I remember the first time I tried making cheese scones. It was one of those rainy days when I just wanted something warm and comforting. I had a craving for something light, cheesy, and just a bit crumbly. That’s when I stumbled upon Jamie Oliver’s Cheese Scones recipe. It felt like the perfect way to indulge without feeling guilty, and it wasn’t too complicated either. The first bite was like a mini celebration-light, buttery, with just the right amount of cheese. Since then, this recipe has been a staple in my kitchen, whether I’m entertaining guests or just treating myself to a cozy snack.
What makes Jamie Oliver’s version so special is how simple it is, yet it hits all the right notes. It’s a recipe you can easily master, and the results are always impressive.
Jamie Oliver’s Cheese Scones Recipe
When I first tried Jamie’s recipe, I was surprised by how few ingredients were needed, and how quickly everything came together. The process is straightforward, with no special equipment required, which makes it great for anyone, regardless of experience. Jamie’s take is all about simplicity, yet he still manages to bring out rich flavors and textures.
Ingredients Needed
The beauty of Jamie Oliver’s cheese scones lies in the simplicity of the ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to gather before you get started:
- Self-raising flour: The backbone of your scone, giving it that light, airy texture.
- Cold butter: It needs to be chilled. This is what gives the scone its flaky, tender crumb.
- Cheddar cheese: Use a good quality cheddar. It’s the star flavor, so make it count.
- Milk: The moisture that brings it all together. You can also use buttermilk for a slightly tangy kick.
- Baking powder: While the self-raising flour has some, a little extra ensures the scones rise beautifully.
- Salt: A pinch to balance the flavors and enhance the cheese.
- Optional: Mustard powder or cayenne pepper for a bit of extra flavor, if you’re feeling adventurous.
The combination of these ingredients doesn’t seem like much, but they work together in such a balanced way that the flavor is undeniable.
How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Cheese Scones
Making Jamie Oliver’s Cheese Scones is surprisingly easy once you get the hang of it. I remember being hesitant about the "rubbing in the butter" step, thinking it might be too fussy. But when I actually did it, I found the process soothing-there’s something quite satisfying about getting your hands in the dough.
Here’s how you do it:
- Preheat the oven: Set it to 220°C (200°C fan-assisted), or about 425°F. A hot oven is key to getting a good rise.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together the self-raising flour, salt, and any additional flavorings (like mustard powder or cayenne).
- Rubbing in the butter: Add the cold butter to the flour and use your fingertips to rub it in until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. It’s a bit messy but fun-don’t worry if some of the butter remains a bit chunky.
- Add cheese: Stir in the grated cheese. I usually go heavy on the cheese because, well, you can never have too much.
- Pour in the milk: Make a well in the center and pour in most of the milk. Stir gently with a fork until the dough comes together. You might need a little extra milk to get the right consistency.
- Shape the dough: Lightly flour your work surface and turn the dough out. Gently knead it a couple of times, then pat it down to about 2 cm thick.
- Cut out the scones: Use a round cutter (about 5-6 cm in diameter) to cut out the scones. Don’t twist the cutter as you press down; just straight up and down for the best rise.
- Bake: Place the scones on a baking tray, brush the tops with a little milk, and bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
Ingredient Science Spotlight
One of the things I find most interesting about baking is the science behind it. For Jamie Oliver’s Cheese Scones, each ingredient plays a role in making sure the scones come out just right. Here’s a quick breakdown of the magic:
- Self-raising flour: It already contains baking powder, which helps the scones rise as they bake. This ensures they’re light and fluffy rather than dense and heavy.
- Cold butter: When the butter is rubbed into the flour, small bits of fat coat the flour. This creates little pockets of air as the scones bake, making them light and flaky.
- Cheese: The cheese adds both flavor and moisture. The fats in the cheese help keep the scones tender, while the sharpness of cheddar brings a savory depth.
- Baking powder: A little extra boost of leavening. It helps the scones puff up in the oven, making them light and airy.
- Milk: Moisture is key to holding everything together. But if you use buttermilk instead of regular milk, you’ll get a slightly tangy flavor and a richer texture.
Expert Tips
Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks that can elevate the scone-making process:
- Don’t overwork the dough: Once the dough comes together, stop. Overworking it can make the scones tough. Keep it light and minimal.
- Chill the butter: If the butter isn’t cold, the scones might not rise as well. You can even chill the grated cheese and flour mixture for a few minutes to keep everything cold.
- Use a sharp cheddar: It makes a difference. A mature cheddar adds a depth of flavor that a mild one just won’t match.
- Add extra cheese on top: For that golden, cheesy crust, sprinkle some extra cheese over the top before baking.
- Keep the oven hot: Don’t open the oven door too early. If you do, the scones might collapse because they need the full heat to rise properly.
Recipe Variations
One of the things I love about Jamie Oliver’s recipe is how adaptable it is. Once you have the basic scone technique down, you can play around with different flavors:
- Herb-infused scones: Add some finely chopped rosemary, thyme, or chives into the dough for an herby twist.
- Cheese and bacon: Add crispy bacon pieces to the dough for a savory combination that feels like breakfast and lunch all in one.
- Cheese and jalapeño: For a little spice, finely chop a jalapeño and fold it into the dough along with the cheese.
- Mustard scones: For a tangy kick, add a teaspoon of Dijon mustard into the dough. The slight tang complements the sharp cheddar perfectly.
Final Words
Making cheese scones has become a comforting ritual for me. Whether I’m whipping them up for a casual afternoon snack or serving them as part of a hearty lunch, they never disappoint. The balance of ingredients is simple but spot on. The key is using quality ingredients and not rushing the process. The results? Soft, flaky, cheesy scones that melt in your mouth.
FAQs
What Makes Jamie Oliver’s Cheese Scones Unique?
Jamie Oliver’s cheese scones are light, fluffy, and packed with a rich, savory cheese flavor. They also use simple ingredients, making them easy to whip up at home.
Can I Use Different Types Of Cheese In The Recipe?
Yes, you can swap the cheese in Jamie’s recipe. Cheddar is the most common choice, but feel free to experiment with gruyere or parmesan for a different taste.
How Do I Make Jamie Oliver’s Cheese Scones Extra Flaky?
To get extra flaky scones, be sure not to overwork the dough. Mix gently and handle it as little as possible before baking.