The Delia Smith Cheese Scones are a savory and flavorful twist on the classic British scone, made with sharp cheddar cheese for a rich, tangy taste. These light, fluffy scones are perfect for an afternoon tea, a side to soups, or simply enjoyed warm with butter. Delia’s recipe ensures a perfect balance of cheesy flavor and soft texture, making these scones a popular treat.
What are Delia Smith Cheese Scones?
Delia Smith’s Cheese Scones are a traditional British scone recipe made with sharp cheddar cheese, self-raising flour, and a touch of mustard for extra flavor. These scones are golden, light, and deliciously cheesy, offering a savory snack that pairs well with a variety of accompaniments.
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Why You Should Try This Recipe
- Rich Cheese Flavor: Made with mature cheddar, these scones are packed with cheesy goodness.
- Simple to Make: With basic ingredients and easy steps, this recipe is beginner-friendly.
- Versatile Snack: These scones can be enjoyed as a snack, served with soups, or as part of a savory tea spread.
- Classic British Recipe: Delia Smith’s cheese scones are a timeless recipe that’s always a hit.
- Perfect for Sharing: Great for family gatherings or an afternoon tea with friends.
Ingredients Needed to Make Delia Smith Cheese Scones
- Self-raising flour: 225g, for a light and fluffy texture.
- Butter: 40g unsalted, cold, and cubed for a crumbly texture.
- Mature cheddar cheese: 75g, grated for a strong cheese flavor.
- Mustard powder: ½ teaspoon, to enhance the cheesy flavor.
- Milk: 150ml, to bind the dough.
- Egg: 1 large egg, to glaze the scones.
- Salt: A pinch, to balance the flavors.
- Cayenne pepper (optional): A pinch, for a hint of spice.
Equipment
- Mixing bowl: For combining the ingredients.
- Baking tray: For baking the scones.
- Pastry cutter: To cut the scones into rounds (optional).
- Grater: To grate the cheese.
- Rolling pin: For rolling out the dough.
Instructions to Prepare Delia Smith Cheese Scones
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F) and lightly grease a baking tray or line it with parchment paper.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, sift the self-raising flour and mustard powder together. Add a pinch of salt and cayenne pepper if using.
- Rub in the Butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using your fingertips, rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
- Add the Cheese: Stir in the grated cheddar cheese, leaving a little aside to sprinkle on top of the scones.
Step 2: Form the Scones
- Add the Milk: Gradually add the milk to the flour mixture, mixing with a fork until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overwork the dough.
- Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, gently roll out the dough to about 2-3 cm thick.
- Cut the Scones: Use a round cutter or the rim of a glass to cut out rounds of dough. Place the scones on the prepared baking tray.
- Glaze and Top with Cheese: Beat the egg and brush it over the tops of the scones. Sprinkle the reserved grated cheese over the top for a cheesy, golden finish.
Step 3: Bake the Scones
- Bake the Scones: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the scones are golden brown and have risen well.
- Cool and Serve: Transfer the scones to a cooling rack and allow them to cool slightly before serving warm with butter.
What Goes Well With Delia Smith Cheese Scones
- Butter: Serve warm with a generous spread of butter.
- Chutney: A tangy chutney pairs well with the rich cheese flavor.
- Soup: These scones are perfect alongside tomato or vegetable soup.
- Cream cheese: A smooth spread of cream cheese adds a luxurious texture.
- Salad: Pair the scones with a fresh salad for a light meal.
Expert Tips for Making the Best Delia Smith Cheese Scones
- Use cold butter: Cold butter helps create a flaky, crumbly texture in the scones.
- Don’t overwork the dough: Handle the dough lightly to ensure the scones stay soft and fluffy.
- Use mature cheddar: A strong, mature cheddar gives the best flavor.
- Brush with egg for a golden top: The egg wash adds a beautiful golden-brown color and extra shine.
Easy Variations of Delia Smith Cheese Scones
- Add herbs: Mix in fresh herbs like chives or parsley for added flavor.
- Spicy scones: Add a pinch of cayenne or chili flakes for a spicy kick.
- Swap the cheese: Try using Gruyère, Red Leicester, or even blue cheese for a different flavor.
- Add bacon: Crispy bacon bits can be added to the dough for a savory twist.
Best Practices to Store Delia Smith Cheese Scones
- Room temperature: Store the scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze the scones once cooled. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Best Practices to Reheat Delia Smith Cheese Scones
- Oven: Reheat the scones in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 5-7 minutes to crisp them up.
- Microwave: For a quick reheat, microwave individual scones for about 15-20 seconds, though they won’t be as crisp.
How Can I Make Delia Smith Cheese Scones Healthier?
- Use low-fat cheese: Replace the mature cheddar with a low-fat variety to reduce calories.
- Whole wheat flour: Substitute some of the self-raising flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber.
- Reduce butter: You can cut back on the butter slightly to make a lighter scone.
Nutrition Value (per serving)
- Calories: 230 kcal
- Protein: 6g
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Sugar: 1g
- Fiber: 1g
FAQs
Can I freeze Delia Smith’s cheese scones?
Yes, you can freeze Delia Smith’s cheese scones. Once they have cooled completely, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. To serve, thaw at room temperature or reheat in the oven.
Why are my cheese scones not rising?
If your cheese scones aren’t rising, it could be due to overworking the dough, which makes them dense. Also, make sure your baking powder or self-raising flour is fresh, as expired-raising agents won’t help the scones rise properly.
Can I make cheese scones without mustard?
Yes, you can make cheese scones without mustard. The mustard adds a subtle flavor that enhances the cheese, but the scones will still taste delicious if you leave it out or substitute it with a small pinch of cayenne pepper for some spice.
How long do cheese scones stay fresh?
Cheese scones stay fresh for up to 2 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. For longer storage, freeze the scones and reheat them when ready to serve.
Final Words
The Delia Smith Cheese Scones are a savory and flavorful delight, perfect for enjoying with a cup of tea or as a side with your favorite soup. With their rich cheesy taste and tender crumb, they’re easy to make and even easier to love.
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Delia Smith Cheese Scones
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 12
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 8
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Description
Delia Smith’s Cheese Scones are a traditional British scone recipe made with sharp cheddar cheese, self-raising flour, and a touch of mustard for extra flavor. These scones are golden, light, and deliciously cheesy, offering a savory snack that pairs well with a variety of accompaniments.
Ingredients
- Self-raising flour: 225g, for a light and fluffy texture.
- Butter: 40g unsalted, cold, and cubed for a crumbly texture.
- Mature cheddar cheese: 75g, grated for a strong cheese flavor.
- Mustard powder: ½ teaspoon, to enhance the cheesy flavor.
- Milk: 150ml, to bind the dough.
- Egg: 1 large egg, to glaze the scones.
- Salt: A pinch, to balance the flavors.
- Cayenne pepper (optional): A pinch, for a hint of spice.
Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F) and lightly grease a baking tray or line it with parchment paper.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, sift the self-raising flour and mustard powder together. Add a pinch of salt and cayenne pepper if using.
- Rub in the Butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using your fingertips, rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
- Add the Cheese: Stir in the grated cheddar cheese, leaving a little aside to sprinkle on top of the scones.
2. Form the Scones
- Add the Milk: Gradually add the milk to the flour mixture, mixing with a fork until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overwork the dough.
- Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, gently roll out the dough to about 2-3 cm thick.
- Cut the Scones: Use a round cutter or the rim of a glass to cut out rounds of dough. Place the scones on the prepared baking tray.
- Glaze and Top with Cheese: Beat the egg and brush it over the tops of the scones. Sprinkle the reserved grated cheese over the top for a cheesy, golden finish.
3. Bake the Scones
- Bake the Scones: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the scones are golden brown and have risen well.
- Cool and Serve: Transfer the scones to a cooling rack and allow them to cool slightly before serving warm with butter.
