Mary Berry, a revered figure in the culinary world, especially in baking, has introduced many to the delights of traditional British cuisine with her simple yet elegant recipes.
Among her repertoire, the Cheese Scones stand out as a savory treat, combining the tender, flaky texture of classic scones with the rich, umami flavors of cheese.
Perfect for afternoon tea, breakfast, or as a snack, these scones are a testament to Mary Berry’s philosophy of using straightforward techniques to achieve delightful results.
What are Mary Berry Cheese Scones
Mary Berry’s Cheese Scones are a savory variant of the traditional British baked good. Unlike their sweet counterparts, these scones incorporate cheese into the dough, resulting in a rich and flavorful experience.
They are characterized by their golden exterior, soft and fluffy interior, and the delicious taste of melted cheese with every bite.
Often, they include additional ingredients for extra flavor, such as mustard powder and cayenne pepper, which complement the cheese beautifully.
What Goes Best with Mary Berry Cheese Scones
Cheese scones are versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways. They pair wonderfully with a bowl of soup or salad for a light lunch or as an accompaniment to a hearty stew.
For a classic afternoon tea, serve them warm with butter, cream cheese, or a savory chutney. They’re also delightful when enjoyed on their own, allowing the flavors of the cheese to shine through.
Ingredients
– 225g (8 oz) self-raising flour, plus extra for dusting
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 50g (2 oz) butter, cut into cubes
– 1/2 tsp mustard powder (optional)
– A pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
– 150g (5 oz) mature Cheddar cheese, grated
– 1 large egg
– About 100ml (3 1/2 fl oz) milk
How to Prepare Mary Berry Cheese Scones
1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 220°C (425°F, Gas 7). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: Sift the flour and baking powder into a large bowl. Add the mustard powder and cayenne pepper if using.
3. Rub in Butter: Add the butter to the flour mixture and rub together with your fingertips until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs.
4. Add Cheese: Stir in three-quarters of the grated cheese into the mixture, reserving some for topping the scones later.
5. Mix Wet Ingredients: Beat the egg in a measuring jug, then add enough milk to make up to 150ml (5 fl oz) of liquid. Add this to the dry ingredients, saving a little for glazing, and mix to form a soft dough.
6. Shape Scones: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface, knead lightly, and roll out to a thickness of 2.5cm (1 inch). Use a 5cm (2 inch) cutter to stamp out scones. Place on the prepared baking sheet.
7. Bake: Brush the tops with the reserved egg and milk mixture, sprinkle with the remaining cheese, and bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, until risen and golden brown.
Mary Berry Cheese Scones
Ingredients
- 225 g 8 oz self-raising flour, plus extra for dusting
- - 1 tsp baking powder
- - 50g 2 oz butter, cut into cubes
- - 1/2 tsp mustard powder optional
- - A pinch of cayenne pepper optional
- - 150g 5 oz mature Cheddar cheese, grated
- - 1 large egg
- - About 100ml 3 1/2 fl oz milk
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 220°C (425°F, Gas 7). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Sift the flour and baking powder into a large bowl. Add the mustard powder and cayenne pepper if using.
- Rub in Butter: Add the butter to the flour mixture and rub together with your fingertips until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs.
- Add Cheese: Stir in three-quarters of the grated cheese into the mixture, reserving some for topping the scones later.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: Beat the egg in a measuring jug, then add enough milk to make up to 150ml (5 fl oz) of liquid. Add this to the dry ingredients, saving a little for glazing, and mix to form a soft dough.
- Shape Scones: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface, knead lightly, and roll out to a thickness of 2.5cm (1 inch). Use a 5cm (2 inch) cutter to stamp out scones. Place on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake: Brush the tops with the reserved egg and milk mixture, sprinkle with the remaining cheese, and bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, until risen and golden brown.
Notes
How to Serve Mary Berry Cheese Scones
Serve the cheese scones warm or at room temperature, split open with butter, cream cheese, or your choice of savory spread. They are best enjoyed fresh on the day they are made but can also be enjoyed the following day.
How to Reheat Mary Berry Cheese Scones
Microwave: Wrap a scone in a paper towel and microwave on high for 10-20 seconds until warm.
Oven: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F, Gas 4). Place the scones on a baking sheet and warm for 5-10 minutes.
Stovetop: Heat a skillet over low heat, cut the scone in half, and toast each side until warm.
How to Store Leftovers of Mary Berry Cheese Scones
Cool the scones completely and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 3 months, wrapped in cling film or placed in a freezer bag.
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Mary Berry Cheese Scones
Can I use different types of cheese?
Yes, feel free to experiment with different cheeses, such as Parmesan or Gruyère.
Can I add herbs?
Absolutely, adding fresh or dried herbs like chives, parsley, or thyme can enhance the flavor.
Nutritional Information
The nutritional content of Mary Berry’s Cheese Scones can vary based on the specific ingredients used, especially the type of cheese and whether you choose to add optional ingredients like mustard powder or cayenne pepper. Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown for one cheese scone, based on the ingredients listed:
- Calories: 200-250 kcal
- Protein: 6-8 g
- Fat: 10-12 g
- Saturated Fat: 6-7 g
- Carbohydrates: 20-25 g
- Dietary Fiber: 0.5-1 g
- Sugars: 1-2 g
- Cholesterol: 30-40 mg
- Sodium: 200-300 mg (depending on the cheese and if salt is added)
For those looking for a lighter option, consider using low-fat cheese or reducing the amount of cheese used in the recipe. Additionally, incorporating whole wheat flour in place of some of the self-raising flour can increase the dietary fiber content.
