Savory California Olive & Cheese Thyme Scones
Inspired by warm Californian hospitality, these savory scones blend the rich flavors of ripe black olives, sharp cheddar cheese, and fragrant fresh thyme. This delightful recipe comes from cherished friends in Temecula, California, who share a passion for gourmet cooking and the simple joys of life. Perfect for brunches, picnics, or simply as a savory snack, these scones are best enjoyed warm, slathered with creamy butter and paired with a drizzle of honey mustard and thinly sliced ham. Treat yourself and your loved ones to a taste of California with each delicious bite!
N/A
Servings
300
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
cake flour (self-raising)
2 cups (measured)
baking powder
2 teaspoons (measured)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (measured)
baking soda (bicarbonate of soda)
1/2 teaspoon (measured)
cold unsalted butter
1/3 cup (cubed)
sliced California ripe black olives
1/2 cup (sliced)
shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup (shredded)
fresh thyme
1 tablespoon (chopped)
2% buttermilk
3/4 cup (measured)
butter
to spread (softened)
honey mustard
1 tablespoon (optional)
thinly sliced ham
3 ounces (optional)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 475°F (235°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the self-raising cake flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda, mixing well to distribute the dry ingredients evenly.
3
Using a fork or your fingertips, cut the cold, unsalted butter into the flour mixture until it resembles small pebbles or coarse crumbs.
4
Gently fold in the sliced California ripe black olives, chopped fresh thyme, and shredded cheddar cheese until evenly incorporated.
5
Pour in the cold buttermilk and stir gently until the dough comes together. Be careful not to over-knead; the dough should be slightly sticky.
6
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it to about 1-inch thick. Use a 3-inch biscuit cutter to cut out scones, placing them on the prepared baking sheet.
7
Bake in the preheated oven for 9-11 minutes, or until the scones are golden brown and have risen beautifully.
8
Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before serving warm with butter, optional honey mustard, and thinly sliced ham for an extra treat.
Nutrition Information
11g
Fat
35g
Carbs
8.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is for Savory California Olive & Cheese Thyme Scones.
Where did this recipe originate?
This recipe comes from friends in Temecula, California, inspired by Californian hospitality.
What are the primary flavor profiles of these scones?
The scones feature rich ripe black olives, sharp cheddar cheese, and fragrant fresh thyme.
What temperature should I preheat my oven to?
You should preheat your oven to 475°F (235°C).
How long do the scones need to bake?
The scones should be baked for 9-11 minutes.
What type of flour is required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of self-raising cake flour.
How should the butter be prepared before mixing?
The butter should be cold, unsalted, and cubed.
What kind of olives are used in these scones?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of sliced California ripe black olives.
What type of cheese is included in the dough?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
What liquid is used to bind the dough?
The recipe uses 3/4 cup of cold 2% buttermilk.
How thick should the dough be rolled out?
The dough should be rolled to approximately 1-inch thickness.
What size cutter is recommended for the scones?
A 3-inch biscuit cutter is recommended.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each scone contains approximately 300 calories.
How much protein is in these scones?
There is 8.5g of protein per serving.
What is the fat content of this recipe?
Each serving contains 11g of fat.
What is the carbohydrate count for these scones?
There are 35g of carbohydrates per serving.
Are these scones sweet or savory?
These are savory scones intended for brunches or snacks.
How should the scones be served for the best experience?
They are best enjoyed warm, spread with butter, and paired with honey mustard and ham.
Can these scones be served at a picnic?
Yes, they are described as perfect for picnics, brunches, or savory snacks.
How should the olives be prepared?
The olives should be sliced before being folded into the dough.
How should the butter be incorporated into the dry ingredients?
Cut the butter into the flour using a fork or fingertips until it resembles small pebbles.
What is a tip for handling the dough?
Be careful not to over-knead the dough; it should remain slightly sticky.
How should I prepare the baking sheet?
Line your baking sheet with parchment paper.
What indicates the scones are finished baking?
They are done when they are golden brown and have risen beautifully.
Is there a recommended meat pairing for these scones?
Yes, serving them with 3 ounces of thinly sliced ham is suggested.
Is there a specific condiment suggested for serving?
Honey mustard is suggested as an optional drizzle.
What type of thyme should be used?
The recipe specifically calls for 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh thyme.
How many leavening agents are used?
The recipe uses three: self-raising flour, baking powder, and baking soda.
What is the total number of ingredients in this recipe?
The recipe consists of 12 ingredients in total.
Should the scones be cooled completely before serving?
No, they should be allowed to cool only slightly and served while still warm.