There’s something so comforting and satisfying about a warm, freshly baked scone. The smell drifting through the kitchen, the soft crumb that practically melts in your mouth, and the golden top with just the right amount of crunch—it’s little moments like these that make brunch or afternoon tea extra special.
Savoury scones, in particular, are incredibly versatile. They’re light, fluffy, and packed with flavour, making them ideal for a weekend brunch, casual get-together with friends, or even a quiet moment to treat yourself. Unlike sweet scones, savoury scones can pair with a variety of toppings—from fresh herbs to cheese, eggs, bacon, and even seasonal vegetables—making them a standout at any table.
Below, we’ve put together a classic savoury scone recipe, plus ideas for tasty toppings and pairings, so you can create a brunch spread that will impress every guest.
Classic Savoury Scones Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 cups plain flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 60g cold unsalted butter, cubed
- ¾ cup grated cheddar cheese (or your favourite cheese)
- 2 tbsp fresh chopped herbs (chives, parsley, or thyme)
- ¾ cup milk (plus extra for brushing)
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
Method:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (fan-forced 180°C) and line a baking tray with baking paper.
- In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Rub in the butter with your fingertips until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs.
- Stir in cheese and herbs.
- Make a well in the centre and add the milk and egg. Fold gently to form a soft dough.
- Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead lightly for 20–30 seconds—overworking will make scones tough.
- Flatten to about 2 cm thickness and cut into rounds using a scone cutter. Place on the tray, leaving a little space between each scone.
- Brush the tops with milk and bake for 12–15 minutes until golden and risen. Serve warm for the best taste.
These scones are light, cheesy, and herby—the perfect base for a range of flavourful toppings.
Savoury Toppings and Pairings
Savoury scones are incredibly adaptable. You can serve them simply or add a variety of toppings to suit your mood or occasion. Here are some delicious ideas:
1. Herb Butter
Ingredients:
- 100g softened butter
- 1 tsp chopped fresh thyme or chives
- Pinch of salt
Method:
- Mix butter, herbs, and salt together.
- Spread generously on warm scones. The butter melts into the warm scone, creating a fragrant, comforting bite.
Herb butter is such a classic pairing. It’s simple but transforms your scones into something extra special without much effort.
2. Flavoured Cheese Spread
Ingredients:
- 100g cream cheese
- 2 tsp chopped sun-dried tomatoes
- 1 tsp finely chopped garlic
- Pinch of black pepper
Method:
- Combine all ingredients until smooth.
- Spread over warm scones for a creamy, savoury flavour.
Cheese spreads are perfect if you want a richer, slightly tangy bite. They’re also versatile—you can swap sun-dried tomatoes for roasted capsicum or fresh herbs.
3. Sautéed Mushrooms
Ingredients:
- 200g mushrooms, sliced
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Fresh thyme
Method:
- Melt butter in a pan and sauté garlic until fragrant.
- Add mushrooms and cook until golden and soft.
- Sprinkle in thyme and spoon over warm scones.
Sautéed mushrooms add an earthy, rustic element. They’re particularly delicious when paired with melted cheese on top of the scone.
4. Smoked Salmon & Fresh Herbs
Ingredients:
- 2–3 slices smoked salmon
- Fresh dill or parsley
- Optional: a squeeze of lemon
Method:
- Place smoked salmon on a warm scone.
- Sprinkle with fresh herbs and a touch of lemon for brightness.
This combination is elegant and feels fancy, but it’s quick and easy to assemble. Perfect for a brunch that looks impressive without a lot of fuss.
5. Bacon & Caramelised Onion
Ingredients:
- 2 rashers bacon, cooked until crisp
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 1 tsp olive oil
Method:
- Cook onion slowly in olive oil until soft and golden.
- Place bacon on the scone and top with caramelised onions.
This salty-sweet pairing is hard to resist. The scones become almost meal-like, satisfying and packed with flavour.
6. Avocado Smash
Ingredients:
- 1 ripe avocado
- Lemon juice
- Salt and pepper
Method:
- Mash the avocado and season with lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Spread on warm scones.
Avocado adds a fresh, creamy element that balances the cheesy richness of the scone. It’s a favourite for casual brunches and looks great on a shared platter.
7. Feta & Olive Tapenade
Ingredients:
- 50g crumbled feta
- 2 tbsp olive tapenade
Method:
- Spread tapenade on a scone and sprinkle with feta.
This topping is Mediterranean-inspired and full of flavour. It pairs beautifully with a light salad or fresh greens.
8. Roasted Pumpkin & Soft Cheese
Ingredients:
- 150g roasted pumpkin cubes
- 50g soft cheese (goat cheese or ricotta)
- Optional: pumpkin seeds
Method:
- Spread cheese on the scone, top with pumpkin cubes and seeds.
Seasonal and satisfying, this topping is great for autumn or winter brunches. It adds colour, texture, and a subtle sweetness that works well with the savoury scone.
Tips for Serving and Styling
- Serve scones slightly warm to bring out the flavours of the toppings.
- Offer a selection of toppings so guests can mix and match.
- Add finishing touches like fresh herbs, a sprinkle of cracked pepper, or a drizzle of olive oil.
- Pair with fresh salad leaves or lightly dressed greens to create a balanced brunch plate.
- Arrange toppings in small bowls for a DIY scone bar—fun, interactive, and very Instagram-worthy!
Why Savoury Scones Work for Any Occasion
Savoury scones are simple to make, adaptable, and always well-received. Whether you’re preparing a casual brunch, an afternoon tea with friends, or a weekend treat for yourself, these scones are satisfying and versatile.
They’re soft, fluffy, and packed with cheese and herbs, yet they’re neutral enough to pair with a range of toppings. The possibilities are endless: add something fresh, something crunchy, or something salty, and suddenly your humble scone becomes the star of the table.
Next time you’re planning brunch or tea, try these classic savoury scones with a few toppings and pairings. From herb butter to smoked salmon, bacon, avocado, or feta with tapenade, you can create a table full of flavours that everyone will love. Warm, cheesy, and full of character, savoury scones are truly a timeless treat.