Savory scones with cheddar and chives are tender, buttery and filling, and an easy keto scones recipe that comes together with minimal effort! These almond flour scones 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 sweet scones and breakfast pastries, 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 keto scones are:
- flavorful and filling
- gluten-free and low-carb
- an easy snack or breakfast that is great on-the-go
- simple to make with only 15 minutes of prep time
the ingredients
The wonderful thing about scones? It's a mix-and-go situation, where all the ingredients are stirred up, pressed into a dough and cut into triangles. Unlike traditional 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's what you will need to make savory keto scones:
- Low-carb baking essentials: Almond flour, ground flaxseed meal, baking soda, and baking powder (preferably aluminum-free like this one). Since these are almond flour scones, the flaxseed helps lighten up the crumb and works as a binder.
- 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 ham (like leftover ham or a store-bought ham steak).
- Wet ingredients: Melted butter, 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 keto scones recipe, it's just that simple. Here are the steps:
- Mix dry ingredients. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the almond flour, flaxseed meal, salt, garlic powder and baking powder.
- Add the savory ingredients. Stir in the grated cheese, chives, and ham.
- Stir in wet ingredients and form dough. Pour the melted butter and add the eggs and lemon juice. Stir to combine and mix until a thick dough forms.
- Cut and bake. Transfer the dough to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and press it together to form a thick disc. Cut into eight triangular pieces, spread them apart on the baking sheet, and transfer to the oven to bake.
tips for the best keto scones
- Mix the ingredients until they are just combined. Use your hands if it is easier (you'll get them messy later anyways!).
- I really 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, cut and spread out the scones without having to transfer the scones or worry about the dough sticking at any point.
- 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 an extra yummy savory keto 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, covered and stored at room temperature. You can freeze them, too! Place them in a freezer bag and store in the freezer for up to 2 months.
other add-ins for savory keto scones
While I love the ham-and-cheese combination, these add-ins would also be delicious 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
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.
watch the video
Check out how easily these keto scones can come together!
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 butter smoothie with cauliflower, a smooth and creamy breakfast drink with nutty almond butter, a hint of banana and cinnamon.
savory keto scones with cheddar and chives
These savory keto 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!