Lemon Thyme Cheese Scones are not just another addition to the large collection of scone recipes out there. They stand out with a unique blend of flavors and textures. This is a good scone recipe although the texture is more biscuit-like. Their blend of flavors and textures makes them an great choice for afternoon tea or as a savory accompaniment to a bowl of soup or chili.
WHAT'S SO GOOD ABOUT THIS RECIPE?
- This easy cheese scone recipe is a game-changer. Why? It's the combination of zesty lemon with the subtle touch of your choice of fresh minced herbs, rounded out by the richness of cheese that make it stand out.
- Fluffy scones that offer a burst of flavor with every bite. While most scone recipes lean towards the sweet side, these savory scones present a delightful alternative.
IS THIS RECIPE BUDGET-FRIENDLY?
Absolutely! If you check the recipe card you'll find that this recipe falls under the "cheap" category on the ohthatsgood.com scale. It offers a delightful eating experience without putting a dent in your wallet.
INGREDIENTS
For the full recipe with quantities, see the recipe card at the end of the post.
INGREDIENT NOTES
- Lemon: Adds a zesty flavor and helps in curdling the milk. Zest and juice are equally important.
- Fresh minced herbs: This is where you can get creative. While the recipe suggests thyme, feel free to use rosemary, parsley, or a mix of your favorites.
- Cheese: Mature cheddar, (also called aged cheddar) is ideal, but you can also explore with other hard cheeses.
SUBSTITUTIONS
- Self-raising flour: If you don't have the combination of plain flour, baking powder, and baking soda, self-raising, (self raising flour, self-rising flour) can come to the rescue.
- Whole milk: Prefer it over skimmed milk for tender scones.
- Cayenne pepper or mustard powder: A pinch can be added for an extra kick if you like your scones a tad spicy.
VARIATIONS
- Sweet scones: If you're in the mood for something sweet, replace the cheese with dried fruits or chocolate chips.
- Adding spices: A sprinkle of black pepper or even a touch of cayenne pepper can elevate the savory profile of the scones.
EQUIPMENT
Apart from the given equipment like the small and medium bowls, pastry cutter (pastry blender), and microplane, having a large mixing bowl and food processor can make the mixing the dry ingredients process easier. Instead of a small cast-iron skillet, you can also use a baking tray. Once baked to golden brown perfection, transfer the scones to a wire rack on you work surface to cool.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Yes, once cooled, store them in an airtight container. They remain fresh for a couple of days.
A food processor is an excellent alternative. Alternatively, you can use two knives or even a wooden spoon to mix the butter into the flour mixture till you achieve small pieces resembling breadcrumbs.
Definitely! Sprinkle some of the remaining cheese on the tops before baking for an extra cheesy touch.
PRO BAKING TIPS
- Using cold butter and grating it ensures the fat gets distributed evenly. This will give you fine breadcrumbs consistency in the mixture, essential for fluffy scones.
- When cutting the dough, using a sharp biscuit cutter helps in getting well-shaped scones.
- Brushing the tops of the scones with a little milk or a little butter before baking gives them a beautiful golden sheen.
Equipment
- Small bowl
- Microplane for zesting
- Medium bowl or large bowl
- Pastry blender
- cheese grater
- small cast iron skillet 6" diameter
- wooden spoon
Ingredients
- ¾ cups milk
- Juice and zest of ½ lemon
- 1 ½ cups flour
- ½ tablespoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoons baking soda
- ½ teaspoons salt
- 1 tablespoons fresh minced herbs you get to choose
- 4 tablespoons cold butter
- ¼ cup finely grated cheese I used cheddar
Instructions
- Measure milk and pour into a small bowl. Cut a lemon in half and squeeze the juice into the milk. Zest the lemon and add the zest to the milk. Drop the squeezed lemon half into the bowl. Let sit at room temperature until the milk curdles and becomes thick. Remove the lemon half and scrape any milk that might be stuck on it back into the bowl.
- In a medium bowl add the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and herbs. Whisk to mix well. Using a cheese grater, grate the cold butter into the dry ingredients. Use a pastry blender to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it is in small pieces. Pour in the milk and cheese and stir only until the soft dough holds together.
- Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and flatten into a thick circle about 6 inches in diameter. Cut the dough into triangles or cut with biscuit cutter.
- Place the cut dough in a small cast iron skillet or other baking pan. They will rise and spread out, so if you want them softer, place them about ½ inch apart. If you like them crispy place them farther apart. I cut mine into six triangles then put five in the skillet and the extra on a small baking dish. It's the perfect treat for the cook or taste-tester in the house.
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
- While the oven is heating allow the scones to rest in the freezer for up to 30 minutes. This helps them rise better but is optional. I did it with good results so I recommend it.
- Place the pan straight into the oven from the freezer and bake for 10-15 minutes. Remove from oven, brush tops with melted butter and enjoy while still warm.
Nutrition
Lemon Thyme Cheese Scones are the epitome of comfort and flavor. Whether you're looking for a new dish to introduce at your afternoon tea gatherings or just want to indulge in a savory treat, this easy recipe is your answer. The tenderness of the scones, combined with the tang of lemon and richness of cheese, will ensure this recipe finds a permanent spot in your collection. Enjoy them warm, with a dollop of butter, or at room temperature and watch them disappear in no time. Cheers to delightful and budget-friendly cooking!
Sarah says
I made these scones today and they were completely delicious. I found mine took a little longer to cook than the recipe asked, which may be due to our humid summer climate in VA. Fresh thyme worked great.
Nibbles By Nic says
CONGRATS!!! Your fantastic scones are being featured this week at MUNCHING MONDAYS! Hope to see you and make sure to spread the wonderful news!!! xo Nic
Gaye @CalmHealthySexy says
Oh my, these look so good. And I have a huge thyme plant in my garden! Thanks so much for sharing with Let's Get Real. Pinning to our group board.
Chrystal @ YUM eating says
I loved this so much I am featuring you this week on The Yuck Stops Here as my personal favorite!
Mary says
Thank you Crystal!
Michelle says
These sound delicious and the photos are wonderful! Thanks for sharing with Foodie Friends Friday.
Ricki @ The Questionable Homesteader says
What a great recipe. Love the changes you made, and the picture looks great, no wonder your teacher gave you a good review.
Thanks for sharing at The Weekend Social, can't wait to see what you have for next week
Kathi Riemer says
I am going to try this recipe with your tweaks. They look so darn yummy. Thank you for sharing.
Kathi
Lea Ann (Cooking On The Ranch) says
Your scones look beautiful! And the flavors are a must make. I'm not much of a baker but for some reason I can make scones. You should see the Angel Food cake that's on my counter right now - it looks like a flat tire. :/ And growing up on a farm, I had to smile at "tractor supply has a neat little cookbook". Not so much that it had a cookbook, but just the tractor supply part.
Mary says
I love scones and Tractor Supply. I am going to be doing a couple of posts about their upcoming Purina Days event.
Julie @ Lovely Little Kitchen says
These scones look amazing... Thanks for the recipe!
Marisa says
These look delicious - and LOVE the photo!
Joanne/WineLady Cooks says
I love scones, and I'm definitely going to try your recipe in the skillet. Your photo is outstanding as well. Thanks so much for sharing with Foodie Friends Friday party this week. Pinned/shared.
Joanne
Lois Christensen says
what a great recipe. My husband loves Tractor Supply Store! Thank you for linking up with Foodie Friends Friday! Hope to see you next week!
Julie says
These scones look lovely. I love the combo of lemon and thyme too. I've not made scones yet. These might be the ones to try. Pinning.
Pure Grace Farms says
What a beautiful scone. They look so rich and delicious and the potato soup sounds like the perfect pairing. Blessings...Shari
Chrystal @ YUM eating says
Scones in a cast iron skillet?? Yes, please! Pinned. Thanks for linking at The Yuck Stops Here. I can't wait to try these.
Elaine @ Sunny Simple Life says
Oh these look fabulous. I chose them as my favorite for the week and they will be featured this friday on the from the farm blog hop. Elaine @ https://www.sunnysimplelife.com/
Annie @Maebells says
These look lovely! I never do savory scones, this is such a nice change of pace!
Jodee Weiland says
These scones look delicious! What a idea for scones! They look so good and being more like a biscuit, make them even better for me. Thanks for sharing!
Winnie says
These look fantastic!!
I've never baked scones, and I'd love to try your recipe.
Thanks so much for sharing 🙂