Rustic Zucchini Cheddar Scones Recipe

Buttery Zucchini Cheddar Scones Recipe: A Savory Delight

Fresh from the garden, these zucchini cheddar scones blend summer’s bounty with sharp, tangy cheese in a delightful pastry.

Grated zucchini infuses moisture and subtle green notes into every tender bite.

Sharp cheddar provides a bold, salty counterpoint that makes these scones irresistible.

The recipe comes together quickly, requiring just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time.

Flaky, golden-edged, and generously studded with vibrant vegetables and melted cheese, these scones work perfectly as a breakfast treat or savory snack.

Each morsel promises a burst of flavor that celebrates seasonal produce and comforting baking.

Get ready to savor a scone that turns ordinary moments into delicious memories.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 22-24 minutes

Total Time: 37-39 minutes

Calories: 276 kcal

Servings: 9

What’s in Zucchini Cheddar Scones

For Dry Ingredients:
  • Flour: The foundation of the scones, providing structure and texture to the baked treat. Choose unbleached all-purpose flour for the best results.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the richness of the cheese and butter.
  • Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Magical leavening agents that help the scones rise and become light and fluffy.
  • Sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness that complements the savory cheese and zucchini.
For Wet and Binding Ingredients:
  • Egg: Binds the ingredients together and contributes to the golden color of the scones.
  • Sour Cream: Brings tanginess and moisture, creating a tender and rich texture.
  • Cold Butter: Ensures flaky layers by staying cold and creating pockets of fat during baking.
For Flavor and Texture Enhancers:
  • Zucchini: Adds moisture, subtle freshness, and nutritional value to the scones. Choose firm, bright green zucchini without blemishes.
  • Cheddar Cheese: Provides a sharp, tangy flavor and creates delightful melty pockets throughout the scones. Select a high-quality, aged cheddar for maximum taste.

Kitchen Tools for Baking Zucchini Cheddar Scones

  • Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining dry ingredients and creating the scone dough.
  • Small mixing bowl: Ideal for whisking egg and sour cream.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Essential for accurate ingredient measurements.
  • Baking sheet: Lined with parchment paper for even baking and easy cleanup.
  • Sharp knife: Used for cutting dough into wedges.
  • Spatula: Helps gently fold zucchini and cheese into the dough.
  • Box grater: Necessary for grating fresh zucchini.
  • Whisk: Great for blending egg and sour cream smoothly.
  • Cutting board or clean surface: Provides space for shaping and cutting scones.

How to Make Zucchini Cheddar Scones Soft

  • Flour Foundation

Create a soft, crumbly base by mixing flour with key dry ingredients that add magic to your scones.

  • Butter Blend

Transform cold butter into tiny pebbles throughout the flour mixture, creating layers of deliciousness.

  • Moisture Magic

Introduce creamy elements that bind everything together, forming a tender dough with rich flavor.

  • Zucchini Integration

Gently fold green veggie shreds and extra cheese into the mixture, ensuring even distribution without overworking.

  • Shaping Adventure

Transform the dough into a rustic circle, cutting into triangular pieces that promise golden, crispy edges.

  • Cheese Crown

Sprinkle additional cheese on top, creating a tempting melted surface that signals delectable scones are coming.

  • Oven Transformation

Bake until edges turn golden and centers become perfectly cooked, filling your kitchen with irresistible aromas.

Flavor Ideas for Zucchini Cheddar Scones

  • Remove excess moisture by placing grated zucchini in a clean kitchen towel and squeezing out the water, preventing soggy scones.
  • Swap cheddar with gruyère, pepper jack, or sharp white cheddar for unique flavor profiles that complement the zucchini's mild taste.
  • Prepare scone dough, cut into wedges, and freeze unbaked on a baking sheet. Transfer frozen wedges to a freezer bag for quick baking within 3 months.
  • Incorporate fresh chopped herbs like basil, chives, or thyme into the dough for an extra layer of aromatic complexity and freshness.
  • Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend and add 1/2 teaspoon xanthan gum to maintain the scones' tender texture and structural integrity.

Zucchini Cheddar Scones: Serve with Style

  • Breakfast Companion Delights: Pair these savory scones with a soft-scrambled egg and fresh chives for a morning feast that sings with flavor.
  • Brunch Beauties: Create a stunning brunch spread by arranging these scones alongside a light mixed green salad and a zesty herb yogurt dip.
  • Afternoon Tea Treat: Serve these warm scones with a dollop of herbed cream cheese and a crisp cucumber salad for an elegant midday snack that feels both rustic and refined.
  • Picnic Perfect Pairing: Pack these scones in a picnic basket with some cold roasted chicken, fresh fruit, and a tangy mustard sauce for an outdoor dining adventure that celebrates seasonal ingredients.

Storing Zucchini Cheddar Scones Safely

  • Freshness First: Store these zucchini cheddar scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, ensuring maximum flavor and soft texture.
  • Quick Freeze Strategy: Wrap individual scones tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Frozen scones stay delicious for 3 months – perfect for future breakfast surprises.
  • Reheating Magic: Bring frozen or refrigerated scones back to life by warming them in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes. They'll taste almost as fresh as the day you baked them, with crispy edges and soft centers.
  • Smart Moisture Control: Add a paper towel inside the storage container to absorb excess moisture from the zucchini, keeping scones from becoming soggy and maintaining their delightful crumbly texture.
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Rustic Zucchini Cheddar Scones Recipe

Rustic Zucchini Cheddar Scones


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4.7 from 40 reviews

  • Total Time: 37-39 minutes
  • Yield: 9 1x

Description

Rustic zucchini cheddar scones blend savory cheddar with garden-fresh zucchini, creating a delightful breakfast pastry. Cheese lovers will savor these tender, flaky scones that showcase summer’s best ingredients alongside sharp cheddar’s rich flavor.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2.5 cups (590 ml) all-purpose flour
  • ¾ cup (180 ml) grated sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 stick (4 oz / 113 g) unsalted butter, very cold and cut into tiny pieces
  • ⅔ cup (160 ml) grated zucchini, drained
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • ½ cup (120 ml) full-fat sour cream
  • ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 tbsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • 1 tbsp all-purpose flour

Instructions

  1. Oven Preparation: Position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for optimal baking surface.
  2. Dry Ingredient Blend: In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly combine flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, and sugar to create a uniform dry base.
  3. Butter Integration: Quickly cube cold butter and work into the flour mixture using fingertips until the texture resembles grainy, coarse crumbs.
  4. Moisture Incorporation: Whisk egg and sour cream together, then gently fold into the flour mixture until a rough, slightly sticky dough emerges.
  5. Zucchini and Cheese Preparation: Coat grated zucchini and half the cheddar cheese with a light dusting of flour to prevent excess moisture and ensure even distribution.
  6. Dough Formation: Carefully fold the zucchini-cheese mixture into the dough, maintaining a delicate touch to preserve the scones’ tender crumb.
  7. Shaping and Cutting: Transfer dough to a floured surface, shape into an 8-inch circular disk, then slice into 8 equal triangular wedges.
  8. Final Preparation and Baking: Arrange scone wedges on the prepared baking sheet, generously sprinkle remaining cheese on top, and bake for 22-24 minutes until achieving a golden-brown exterior and fully cooked interior.
  9. Serving: Allow scones to cool briefly, then serve warm to maximize flavor and enjoy optimal texture.

Notes

  • Moisture Management: Grate zucchini and pat dry with paper towels to prevent soggy scones, ensuring a perfect crisp texture.
  • Butter Temperature Technique: Keep butter extremely cold and work quickly to create flaky, layered scone structure.
  • Cheese Distribution Strategy: Coat cheese and zucchini in flour to prevent sinking and ensure even flavor throughout the scone.
  • Handling Hack: Minimize dough manipulation to maintain a tender, light crumb and prevent tough, dense scones.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 22-24 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 9
  • Calories: 276
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 330 mg
  • Fat: 17 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 26 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 45 mg
Emily Roberts

Emily Roberts

Content Creator & Kitchen Tips Specialist

Expertise

Dietary Planning​, Public Health Nutrition, Nutritional Education​, Content Development​

Education

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

  • Degree: Master of Science in Nutritional Sciences
  • Focus: Research on dietary patterns and their impact on chronic diseases.​

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)

  • Credential: Expertise in translating nutrition science into practical advice. ​

Emily Roberts is our content specialist and registered dietitian at HealthyChoices.org. With her Master’s degree in Nutritional Sciences from the University of Illinois and her Registered Dietitian Nutritionist certification, Emily uses her deep nutrition knowledge to write helpful, easy-to-understand guides about healthy eating. 

Her warm, practical advice empowers readers to confidently make healthier choices, turning everyday meals into simple moments of wellness and joy.

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