Mary Berry Cheese and Bacon Scones Recipe

These cheese and bacon scones are everything you want from a savoury bake. Light and crumbly inside with a golden crust, they are packed with mature Cheddar and smoky bacon for real depth of flavour. This is an easy, reliable recipe suitable for beginners, and it comes together quickly with minimal fuss. From start to finish, you will have warm scones on the table in about 35 minutes.

Ingredients

For the scone dough

• 225g self-raising flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 50g cold unsalted butter, cubed
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper

For the filling

• 125g mature Cheddar cheese, coarsely grated
• 6 rashers smoked back bacon, cooked until crisp and finely chopped

To bind and finish

• 150ml whole milk, plus extra for glazing

How to Make Mary Berry Cheese and Bacon Scones Recipe

• Prepare the oven: Preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan). Line a baking tray with baking parchment and set aside.
• Mix the dry ingredients: Sift the flour and baking powder into a large bowl. Add the salt and black pepper, then rub in the butter using your fingertips until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs.
• Add the cheese and bacon: Stir most of the grated cheese into the bowl, reserving a small handful for the topping. Add the chopped bacon and mix gently so everything is evenly distributed.
• Bring the dough together: Pour in the milk and mix with a round-bladed knife until the dough just comes together. Turn out onto a lightly floured surface and gently bring into a soft round. Avoid overworking the dough.
• Shape and cut: Roll or pat the dough to about 2.5cm thick. Cut into rounds using a 5cm cutter, pressing straight down without twisting. Place onto the prepared tray.
• Glaze and bake: Brush the tops lightly with milk and sprinkle over the remaining cheese. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes until well risen and golden.
• Cool and serve: Transfer the scones to a wire rack and allow to cool slightly before serving warm.

Tips

Why are my scones dense?

Overmixing the dough is the most common cause. Handle it lightly and stop as soon as it comes together.

How do I get a better rise?

Make sure your oven is fully preheated and your baking powder is fresh.

Can I make them more cheesy?

Yes. Use a strong mature Cheddar or add a small amount of Parmesan for extra depth.

Should the bacon be cooked first?

Always cook the bacon before adding it to the dough to avoid excess moisture.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve warm with butter and a little chutney
• Pair with soup for a simple lunch
• Add to a savoury afternoon tea spread

Storage

Room temperature

Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Rewarm gently before serving.

Refrigerator

Keep for up to 4 days, well wrapped. Bring to room temperature or warm lightly before eating.

Freezing

Freeze baked scones for up to 3 months. Defrost fully and reheat in the oven for best texture.

Nutrition

• Calories: 285 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Protein: 11g
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Sodium: 420mg

Nutrition values are estimates and may vary depending on ingredients used.

FAQs

Mary Berry Cheese and Bacon Scones Recipe

Recipe by Milli RoseCourse: SnackCuisine: BritishDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

Calories

300

kcal

Total time

1

hour 

10

minutes

Light, fluffy savoury scones made with mature Cheddar cheese and crispy bacon. Perfect served warm for lunch or afternoon tea.

Ingredients

• 225g self-raising flour

• 1 tsp baking powder

• 50g unsalted butter, cold and cubed

• 1/4 tsp salt

• 1/4 tsp black pepper

• 125g mature Cheddar cheese, grated

• 6 rashers smoked back bacon, cooked and chopped

• 150ml whole milk

• Extra milk, for glazing

Directions

• Preheat oven to 200°C (180°C fan) and line a baking tray.
• Sift flour and baking powder into a bowl and rub in butter until crumbly.
• Stir in salt, pepper, cheese and bacon.
• Add milk and mix to form a soft dough.
• Roll out, cut into rounds and place on tray.
• Brush with milk and sprinkle with cheese.
• Bake for 15 to 18 minutes until risen and golden.
• Cool slightly on a wire rack before serving.

Notes

• Handle the dough gently to keep scones light.
• Always cook bacon before adding.
• Freeze baked scones for up to 3 months.