Best Cheddar Cheese and Caramelized Onion Scones Recipe

If you’re looking for a delicious twist on traditional scones, look no further than caramelized onion scones! These savory scones are the perfect addition to any brunch, lunch, or snacktime spread. While many people associate scones with sweet flavors, these cheddar and onion scones prove that savory versions can be just as tasty. Made with fluffy cheese and sweet onions, these scones are sure to become a favorite. And for those who like a little heat, a drizzle of hot sauce takes these scones to the next level. Keep reading for the full recipe card and step-by-step instructions on how to make these fluffy, cheesy, and delicious onion scones.

Table of Contents

• Other Scones Recipes You’ll Love
• Why You’ll Love These Savoury Scones
• How to make the Caramelized Onions
• Ingredients
• Directions
• How to Properly Store Scones
• Tips for Making Fluffy and Well Risen Scones

Other Scones Recipes You’ll Love

If you love scones as much as I do, you’ll love my Double Berry Scones or my Apple & White Chocolate Scones, perfecto to make during the Fall apple season .

Another of my favourite scone recipe are these Green Onion and Smoked Gouda Scones. The combination of the fresh green onions and the smoked cheese is perfection. It’s one of my favourite savoury bakes to make in the Spring!

Why You’ll Love These Savoury Scones

These savory scones are sure to become a staple baking recipe. If you like to meal plan, these are a great option for a quick lunch when paired with a cozy soup or simple side salad. Here are a few reasons why you’ll love these caramelized onion and cheddar scones:

1. While many scones are sweet, these savory scones are a delicious change of pace. They’re perfect for serving at afternoon tea or as a side for a cozy meal.
2. There’s nothing quite like a warm scone fresh out of the oven, and these caramelized onion and cheddar scones are no exception. They’re soft and fluffy on the inside with a slightly crisp exterior.
3. The use of mature cheddar adds a depth of flavor to these scones that you won’t find in classic cheese scones. It’s the perfect complement to the sweet caramelized onions.

How to make the Caramelized Onions

Caramelized onions are a delicious addition to many dishes, from sandwiches to pasta. They are so perfect in these tasty scones, so here’s how to make them:

1. Start by thinly slicing 1-2 onions. You can use any type of onion, but sweet onions are particularly good for caramelizing.
2. Heat a small saucepan over medium heat. Add a tablespoon of oil, such as olive oil or butter, and let it heat up.
3. Add the sliced onions to the pan and stir to coat them in the oil.
4. Cook the onions over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for about 5-6 minutes. They should start to soften and turn translucent.
5. Lower the heat to medium-low and continue to cook the onions for another 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. The onions should turn a deep golden brown and become very soft and sweet.
6. If the onions start to stick to the pan, you can add a tablespoon of water or broth to help loosen them up.
7. Once the onions are caramelized to your liking, remove them from the heat and let them cool slightly.

Note: The cooled onions can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Ingredients

• 2 + 3/4 cups of self-raising flour
• 2 tsp of baking powder
• 1/3 cup of sugar
• 1/2 tsp of salt
• 1/2 tsp of baking soda
• 4 oz of cold butter, cut into small cubes
• 1 large egg
• 2 tbsp of heavy cream
• 1/2 cup of whole milk or a dairy free alternative, I used oat milk
• 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup of caramelized onion
• salt and pepper

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 400 F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a baking mat.
2. In a large mixing bowl combine the dry ingredients; all purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and sugar. Mix to combine all the ingredients.
3. Cut your cold unsalted butter into small cubes and then using your hands, work it into the flour mixture.
4. Add in the egg, milk and cream. Use a fork or spoon to mix the wet ingredients in. The texture will resemble coarse crumbs, but keep mixing.
5. Use a cheese grater to shred your cheese. Add in your caramelized onions and two thirds of the grated cheeses to your large bowl.
6. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into an 8-inch circle using a rolling pin. Dough should be about ¾ inch thick. Using a pastry cutter or cookie cutter, cut the circle into 8 slices and transfer onto a prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle the remainder of the cheese on top of the scones.
7. Lightly brush each scone with some of the heavy cream and sprinkle a little coarse salt on each before playing into the hot oven.
8. Bake scones for about 20 minutes in, or until edges and tops of the scones start to turn golden. If your scones are on the thicker side, they might need an additional 3-4 minutes.
9. Transfer from the baking tray to a wire rack and allow to cool slightly before eating. 

How to Properly Store Scones

It’s important to store them properly to keep them fresh. Here’s how to do it:

1. Allow the scones to cool completely on a wire rack before storing them.
2. Once the scones are completely cool, transfer them to an airtight container. Make sure the container is large enough to hold the scones without squishing them.
3. If you’re storing different types of scones, be sure to separate them with a layer of parchment paper or wax paper to prevent them from sticking together.
4. Store the scones at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to 4 days in an airtight container.
5. If you want to extend the life of your scones, you can also freeze them. Wrap each scone individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. Frozen scones can be stored for up to 3 months.

By following these tips, you can keep your scones fresh and delicious for as long as possible.

Tips for Making Fluffy and Well Risen Scones

If you’re looking to make fluffy, well-risen scones, here are some tips to help you achieve the perfect texture:

1. Use cold ingredients: Cold ingredients, such as butter and milk, help create steam pockets in the dough, which will help your scones rise. You can even chill your dry ingredients, such as flour and sugar, in the fridge for an hour before using them.
2. Don’t overwork the dough: Overworking the dough can cause the gluten to become too elastic, which can prevent your scones from rising properly. Mix your ingredients until just combined, and then stop.
3. Use a light touch: When kneading or shaping the dough, use a light touch to avoid compacting the dough too much. This will help the scones rise evenly.
4. Cut the dough properly: When cutting the scones, make sure you’re using a sharp, floured cutter. Press straight down into the dough, without twisting, to create a clean cut that will allow the scones to rise evenly.
5. Let the scones rest: After you’ve cut your scones, let them rest for about 10-15 minutes before baking. This will allow the gluten to relax and help the scones rise even more.
6. Bake at high temperature: Bake your scones at a high temperature, around 425-450°F (220-230°C), to create steam quickly and help the scones rise. Be sure to keep an eye on them to prevent over browning.

These also freeze very well. Keep frozen for up to two months in a freezer bag!