Sourdough Cheese Scones From Scratch
These sourdough cheese scones made from scratch are one of my favorite lunchtime recipes to whip up. They’re so simple to make, and they taste amazing! We like to pair them with a side of bacon and berries for a complete meal. Each bite is full of flaky, pillowy scone, sourdough tang, and cheddar cheese. What’s not to like?!
Disclaimer: The content I share is based on personal experience and opinions. Some links may be affiliates like Amazon, but I only recommend what I find valuable. I’m not responsible for linked products/services, allergies, or dietary upsets. Consult a professional for any medical advice. Read our full privacy policy here.
Sourdough Cheese Scones Recipe Inspiration
The very first sourdough recipe I developed and published on the blog was my sourdough jalapeno cheddar scones. Since publishing it, it’s been my number-one recipe on Plum Branch Home and continues to gain popularity. Because of this, I wanted to create more savory scone recipes for my readers, just like you, to enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- A super simple and easy scone recipe.
- Each ingredient is wholesome.
- They’re great for hosting a party.
- They’re the perfect lunch or snack.
- You can make them ahead of time and freeze them easily.
My Tips for the Best Scones
- Use real butter, not margarine.
- Make sure the butter is cold before using it.
- Grate the butter with a box grater for easy incorporation into the dough.
- Keep the dough cool; don’t let it get warm before baking.
- Avoid overmixing the dough.
The Best Cheese
The best cheese for these scones is cheddar, whether it is mild, medium, or sharp. If you plan to freeze these scones, go with mild. The medium and sharp cheddar don’t freeze super well.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 cup butter (cold)
- 1 cup sourdough (fed or discard)
- 1/4 cup + 1 tsp milk (dairy or dairy-free)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
Step-By-Step Instructions
Making Dough
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with butter and a dusting of flour.
Combine flour, salt, and baking powder in a large bowl.
Grate the butter or use a fork to cut the butter into flour to form pea-sized pebbles.
Add in sourdough starter, milk, and cheese.
Mix the ingredients until a dough forms. Avoid overmixing.
Shaping Dough
On a lightly floured surface, turn your scone dough out onto the countertop.
Use your hands to shape and fold the dough twice into an envelope shape to create layers.
Then use your hands again to shape the dough into a 2-3-inch-high circle.
Take a knife or bench scraper and cut the dough into 8 pieces, like a pie.
Baking
Place scones on the prepared baking sheet one by one, about 2 inches apart.
Bake for 16–18 minutes. The bottom of the scones should be golden brown.
Optional Long Fermented Scones Instructions
If you’d like your scones to be long-fermented, stick the dough in the fridge for 12–24 hours before shaping and baking them. This gives the sourdough cultures time to ferment the rest of the ingredients.
Scone Storage Instructions
Store cheese scones at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Freezing Scones Instructions
Unbaked Scones: To freeze unbaked dough, place the scones on a sheet pan and freeze them for 4 hours. When finished, place them in a gallon-sized freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake them, use the instructions on this recipe like normal. You may need to add a few minutes to the baking time.
Baked Scones: To freeze baked scones, place them in a freezer bag or container for up to 3 months.
Reheating Scones Instructions
My favorite way to reheat scones is in the toaster oven or regular oven at 400 degrees for 3-5 minutes or until warm. This keeps them flaky without ruining the flavor. I don’t recommend reheating in the microwave.
Serving Ideas
My favorite way to serve these scones is at lunchtime with a side of bacon. They’re so delicious and easy to whip up. You could also serve them as a snack for yourself or guests.
Recipe FAQ
Do these scones freeze well?
Yes, these scones freeze really well for up to 3 months, baked or unbaked.
Should I use sourdough discard or fed starter?
You can use either. Sometimes I use discard if I’m making them at the last minute and haven’t fed my starter. Other times, I use my starter after it’s been fed.
What is the trick of making good scones?
The trick to making good scones is using cold butter and keeping the dough cool before baking. You don’t want your butter to melt into the dough before sticking them in the oven.
What can you put on a cheese scone?
You could spread on chive cream cheese, feta crumbles, or even a slice of mozzarella. There’s never too much cheese, haha.
More Sourdough Scone Recipes You’ll Love
- Sourdough Lemon Poppy Seed Scones From Scratch
- Sourdough Strawberry Scones From Scratch (with chocolate chips)
- Easy Sourdough Pumpkin Scones with Chocolate Chips
- Sourdough Chocolate Chip Scones From Scratch
- Sourdough Jalapeno Cheddar Scones From Scratch
Full Printable Recipe
I love hearing how much you love my recipes, be sure to leave a review below! 😊
Sourdough Cheese Scones From Scratch
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 cup butter (cold)
- 1 cup sourdough (fed or discard)
- 1/4 cup + 1 tsp milk (dairy or dairy-free)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
Making Dough
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with butter and a dusting of flour.
- Combine flour, salt, and baking powder in a large bowl.
- Grate the butter or use a fork to cut the butter into flour to form pea-sized pebbles.
- Add in sourdough starter, milk, and cheese.
- Mix the ingredients until a dough forms. Avoid overmixing.
Shaping Dough
- On a lightly floured surface, turn your scone dough out onto the countertop.
- Use your hands to shape and fold the dough twice into an envelope shape to create layers.
- Then use your hands again to shape the dough into a 2-3-inch-high circle.
- Take a knife or bench scraper and cut the dough into 8 pieces, like a pie.
Baking
- Place scones on the prepared baking sheet one by one, about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 16–18 minutes. The bottom of the scones should be golden brown.
Perfection!
Thanks so much! So glad you enjoyed them!
Delicious 😋
Thank you so much!