A New Zealand Café Classic
Cheese scones have been a staple in New Zealand cafés for decades. Crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy inside, they're best enjoyed straight from the oven with plenty of butter while still warm.
Unlike sweeter baking recipes, cheese scones are savoury, making them a versatile option for breakfast, lunch, or afternoon tea.
Ingredients
3 cups self-raising flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon mustard powder (optional)
2 cups grated tasty cheese
50g cold butter
1¼ cups milk
Method
Preheat your oven to 220°C.
Mix the flour, salt and mustard powder in a large bowl.
Rub the butter into the flour until it resembles breadcrumbs.
Stir through most of the grated cheese, reserving a small handful for the top.
Add the milk and mix gently until just combined.
Turn onto a lightly floured bench and pat into a rectangle about 3cm thick.
Cut into squares or triangles and place on a baking tray.
Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top.
Bake for 15–18 minutes until golden brown.
Tips for Perfect Cheese Scones
Don't overmix the dough—this keeps the scones light.
Use strong, aged cheddar for the best flavour.
Serve immediately while warm.
Freeze leftovers and reheat in the oven for a quick snack.
Make Them Your Own
Try adding:
Chopped spring onions
Fresh chives
Cracked black pepper
Diced ham
Jalapeños for a spicy twist
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