Crunchy on the outside, soft and crumbly on the inside.... these Cheese And Bacon Scones are simple and delicious! Serve them warm and slathered with plenty of butter.
Preheat oven to 200 degrees celsius (fan-forced). Lightly flour a 20cm square cake tin and set aside.
Place the bacon pieces into a frying pan over medium high heat. Cook until very crispy. Set aside on a paper towel lined plate.
Sift the plain flour and baking powder into a large bowl. If using a Thermomix: Place the plain flour and baking powder into the Thermomix bowl - mix for 5 seconds, Speed 8.
Add the grated cheese, cayenne pepper and salt and mix to combine. Add the butter and rub it through with your fingers until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. If using a Thermomix: Add the butter, grated cheese, cayenne pepper and salt and mix for 8 seconds, Speed 6.
Pour in the milk, add the crunchy bacon pieces and use a knife to fold through until only just combined (the mixture will be very sticky).If using a Thermomix: Pour in the milk and add the bacon pieces and knead for 20 seconds. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and mix for a further 5 seconds.
Place the dough onto a lightly floured board.With lightly floured fingers, press the mixture down to a thickness of 3cm (do not over-work the dough).
Using a 6cm scone cutter, cut rounds from the middle working outwards and place into the lightly floured cake tin (make sure that your scones are gently pressing up against one another as it will help them to rise).
Gently move the remaining dough together and cut out extra scones.
When you've used all of the dough, brush the tops of the scones with the extra milk.Sprinkle with a little extra grated cheese (optional). Place into the oven for 12-15 minutes.
The scones will be ready when they're golden and crunchy on top. Serve warm with butter.
Notes
RECIPE NOTES
Use chilled ingredients - for best results, use chilled butter, cheese and milk.
Don’t over-mix the dough – it will make the scones tough. Use a knife instead of a spoon and handle dough as little as possible.
Makes - 12 large or 18 small scones (if making small scones, reduce the cooking time accordingly).
Dip your cutter in flour – prevents sticking and keeps edges neat.
Place scones touching in the tin – helps them rise higher.
Use a hot oven – preheat well for that golden crust and fluffy inside.
Serving – best eaten on the day, served warm with butter, or alongside soup.
Storage – store in an airtight container for 2–3 days; reheat before serving.
Freezing – freeze in an airtight container or bag for up to 3 months; reheat from frozen, or thaw and warm slightly.