Sesame-Cheddar Scones
Crispy, cheesy sesame scones with a hearty cornmeal base, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or snack time, offering a delightful crunch and savory flavor combination.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Grease a large baking sheet.
- In a large bowl, stir together the sifted unbleached flour, cornmeal, and baking powder.
- Add the vegetable shortening and cold unsalted margarine, then blend with your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse meal.
- Mix in the shredded sharp Cheddar cheese.
- Stir in the skim milk and egg white until just combined.
- Sprinkle the sesame seeds over the dough and fold in gently.
- Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead briefly.
- Pat the dough into a 1-inch thick circle and cut into wedges or rounds.
- Place the scones onto the prepared baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flakier texture, ensure your margarine and shortening are very cold before mixing. If you don’t have cornmeal, you can substitute with an equal amount of all-purpose flour. Add herbs like rosemary or thyme for extra flavor. If you want a touch of sweetness, consider mixing in a tablespoon of honey to the dough.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these scones warm, perhaps with a dollop of butter or a spread of cream cheese. They pair beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee for breakfast or an afternoon snack. For a complete meal, consider serving alongside a light salad or a bowl of soup.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a zip-top bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to restore their freshness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sesame-Cheddar Scones contains roughly 359 calories, with 11g protein, 25g carbohydrates, and 24g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and iron.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of unbleached flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for unbleached flour, but the scones may be denser. You might want to adjust the liquid slightly since whole wheat flour absorbs more moisture.
How can I make these scones gluten-free?
To make gluten-free scones, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that contains xanthan gum. Ensure that your baking powder is gluten-free as well. The texture may differ slightly, but they will still be delicious.
What can I add to enhance the flavor of the scones?
You can enhance the flavor by adding spices like garlic powder or onion powder. Additionally, mixing in chopped green onions or sun-dried tomatoes gives a nice flavor twist. For a sweet version, consider adding dried fruits like cranberries or apricots.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).