There is something truly magical about the cozy combination of smoky bacon, sharp white cheddar, and tender, flaky scones that melt in your mouth. If you’ve been looking for a delightful breakfast or brunch treat that feels both indulgent and comforting, then the Overnight Bacon and White Cheddar Scones Recipe is exactly what you need. This recipe lets you prepare your dough the day before, allowing the flavors to deepen overnight, and then bake fresh scones that balance savory richness and a tender crumb, perfect for sharing with loved ones on a lazy morning.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients may seem simple at first glance, but each plays a vital role in creating scones that are fluffy, flavorful, and irresistibly tender. The combination of flours provides the right texture, while the smoked bacon and white cheddar bring that unbeatable savory kick. Every element works in harmony to make these scones absolutely unforgettable.
- Applewood smoked bacon (12 oz): Adds a smoky, savory depth that infuses every bite with rich flavor.
- All-purpose flour (¾ cup + 1 tsp): Gives structure and balance to the scones’ tender crumb.
- Cake flour (1½ cups + ½ tsp): Ensures a light, delicate texture without heaviness.
- Baking powder (1½ tsp + 1/8 tsp): Provides the gentle rise for tall, fluffy scones.
- Baking soda (¼ tsp + 1/8 tsp): Enhances leavening and browning for a perfect crust.
- Sugar (2 tbsp + ¾ tsp): Balances the savory flavors with a touch of sweetness.
- Salt (1 tsp + 1/8 tsp): Boosts all the flavors and contrasts the cheese and bacon.
- Cold unsalted butter (4.7 oz): Cut into cubes to create flakiness with pockets of butter that melt as they bake.
- Heavy cream (¼ cup + 1 tbsp): Adds moisture and richness for soft dough.
- Full-fat plain Greek yogurt (¼ cup + 2½ tbsp): Contributes tang and tenderness to the dough.
- White cheddar cheese (2 cups grated + ½ cup for topping): Offers sharp, creamy bursts that complement the bacon beautifully.
- Chives (¼ cup minced): Fresh and mild onion flavor that lifts the savory elements.
- Bacon drippings (3 tbsp): Used for brushing on top, adding extra smoky crispness.
- Freshly ground pepper: Adds a subtle kick on top that brightens flavors.
How to Make Overnight Bacon and White Cheddar Scones Recipe
Step 1: Cook and Prepare the Bacon
Start by cooking the applewood smoked bacon in your largest skillet over medium heat. Cook it until it’s crispy but still slightly flexible, so it doesn’t dry out completely. Lay the bacon on paper towels to drain excess fat and let cool before chopping into small pieces. Reserve those flavorful bacon drippings, which we’ll use later to brush the scones for an extra punch of smoky goodness.
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In the bowl of a stand mixer, mix together the all-purpose flour, cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, sugar, and salt. Gently stirring ensures even distribution of your leavening agents and seasoning, which is crucial for perfect scones.
Step 3: Cut in the Butter
Add your cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using the mixer on low speed, blend for about 30 seconds, then continue mixing in short bursts until you see many small butter pieces still visible, roughly the size of peas. This step is key because those little butter chunks create the flaky layers you want. Avoid over-mixing — the texture depends on those bits of butter remaining intact.
Step 4: Add the Cream, Yogurt, Bacon, Cheese, and Chives
With the mixer running on low, pour in heavy cream followed by Greek yogurt. Mix until the dough just comes together. Scrape the bowl and paddle, then pulse one more time to integrate everything. Now, fold in the chopped bacon, a generous 2 cups of grated white cheddar, and minced chives. These ingredients add bursts of savory flavor and delicate herbaceous notes throughout each scone.
Step 5: Shape the Dough
Transfer the dough onto a large sheet of plastic wrap. Pat and press it into a neat 7-by-9-inch rectangle, smoothing the surface and straightening the edges with your hands. This shape makes for even-sized scones and helps with consistent baking.
Step 6: Refrigerate the Dough
Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for about 2 hours. This step firms up the dough, making it much easier to cut later and allowing flavors to meld.
Step 7: Freeze the Shaped Scones
Prepping these scones overnight is where the magic happens. After chilling, cut the dough in half lengthwise, then into 6 rectangles across for a total of 12 scones. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spaced about an inch apart. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and freeze until completely solid, which usually takes at least 2 hours or preferably overnight. These frozen scones can be stored for up to a month, ready whenever you want fresh-baked goodness.
Step 8: Prepare for Baking
When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Warm the reserved bacon drippings until melted, then brush the tops of each frozen scone lightly. Sprinkle fresh black pepper and sugar on top, followed by a final touch of white cheddar cheese for that golden, cheesy crust.
Step 9: Bake
Bake the scones on the middle rack until they turn beautifully golden, which takes roughly 27 to 29 minutes. Allow them to cool a few minutes on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack. This cooling time helps achieve that perfect tender interior with a crisp outside.
How to Serve Overnight Bacon and White Cheddar Scones Recipe
Garnishes
These scones are delightful on their own, but a sprinkle of fresh chives or a light brush of melted butter fresh from the oven elevates them to next-level deliciousness. A crack of freshly ground black pepper adds just the right touch of warmth.
Side Dishes
Serve your scones alongside a crisp green salad or some sautéed morning greens for a balanced brunch. They also pair beautifully with a dollop of sour cream or your favorite creamy spread, or even a few scrambled eggs to round out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress your guests? Arrange scones on a wooden board garnished with fresh herbs and scattered shards of white cheddar. Add a small bowl of bacon jam or a honey butter compound to the side for an interactive, indulgent touch that everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover scones, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one day. Beyond that, they tend to lose their fresh-baked texture, so enjoy them quickly for the best experience.
Freezing
The beauty of this overnight bacon and white cheddar scones recipe is that you can freeze the shaped scones before baking. Wrap them well and store them in the freezer for up to one month, allowing you to bake fresh scones whenever the craving hits.
Reheating
To bring frozen or leftover scones back to life, warm them in a 300-degree oven for about 10 minutes until heated through and lightly crisp on the outside. Avoid the microwave if you want to maintain that signature flaky texture.
FAQs
Can I use regular cheddar instead of white cheddar?
Absolutely! While white cheddar provides a sharp, tangy flavor, regular cheddar works just as well, offering a slightly different but delicious taste. Just pick a good-quality sharp cheddar for the best results.
Do I have to freeze the scones overnight?
You don’t have to freeze them overnight, but chilling them thoroughly for at least 2 hours helps the dough set properly and makes slicing easier. Freezing overnight provides the best texture and flavor development.
Can I make these scones dairy-free?
It’s possible to substitute dairy ingredients with alternatives like plant-based butter and yogurt, but the flavor and texture may differ slightly. For the classic taste, sticking with dairy is recommended.
How long can I keep bacon drippings in the fridge?
Bacon drippings stored in an airtight container will last about a week in the refrigerator. It’s a fantastic flavor booster for many dishes beyond these scones.
What’s the best way to reheat leftover scones?
The oven is your best friend here. Reheat at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for 8-10 minutes to restore crisp edges while keeping the interior warm and tender.
Final Thoughts
There really is something so comforting and satisfying about this Overnight Bacon and White Cheddar Scones Recipe. Preparing the dough ahead of time allows you to enjoy fresh, warm scones with minimal morning effort, and the blend of smoky bacon with sharp white cheddar is pure breakfast bliss. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to make again and again, perfect for sharing with friends, family, or simply savoring in your favorite cozy chair. Give it a try — your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Overnight Bacon and White Cheddar Scones Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 27 minutes
- Total Time: 52 minutes (excluding chilling and freezing time)
- Yield: 12 scones
- Category: Breakfast and Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Overnight Bacon and White Cheddar Scones combine crispy applewood smoked bacon with sharp white cheddar and fresh chives for a savory, flaky treat. Made ahead and frozen, they offer a convenient, crowd-pleasing breakfast or snack option with rich buttery texture and a slight sweetness, balanced by smoky bacon and tangy cheese.
Ingredients
Meat and Dairy
- 12 oz. applewood smoked bacon (cooked, drained and cut into ¼ inch pieces, drippings reserved)
- 4.7 ounces cold unsalted butter (1 stick plus 1 ½ tablespoons, cut into ¼ inch cubes)
- ¼ cup heavy cream (plus 1 tablespoon)
- ¼ cup full-fat plain Greek yogurt (plus 2 ½ tablespoons)
- 2 cups white cheddar cheese (grated)
- ½ cup white cheddar cheese (grated, for topping)
Dry Ingredients
- ¾ cup all purpose flour (+ 1 teaspoon, spooned and leveled)
- 1 ½ cups cake flour (+ ½ teaspoon, spooned and leveled, sifted if clumpy)
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder (+ 1/8 teaspoon)
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda (+ 1/8 teaspoon)
- 2 tablespoons sugar (+ 1 ½ teaspoons total; ¾ teaspoon in dough, 1 ½ teaspoons for topping)
- 1 teaspoon salt (+ 1/8 teaspoon)
Other
- ¼ cup chives (minced)
- 3 tablespoons bacon drippings
- Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until it is crispy yet still slightly flexible. Drain on paper towels, let cool, then cut each piece lengthwise and chop into small pieces. Reserve the bacon drippings in a tupperware and refrigerate.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the all purpose flour, cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, sugar, and salt. Stir gently with the paddle attachment until evenly mixed.
- Add Butter: Cut the cold butter into small cubes and add all at once to the mixer. Mix on the lowest speed for about 30 seconds, then in short increments until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with visible pea-sized butter pieces. Use a knife to cut any large pieces; avoid overmixing.
- Add Cream and Yogurt: With the mixer running, pour in the heavy cream and then the Greek yogurt. Mix on low for about 30 seconds until the dough starts to come together. Scrape down the sides and pulse to combine.
- Incorporate Bacon, Cheese and Chives: Add the chopped bacon, 2 cups grated white cheddar, and minced chives. Pulse the mixer a few times just to incorporate evenly.
- Shape and Chill Dough: Turn the dough out onto a large sheet of plastic wrap. Press it together with your hands into a smooth 7-by-9-inch rectangle. Wrap tightly and refrigerate for about 2 hours or until firm.
- Cut and Freeze: Pre-lined with Silpat or parchment paper, cut the chilled dough in half lengthwise, then crosswise into 6 rectangles each, for a total of 12 scones. Place them on the prepared pan spaced about an inch apart. Cover tightly and freeze until solid, at least 2 hours or preferably overnight. Scones can be stored in freezer up to 1 month.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare Scones for Baking: Warm the reserved bacon drippings in the microwave until melted. Brush the tops of each frozen scone lightly with bacon drippings. Sprinkle freshly ground black pepper and 1 ½ teaspoons sugar evenly over the scones. Top each with some of the remaining ½ cup grated white cheddar cheese.
- Bake: Bake the scones in the preheated oven for 27 to 29 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from oven and let cool on the pan for a few minutes.
- Cool and Serve: Transfer the scones to a wire rack to cool slightly before serving. Best enjoyed fresh the same day, but can be stored in a covered container for up to 1 day.
Notes
- Freezing the scones before baking allows you to bake fresh scones anytime and they store frozen well for up to 1 month.
- Use cake flour to achieve a tender, flaky texture in the scones. If unavailable, sift flour to remove lumps and mimic cake flour consistency.
- Do not overmix the dough once butter is added; butter pieces should remain visible for flakiness.
- Bacon drippings add a rich flavor boost when brushed on top before baking.
- For best flavor, use sharp white cheddar cheese and fresh chives.
- Scones are best eaten the day they are baked but can be kept at room temperature in an airtight container for 1 day.
