Making the Most of Leftover Ham Cheese Scone Recipes

Leftover ham is a versatile ingredient that can elevate many dishes, especially scones. Ham cheese scones are not only a fantastic way to use up leftovers, but they also make for a delightful snack, brunch option, or even a quick breakfast. Here are some creative recipes that incorporate leftover ham and cheese into delicious scones.

Basic Ham and Cheese Scone Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (optional)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
• 1 cup diced leftover ham
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Gruyère, or your favorite)
• 1/2 cup milk (or buttermilk)
• 1 large egg (for egg wash)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and black pepper.
3. Cut in Butter: Add the chilled, Ham cheese scones and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Add Ham and Cheese: Gently fold in the diced ham and shredded cheese until evenly distributed.
5. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk and egg. Gradually add this mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined.
6. Shape the Scones: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and gently knead a couple of times. Pat into a 1-inch thick disk and cut into wedges or use a round cutter.
7. Prepare for Baking: Place the scones on the baking sheet and brush the tops with the remaining egg wash.
8. Bake: Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown. Let cool slightly before serving.

Creative Variations Using Leftover Ham

1. Herbed Ham Cheese Scones

• Additions: Mix in fresh herbs like chives, rosemary, or thyme along with the ham and cheese for an aromatic twist.

2. Spicy Ham Cheese Scones

• Additions: Include diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes to the batter for a spicy kick.

3. Mediterranean Ham and Cheese Scones

• Additions: Add crumbled feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and black olives to create a savory Mediterranean-inspired scone.

4. Sweet Potato and Ham Scones

• Additions: Incorporate mashed sweet potatoes for moisture and a subtle sweetness, paired with sharp cheddar and ham.

5. Smoky Bacon and Ham Scones

• Additions: Mix in crumbled bacon along with the ham for a smoky flavor. This combination pairs wonderfully with sharp cheese.

Tips for Using Leftover Ham in Scones

Choose the Right Ham

• Flavor Profile: Consider the type of ham you have. Smoked ham, honey-baked ham, or even leftover holiday ham can each bring a unique flavor to your scones.
• Texture: Ensure the ham is tender and not overly dry, as this will enhance the overall texture of the scones.

2. Dice the Ham Finely

• Even Distribution: Chop the ham into small, uniform pieces to ensure it distributes evenly throughout the scone dough.
• Avoid Clumps: Small bits of ham will mix better with the flour and other ingredients, preventing clumps that could disrupt the texture.

3. Balance Flavors

• Cheese Pairing: Pair the ham with complementary cheeses. Cheddar, Gruyère, or mozzarella work well, but feel free to experiment with your favorites.
• Herbs and Spices: Add fresh herbs (like chives or thyme) or spices (such as black pepper or smoked paprika) to enhance the savory flavor of the ham.

4. Incorporate Additional Ingredients

• Vegetables: Consider adding diced vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or green onions to boost flavor and nutrition.
• Fruits: For a sweet-savory twist, include ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes or dried apricots, which can complement the ham’s saltiness.

5. Use Ham as a Flavor Enhancer

• Minimalism: If you have only a small amount of ham, use it as a flavor enhancer rather than the main ingredient. This allows you to create a delicious scone without needing a lot of ham.

6. Experiment with Different Flours

• Whole Wheat or Spelt: Mixing in whole wheat or spelt flour can add nuttiness and extra fiber, making the scones more wholesome.

7. Watch the Liquid Content

• Adjust Liquids: Leftover ham can add moisture to the scone dough. If your ham is particularly juicy, consider reducing the amount of liquid (like milk) in your recipe slightly.

Conclusion

Making ham cheese scones is a delicious way to utilize leftover ham and create a comforting treat. With a variety of creative variations to explore, you can easily adapt the basic recipe to suit your taste preferences. Enjoy the process of cooking, and savor the delightful results!