diced ham or crumbled sausage: Swap the bacon for a different savory twist.
- Fresh herbs: Rosemary or thyme can be added for an aromatic touch.
Exact measurements for these ingredients can be found at the bottom of the article, ready for printing!
How to Make Cottage Cheese & Bacon Scones
Creating these Cottage Cheese & Bacon Scones is a straightforward process that yields delicious results. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a batch of warm, savory scones ready to enjoy in no time!
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. This ensures that your scones bake evenly and rise beautifully. While the oven heats up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a spacious bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Mix well to ensure the baking powder is evenly distributed. This step is crucial for achieving that fluffy texture in your scones.
Step 3: Incorporate Butter
Next, take your chilled, diced butter and incorporate it into the flour mixture. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to work the butter in until it resembles small pebbles. This creates those flaky layers we all love in a good scone.
Step 4: Add Cottage Cheese and Bacon
Now, gently fold in the cottage cheese, chopped bacon, and sliced scallions. Be careful not to overmix; you want everything just combined. The cottage cheese adds moisture, while the bacon brings that savory crunch.
Step 5: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the large egg and buttermilk. Once mixed, pour this into your dough. Fold until everything is unified. This step helps bind the ingredients and adds richness to the scones.
Step 6: Shape the Dough
Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Shape it into a round disc about 1-inch thick. Don’t worry about perfection; rustic is the name of the game here!
Step 7: Cut and Arrange
Using a sharp knife, cut the disc into 8 equal triangles. Arrange them on your prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each scone. This allows them to expand while baking.
Step 8: Bake
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you want the tops to turn golden brown and the scones to be cooked through. The aroma will be irresistible!
Step 9: Cool and Serve
Once baked, let the scones cool for a few minutes on a wire rack. This helps them set and makes them easier to handle. Serve them warm, and watch everyone enjoy these delightful Cottage Cheese & Bacon Scones!
Tips for Success
- Use cold butter for flaky scones; it makes a world of difference.
- Don’t overmix the dough; a few lumps are perfectly fine.
- For extra flavor, let the bacon cool slightly before adding it to the mixture.
- Experiment with different herbs or cheeses to customize your scones.
- Serve them warm for the best taste and texture.
Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowls: A large bowl for dry ingredients and a smaller one for wet ingredients.
- Pastry cutter or fork: To incorporate butter into the flour; a fork works just fine.
- Baking sheet: A standard sheet will do; consider using a cast iron skillet for a rustic touch.
- Parchment paper: For easy cleanup; aluminum foil can be a substitute.
- Sharp knife: Essential for cutting the scones; a pizza cutter can also work!
Variations
- Cheesy Delight: Add 1/4 cup of shredded cheddar cheese for an extra cheesy flavor that pairs beautifully with the bacon.
- Herb Infusion: Mix in fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to elevate the flavor profile and add a fragrant touch.
- Meat Swap: Replace the bacon with diced ham or crumbled sausage for a different savory twist that still delivers on taste.
- Spicy Kick: Incorporate diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper for those who enjoy a bit of heat in their scones.
- Vegetarian Option: Omit the bacon and add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for a delicious vegetarian version that’s equally satisfying.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair these scones with a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese for added richness.
- Serve alongside a fresh garden salad for a light lunch option.
- Enjoy with a hot cup of coffee or tea to complement the savory flavors.
- For a brunch spread, arrange them on a platter with fresh fruit.
FAQs about Cottage Cheese & Bacon Scones
Can I make these Cottage Cheese & Bacon Scones ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just shape the scones and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. This way, you can enjoy fresh scones with minimal effort!
What can I substitute for cottage cheese?
If you’re not a fan of cottage cheese, you can use ricotta cheese as a substitute. It will still provide that creamy texture and moisture, ensuring your scones remain tender and delicious.
How do I store leftover scones?
To keep your scones fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them. Just wrap each scone tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They’ll be good for up to 3 months!
Can I add other ingredients to the scone mix?
What’s the best way to reheat scones?
The best way to reheat scones is in the oven. Preheat it to 350°F and place the scones on a baking sheet for about 5-10 minutes. This will help restore their flaky texture and warm them through without making them dry.
Final Thoughts
There’s a certain joy that comes from baking these Cottage Cheese & Bacon Scones. The process is simple, yet the results are nothing short of delightful. Each bite offers a perfect balance of savory flavors, making them a hit at any gathering or a comforting treat for yourself. Whether you enjoy them fresh out of the oven or as a quick snack later, these scones bring warmth and satisfaction to your day. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and let the aroma of these scones fill your kitchen. You won’t regret it!
PrintCottage Cheese & Bacon Scones: Discover the Savory Delight!
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 scones
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Savory Cottage Cheese and Bacon Scones that are perfect for breakfast or a snack.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and diced
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1/2 cup crispy bacon, chopped
- 1/4 cup scallions, finely sliced
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon buttermilk
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a spacious bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, sea salt, and black pepper, mixing well.
- Incorporate the cold, diced butter into the flour mixture until it resembles small pebbles.
- Gently fold in the cottage cheese, chopped bacon, and sliced scallions until just combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the egg and buttermilk together, then pour into the dough and fold until unified.
- Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and shape it into a round disc about 1-inch thick.
- Cut the disc into 8 equal triangles and arrange them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the tops are golden and the biscuits are cooked through.
- Let them cool for a few minutes on a wire rack before serving warm.
Notes
- For a delightful variation, mix in 1/4 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
- Consider swapping the bacon for diced ham or crumbled sausage.
- Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme can be added for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Baked Goods
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 scone
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 30mg