Mary Berry Cheese and Bacon Scones Recipe

These Mary Berry Cheese and Bacon Scones are wonderfully light, buttery, and packed with savory flavor. Crispy bacon and mature cheddar cheese create a delicious combination that makes these scones perfect for breakfast, brunch, lunchboxes, or afternoon snacks. They have a tender crumb, golden crust, and rich cheesy taste that pairs beautifully with butter or chutney. This easy recipe is beginner-friendly and takes about 35 minutes from start to finish.

Ingredients

For the Scones

• 450g self-raising flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 100g cold butter, diced
• 1 teaspoon mustard powder
• Pinch of salt
• 200g mature cheddar cheese, grated
• 150g cooked bacon, finely chopped
• 1 large egg
• 200ml milk

For the Topping

• Extra grated cheddar cheese
• 1 tablespoon milk for brushing

How to Make Mary Berry Cheese and Bacon Scones Recipe

• Prepare the oven: Preheat the oven to 200°C or 180°C fan. Line a large baking tray with baking parchment and place a shelf in the middle of the oven.
• Mix the dry ingredients: Add the self-raising flour, baking powder, mustard powder, and salt to a large mixing bowl. Stir until evenly combined.
• Rub in the butter: Add the cold diced butter and rub it into the flour using your fingertips until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs.
• Add the cheese and bacon: Stir in the grated cheddar cheese and chopped cooked bacon until evenly distributed.
• Make the dough: Beat the egg with the milk and gradually pour it into the flour mixture. Mix gently until a soft dough forms.
• Shape the scones: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured work surface. Pat it out to approximately 2.5cm thick. Cut out rounds using a 6cm cutter.
• Prepare for baking: Arrange the scones on the baking tray. Brush the tops with milk and sprinkle with extra grated cheese.
• Bake the scones: Bake for 18 to 20 minutes until well risen, golden brown, and cooked through.
• Cool before serving: Transfer to a wire rack and allow them to cool for a few minutes before serving warm.

Tips for the Best Cheese and Bacon Scones

How do I keep the scones light and fluffy?

Handle the dough as little as possible. Overmixing develops gluten and can make the scones heavy.

Should the butter be cold?

Yes. Cold butter creates steam while baking, helping the scones rise and develop a flaky texture.

Can I use different cheeses?

Yes. Red Leicester, Gruyère, or mature cheddar all work well and add different flavors.

How do I get an even rise?

Press the cutter straight down without twisting. Twisting can seal the edges and reduce the rise.

Can I prepare the dough ahead?

Yes. Cut the scones and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve warm with salted butter.
• Pair with tomato soup for lunch.
• Enjoy with pickle or chutney.
• Add to a brunch board with cold meats and cheeses.
• Serve alongside scrambled eggs.

Storage

Room Temperature

Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat briefly before serving for the best texture.

Refrigerator

Keep in a sealed container for up to 5 days. Warm in the oven before eating.

Freezing

Freeze baked scones for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature and reheat in a warm oven until heated through.

Nutrition

• Calories: 285 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Protein: 11g
• Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Sodium: 480mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary depending on ingredients used.

FAQs

Mary Berry Cheese and Bacon Scones Recipe

Recipe by Milli RoseCourse: BreakfastCuisine: BritishDifficulty: Easy

Servings

10

scones

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

20

minutes

Total time

35

minutes

Calories

285

kcal

35

minutes

Light and savory cheese and bacon scones made with mature cheddar, crispy bacon, and self-raising flour. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or afternoon tea.

Ingredients

• 450g self-raising flour

• 2 tsp baking powder

• 100g cold butter, diced

• 200g mature cheddar cheese, grated

• 150g cooked bacon, finely chopped

• 1 tsp mustard powder

• 1 large egg

• 200ml milk

• Pinch of salt

• Extra grated cheese for topping

Directions

• Preheat oven to 200°C or 180°C fan. Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
• Mix flour, baking powder, mustard powder and salt in a large bowl.
• Rub in the butter until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs.
• Stir in the grated cheese and chopped bacon.
• Beat the egg with the milk and gradually mix into the flour mixture to form a soft dough.
• Turn onto a lightly floured surface and gently pat to about 2.5cm thickness.
• Cut out rounds using a cutter and place on the prepared tray.
• Brush tops with a little milk and sprinkle with extra cheese.
• Bake for 18 to 20 minutes until risen and golden brown.
• Cool slightly on a wire rack before serving warm.

Notes

• Use cold butter for the lightest texture.
• Do not overwork the dough.
• Serve warm for the best flavor.