Zucchini Bacon Cheddar Scones: A Savory Recipe for Summer
Looking for a delicious and unique way to use up your summer zucchini? These savory scones are the perfect solution! In just 30 minutes, you can whip up these tender, flaky scones packed with gooey cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and the added moisture of fresh zucchini. Enjoy them for breakfast, a quick snack, or even as a side dish with soup or salad.
Zucchini Bacon Cheddar Scones. Just saying it makes your mouth water, right?
These scones are a symphony of flavor, combining the subtle sweetness of zucchini with the salty, savory goodness of bacon and sharp cheddar cheese. They are light, tender, and perfect for any time of day, whether you’re looking for a satisfying breakfast or a delightful snack.
While I’ve created countless sweet scone recipes over the years, including classic chocolate chunk scones, delicate white chocolate raspberry scones, and bright glazed lemon blueberry scones, I’m thrilled to finally share this savory sensation. Trust me, the wait was worth it!
Each bite is an explosion of flavor, with crispy bacon, melted cheddar cheese, and moist shredded zucchini. The bacon adds a smoky depth, the cheese provides a creamy, savory element, and the zucchini ensures these scones are unbelievably moist and tender.
While bacon cheddar scones are delicious on their own, the addition of zucchini takes them to a whole new level. It’s a subtle yet significant ingredient that not only enhances the texture but also adds a touch of healthy goodness to your indulgent treat. Who wouldn’t love a serving of vegetables alongside their bacon and cheese?
Why These Zucchini Bacon Cheddar Scones?
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, these scones are perfect for busy mornings or last-minute snack cravings.
- Simple Ingredients: You likely have most, if not all, of the necessary ingredients already in your pantry.
- Flavorful and Addictive: The combination of bacon, cheddar, and zucchini creates an irresistible taste that everyone will love.
- Versatile: Serve them warm or at room temperature for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
- No Yeast Required: This is a quick and easy baking project that the whole family can enjoy.
Key Ingredients You’ll Need
The most crucial tip for creating perfectly moist and flaky scones is to use cold ingredients. This helps the butter stay solid, creating those desirable pockets of air that result in a tender crumb.
- Zucchini: Freshly grated zucchini adds moisture without adding much flavor, making it an excellent way to sneak extra vegetables into baked goods. I love using it in zucchini oatmeal chocolate chip cookies, mini zucchini muffins, and zucchini banana bread. Use a box grater to finely shred the zucchini. Don’t skip squeezing out the excess moisture!
- All-Purpose Flour: This provides the structure for the scones and gives them the right texture. Keep extra flour on hand for dusting your work surface.
- Kosher Salt: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients and is essential for dough development.
- Baking Powder: This leavening agent helps the scones rise, creating a light and fluffy texture.
- Unsalted Butter: Cold, cubed butter is essential for flaky and tender scones. The cold butter creates pockets of steam as it bakes, resulting in layers of deliciousness.
- Buttermilk: Adds tanginess and moisture to the dough. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can use a buttermilk substitution.
- Large Eggs: One egg binds the ingredients, while another creates a golden brown egg wash for the tops of the scones.
- Thick-Cut Bacon: Cook the bacon until crispy, then cool and chop it before starting the recipe. Save those bacon drippings for other culinary adventures!
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Provides a bold flavor that complements the bacon and zucchini. Grating your own cheddar cheese ensures better melting and a richer flavor compared to pre-shredded varieties.
See the recipe card below for full information on ingredients and quantities.
How to Make These Savory Scones
Now that we’ve covered the key ingredients, let’s get to the fun part: making these incredible zucchini scones!
- Shred and Drain the Zucchini: Shred the zucchini using a box grater and squeeze out any excess liquid. Set aside the measured zucchini. Excess moisture leads to soggy scones!
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder.
- Cut in the Butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Whisk Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and one egg.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gently pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Add Cheese, Bacon, and Zucchini: Gently fold in the shredded zucchini, cheddar cheese, and chopped bacon. Turn the dough onto a floured surface.
- Form and Cut: Gently shape the dough into a disc about 1-inch thick. Use a sharp knife to cut the disc into 8 wedges.
- Egg Wash: Brush the tops of the scones with buttermilk or an egg wash for a golden brown crust. A little extra cheese on top at this point is never a bad idea!
- Bake: Place the scones on a prepared baking sheet and bake until golden brown.
Serve these zucchini cheddar scones warm with eggs, as a snack, or paired with a fresh summer salad like Greek cucumber tomato salad. They are also delicious with gazpacho or vegetarian chili.
Essential Tips & Tricks for Scone Success
- Squeeze the Zucchini: Zucchini contains a lot of moisture, so squeezing it out is crucial for preventing soggy scones. Use a paper towel or clean dishcloth to squeeze out as much liquid as possible.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the dough will result in tough scones. Mix just until the ingredients are combined. A few lumps are perfectly fine!
- Keep the Butter Cold: Cold butter is key for flaky scones. If your kitchen is warm, place the butter in the freezer for a few minutes before using it.
- Chill the Dough: If the dough becomes warm and sticky, chill it in the refrigerator or freezer for a few minutes. Cold dough is easier to handle and helps prevent over-spreading during baking.
Frequently Asked Questions About Scones
How do I store leftover scones?
Store leftover scones in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Can I freeze them?
Yes! Wrap each scone individually in plastic wrap or foil and store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator and warm them in the microwave or oven before serving.
Can I make these without the bacon?
Absolutely! Simply omit the bacon from the recipe. You might want to add a pinch of smoked paprika to the dough to add a hint of smokiness.
More Zucchini Recipes You’ll Love
Looking for more ways to use your abundance of zucchini? Check out these delicious recipes!
- Healthy Taco Zucchini Boats
- 5-Ingredient Zucchini Fritters
- Zucchini Pasta Salad
- Crispy Baked Zucchini Fries
- Baked Parmesan Zucchini Chips
- Cheesy Baked Zucchini Tots
- Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread
- Zucchini Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies
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Zucchini Bacon Cheddar Scones Recipe
Zucchini Bacon Cheddar Scones
