Irresistible Shallot, Jalapeño, Goat Cheese & Honey Scones
There’s something incredibly comforting about the aroma of freshly baked goods wafting through the kitchen, and these Shallot, Jalapeño, Goat Cheese, and Honey Scones are no exception. The combination of savory shallots and spicy jalapeños creates a delightful flavor explosion that pairs perfectly with the creamy goat cheese and a touch of honey. Whether you’re hosting a weekend brunch or simply treating yourself to a cozy morning at home, these scones are sure to impress!
What I love most about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can serve these scones as a delicious addition to your breakfast table, enjoy them as an afternoon snack with tea, or even present them at gatherings as an exquisite appetizer. Each bite is like a warm hug, bursting with flavors that dance on your palate.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
– Perfectly balanced flavors: The sweet honey complements the richness of goat cheese and the kick from jalapeños.
– Easy to make: With just 35 minutes from start to finish, you’ll have fresh scones ready in no time.
– Versatile serving options: Enjoy them for breakfast, brunch, or even as appetizers at your next gathering.
– Make-ahead friendly: These scones can be prepared in advance and frozen for later use.
– Crowd-pleaser: With their unique flavors and inviting aroma, they are sure to delight family and friends alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is part of the fun! Here’s what you’ll need to make these delightful scones:
For the Scones
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 2 shallots, finely diced
– 2 jalapeños, finely diced
– 1 cup buttermilk
– 1 large egg
– 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
– 1 tablespoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– ½ teaspoon paprika
– ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
– 1 1/2 sticks unsalted butter, cold and cubed
– 1 cup goat cheese, crumbled
For the Egg Wash
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon water
For Topping (Optional)
– Flaky sea salt
Variations
Feel free to get creative with this recipe! Here are some fun variations you could try:
– Swap the cheese: Use feta or cheddar instead of goat cheese for a different flavor profile.
– Add herbs: Incorporate fresh herbs like chives or cilantro for an extra burst of freshness.
– Change up the heat: Substitute bell peppers for jalapeños if you prefer a milder flavor.
– Make them mini: Shape smaller scones for bite-sized treats that are perfect for sharing.
How to Make Shallot, Jalapeño, Goat Cheese, and Honey Scones
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that your scones bake evenly and develop a lovely golden crust.
Step 2: Sauté Shallots and Jalapeños
In a small pan over medium heat, sauté the finely diced shallots and jalapeños until they are soft and fragrant. This step enhances their flavors and takes away some of the raw edge, making them deliciously mellow in your scone mixture.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, honey, and one egg. This mixture will add moisture to your scones while also contributing sweetness from the honey.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, sea salt, baking powder, baking soda, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and red pepper flakes. Mixing dry ingredients separately helps ensure that everything is evenly distributed throughout your dough.
Step 5: Cut in Butter
Add the cold cubed butter into the dry ingredient mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers (if you prefer), mix until you achieve a crumbly texture similar to coarse sand. This step is crucial because it creates those flaky layers we love in scones!
Step 6: Fold in Cheese and Vegetables
Gently fold in the crumbled goat cheese along with your sautéed shallots and jalapeños into the dough. Be careful not to overwork it; you want those delightful pockets of flavor without turning it into tough dough.
Step 7: Form the Dough
Turn out your dough onto a floured surface and gently bring it together into a ball. Pat it down into a circle about one inch thick. Cut into wedges or use a round cutter for traditional scone shapes.
Step 8: Prepare Egg Wash
In a small bowl, whisk together one egg with water. Brush this mixture over each scone for that beautiful golden finish when baked.
Step 9: Bake Scones
Place your shaped scones on a lined baking sheet. If desired, sprinkle flaky sea salt on top before placing them in the oven. Bake for about 15 minutes or until they are golden brown on top.
Step 10: Cool & Enjoy
Once baked to perfection, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly on a wire rack—if you can resist diving right in! Serve warm or at room temperature for maximum enjoyment.
These Shallot, Jalapeño, Goat Cheese, and Honey Scones are not just food; they’re an experience waiting to happen! Enjoy every flavorful bite!
Pro Tips for Making Shallot, Jalapeño, Goat Cheese, and Honey Scones
Making scones can be a delightful experience, especially when you combine unique flavors like shallots and jalapeños with creamy goat cheese. Here are some tips to ensure your scones turn out perfectly every time!
– Use cold ingredients: Keeping your butter and buttermilk cold helps create that flaky texture we all love in scones. Pop them in the fridge until you’re ready to use them.
– Don’t overmix the dough: Mixing too much can lead to tough scones. Combine the ingredients just until they come together; it’s okay if there are a few lumps.
– Experiment with spice levels: If you prefer a milder flavor, remove the seeds from the jalapeños before dicing them. This way, you control how spicy your scones will be.
– Let the dough chill: If time allows, refrigerate the dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This helps enhance the flavors and improve the texture.
– Brush with egg wash: For a beautiful golden finish on your scones, brush the tops with a mixture of egg and water before baking.
How to Serve Shallot, Jalapeño, Goat Cheese, and Honey Scones
These savory scones make for an impressive addition to any brunch spread or casual gathering. Here are some ideas for serving them up!
Garnishes
– Fresh herbs: A sprinkle of chopped chives or parsley adds freshness and a pop of color.
– Drizzle of honey: A light drizzle enhances the sweetness and complements the savory flavors beautifully.
– Flaky sea salt: A sprinkle on top right before serving gives an extra touch of elegance and enhances flavor.
Side Dishes
– Fresh fruit salad: The sweetness of seasonal fruits pairs wonderfully with these flavorful scones.
– Simple green salad: A light salad dressed with vinaigrette balances the richness of the scones.
– Yogurt parfaits: Layering yogurt with fruits and granola creates a delightful contrast.
– Spicy scrambled eggs: For those who love heat, serve alongside spicy eggs for a breakfast treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Meal prep is a wonderful way to enjoy these scones throughout the week! Here’s how you can store them properly.
Storing Leftovers
– Place leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
– For longer storage, wrap each scone individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
Freezing
– To freeze raw dough, shape it into rounds or triangles and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag for up to 3 months.
– To freeze baked scones, let them cool completely before storing in an airtight container or freezer bag. They will keep well for about 3 months.
Reheating
– For frozen raw dough, bake directly from frozen; just add a couple of extra minutes to your baking time.
– For baked scones, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through.
FAQs
Here are some common questions about making Shallot, Jalapeño, Goat Cheese, and Honey Scones that might help you out!
Can I substitute goat cheese with another cheese?
You can certainly use feta or cream cheese if you prefer! Just keep in mind that this may alter the flavor profile slightly.
Are these scones suitable for freezing?
Yes! Both raw dough and baked scones freeze beautifully. Just follow the storage instructions provided above for optimal results.
How do I know when my scones are done baking?
The tops should be lightly golden brown when they are finished baking. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with just a few crumbs attached.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re excited to try making these Shallot, Jalapeño, Goat Cheese, and Honey Scones! They are perfect for any occasion—whether it’s breakfast or brunch—and promise to be a hit among family and friends. Enjoy this delightful recipe that brings warmth and joy to your table!
Shallot, Jalapeño, Goat Cheese, and Honey Scones
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Sauté the finely diced shallots and jalapeños until soft and fragrant.
- Whisk together buttermilk, honey, and one egg in a large mixing bowl.
- Combine all-purpose flour, sea salt, baking powder, baking soda, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and red pepper flakes in another bowl.
- Cut in the cold cubed butter into the dry mixture until crumbly.
- Fold in the crumbled goat cheese, sautéed shallots, and jalapeños into the dough.
- Turn out the dough onto a floured surface, pat it down into a circle about one inch thick, and cut into wedges or use a round cutter.
- Whisk together one egg with water and brush over each scone.
- Place shaped scones on a lined baking sheet and bake for about 15 minutes or until golden brown.
- Cool slightly on a wire rack and serve warm or at room temperature.
