These savory almond flour scones with cheddar and chives are tender, buttery and filling, and an easy low carb scones recipe that comes together with minimal effort! They are loaded with savory ingredients- chunks of ham, fresh chives, and cheddar cheese- an irresistible combination that works so well in scone form.
This keto scones recipe is a savory version inspired by my lemon blueberry scones, an earlier post and a reader favorite. As much as I love those classic scones packed with fresh blueberries, there's something about a savory baked good that feels extra lovely and unexpected.
This is a great recipe to use up leftover ham, crumbled bacon, and a bounty of fresh garden chives (another idea: my 5-minute keto ranch dressing recipe)!
These savory almond flour scones are:
- flavorful and filling
- simple grain-free and gluten-free cheese scones
- low carb and keto friendly (only 4 net carbs per scone!)
- an easy snack or breakfast that is great on-the-go
- quick to make with only 15 minutes of prep time.
the ingredients
The wonderful thing about savory scones? It's a mix-and-go situation, where all the ingredients are stirred up, pressed into a dough and cut into triangles.
Unlike regular scones, these almond flour scones don't require cold butter or dough chill time or even a second mixing bowl. They are quick and simple to make, which means you can enjoy them any day of the week!
Here are the simple ingredients you will need to make these keto almond flour scones:
- Low-carb baking essentials: Almond flour, ground flaxseed meal, baking soda and baking powder (preferably aluminum-free leavening agent like this one). Since these are almond flour scones, the flaxseed helps lighten up the crumb for the perfect texture; it also works as a binder. No need for all-purpose gluten-free flour. Almond flour is what makes these gf and low carb.
- Seasonings: Garlic powder and salt is all you need since the add-ins are where the flavor is at.
- Savory add-ins: Cheddar cheese, fresh chives and cooked, chopped ham (like leftover ham or a store-bought ham steak).
- Wet ingredients: Melted unsalted butter, large eggs, and lemon juice (or swap in apple cider vinegar). The butter adds flavor and moisture, the eggs help bind the almond flour scones, and the acid from the lemon juice or vinegar reacts with the baking soda to help these beauties rise ever so slightly.
Note: For my dairy-free people, swap in coconut oil or your favorite vegan butter and cheese. Or omit the cheddar entirely and add a couple of tablespoons of nutritional yeast to get that cheesy flavor
the process
There is not a whole lot to this almond flour scones recipe, it's just that simple. Here are the steps (check out the printable recipe card at the bottom of the page):
- Mix dry ingredients. In a large bowl, whisk together the almond flour, flaxseed meal, salt, garlic powder and baking powder.
- Add the savory ingredients. Stir the grated cheese, chives, and ham into the flour mixture.
- Stir in wet ingredients and form dough. Pour the melted butter, eggs and lemon juice into a small bowl and whisk well (or add them directly to the flour mixture). Pour the wet ingredients in with the dry ingredients and mix until a thick dough forms.
- Cut and bake. Transfer the almond flour dough to a prepared baking sheet lined with parchment paper and press it together to form a thick disc. Cut into eight triangular pieces (make sure they're equal wedges), spread them apart on the baking sheet, and transfer to the oven. Bake until they're light golden brown.
tips for the best almond flour scones
- Mix the ingredients until they are just combined. Use your hands if it is easier (you'll get them messy later anyways!).
- For the best results, I recommend using parchment paper (or a baking mat) since it also works as your flat surface for pressing out the dough. A parchment-lined baking sheet means you can easily shape and cut the scone dough, then spread out the scones without having to transfer each one to a large baking sheet.
- Substitutions: If you don't have ham, you can use crumbled cooked bacon (or leave out the meat entirely). If using bacon, don't add any extra salt. A substitute for chives is chopped green onion- use the same amount.
- For extra yummy low-carb scones, sprinkle a small amount of flakey sea salt on top of the scones once they come out of the oven.
- Storing: These keto scones with almond flour will keep for up to 5 days, stored at room temperature in an airtight container. You can freeze them, too! Place them in a freezer bag and store in the freezer for up to 2 months
watch the video
Check out how easily these keto scones can come together!
other add-ins for healthy almond flour scones
While I love the ham-and-cheese combination, these add-ins are also great choices if you feel like experimenting with different flavors
- Parmesan cheese
- Chopped jalapeño and cheddar
- Gruyere cheese
- Prosciutto
- Herbs like rosemary or thyme (similar to my savory almond meal bread)
- Crumbled breakfast sausage
- Caramelized onions, chopped small
- Red pepper flakes
Enjoy this almond flour scone recipe, friends! Pour yourself a cup of coffee or afternoon tea and top these warm scones with a smear of butter or cream cheese!
It's the perfect combination of a hearty snack or low-carb breakfast that is still portable enough to take on the go. You might end up loving them more than traditional scones.
If you give them a try and love them too, please consider leaving a comment or a five-star rating in the recipe card below. I'm always grateful for your feedback. 🙂
And if you're looking for more breakfast recipes of the savory variety, check out this keto quiche Lorraine, keto zucchini fritters, or these keto buttermilk biscuits.
you might also love...
- Keto pumpkin soup with carrot and ginger, the perfect pairing for savory almond flour scones!
- Keto chocolate zucchini muffins, a delicious combination that results in a sweet and extra tender treat.
- Banana almond milk smoothie , a smooth and creamy breakfast drink with nutty almond butter, a hint of banana and cinnamon.
Savory Almond Flour Scones (Gluten Free, Keto)
These savory almond flour scones are studded with cheddar, fresh chives and bits of ham for a delicious almond flour scone that is gluten-free and low-carb. The perfect breakfast or any-time-of-day snack!
Ingredients
- 2 cups almond flour (preferably blanched and superfine)
- 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed meal
- 1-½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup chopped ham (pre-cooked)
- ½ cup grated cheddar cheese (heaping)
- ¼ cup fresh chives, chopped
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 2 eggs (pasture-raised when possible)
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice (or apple cider vinegar)
- flakey sea salt (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a baking mat.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the almond flour, flaxseed meal, baking powder, baking soda, salt and garlic powder. Whisk together to break up any clumps in the flour.
- Add the chopped ham, grated cheese, and chives to the dry ingredients. Stir to combine.
- Pour in the melted butter. Add the eggs and lemon juice. Stir all of the ingredients together and mix until a dough forms. Use your hands to mix, if needed. The dough will be thick, similar to cookie dough.
- Transfer the dough to the prepared baking sheet. Use your hands to shape it into a round, flat disc, about 1-½ inches thick.
- With a sharp knife, cut across the disc to make 8 triangular sections (total of four cuts).
- Gently spread them out on the baking sheet so they're at least ½-inch apart.
- Bake at 350°F for 15-18 minutes or until the edges are slightly golden.
- Remove from the oven and allow them to cool. Top with flakey sea salt, if desired.
Notes
A lined baking sheet (either with a silpat baking mat or parchment paper) will make this a lot easier! It doubles as your flat work surface and allows you to shape, cut and spread out the scones without having to transfer the dough or worry about the it sticking.
Dairy-free option
Swap in coconut oil or your favorite vegan butter and cheese. Or omit the cheddar entirely and add 2 tablespoons of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
Substitutions
- Bacon: If you don't have ham, you can use crumbled, cooked bacon. Do not add any extra salt.
- Chives: A good substitute for chives is chopped green onion (scallions).
Storing
- These will keep for up to 5 days, covered and stored at room temperature.
- Freezing: Place in a freezer bag and store in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 8 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 271Total Fat: 23gSaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 16gCholesterol: 71mgSodium: 618mgCarbohydrates: 8gNet Carbohydrates: 4gFiber: 4gSugar: 1gProtein: 12g
This nutritional information is approximate and is provided for convenience as a courtesy.
Did you make this recipe? Let me know!