These apple and bacon cornmeal scones are moist and delicious, with a wonderful sweet-savory flavor combination. Such a tasty snack, you'll be back for more.
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I don't know if it's just me, but I tend to have a default thought when I get it into my head to bake. For me it has been muffins for a while. Which is odd since I didn't have them much growing up (they're not a British thing).
We had scones much more when I was a child, but I seem to need to think about them a little more before I make them as an adult. I'm not sure if it's I feel the need to change them up, or if I worry they won't work out.
I guess they are a little less forgiving but even still, I should make them more as they can be so delicious.
A new immediate favorite were these apple and bacon cornmeal scones. These are so delicious, they are always eaten up in no time. Plus, as with most scones you can make them ahead and freeze.
Are British scones and American scones the same?
I mentioned when I shared the gingerbread scones that the British and American versions do seem to differ a bit in texture. British scones tend to be very buttery and soft while American ones tend to be drier and harder.
Personally I prefer the British ones, and to me very little beats the British tradition of a 'cream tea'. A nice buttery scone with a fruity jam and clotted cream on top alongside a pot of tea is just so good.
When I was over in the UK last summer and saw cream teas on the menu at some gardens we were visiting, I couldn't resist as it had been so long.
Well despite all that introduction, these apple and bacon cornmeal scones are not really like the traditional British ones other than the fact they're relatively moist and buttery.
The flavors here are quite different from the traditional, but they are so good I'd still happily have them in my cream tea. Although without the jam and cream, they have enough going on in themselves.
They have a delicious moist fruity sweetness, if that makes sense, from the apple, a little salty crunch from the bacon and that slightly rough texture from the cornmeal that somehow fits in perfectly. The flavors all go together really well and they are addictively good.
How to make these apple bacon scones
While these take a little extra effort than a basic scone, as the bacon and apples are cooked ahead of time, they are still very easy. But the extra little step is worth it for the delicious flavor both add.
After you have the bacon and apple pre-cooked, the food processor does the work of combining everything. Then you just flatten the dough slightly, cut it and bake.
This is a pretty moist dough so don't expect to cut nice circles from the mixture - rough squares or triangles are more appropriate here. Think rustic - it kind of goes with the flavors anyway (or that's what you can tell people).
As I say they also work really well to freeze when you make them and cook them at a later point - just add a couple minutes to the cooking time but bake straight from frozen. But you might want to make a double batch if you want to freeze any. They're pretty hard to resist once baked!
Delicious, slightly sweet with a slight crunch, these apple and bacon cornmeal scones were an instant hit in our house.
Like scones? Try these!
- Coconut mango scones (another favorite!)
- Traditional British scones
- Gingerbread scones
- Roast pear and fig scones (on the healthier side)
- Plus get lots more inspiration for more snack recipes both sweet and savory.
Tools to make these scones
I'd recommend using a Silicone Baking Mat on top of a Half Baking Sheet to make these (affiliate links).
See some of my favorite cooking tools and ingredients in the Caroline's Cooking Amazon store.
Apple and bacon cornmeal scones
Ingredients
- ½ lb apples 225g, 1 medium apple
- 2-3 slices smoked bacon streaky
- ½ cup all purpose flour 70g plain flour
- ½ cup cornmeal 85g
- ½ tablespoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 4 tablespoon butter cold
- ¼ cup buttermilk 60ml
Instructions
- preheat the oven to 400F/200C.
- Peel and core the apple and cut into slices then lay the slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake the apple slices for around 20min until they look dry on top and are just starting to color. Let them cool a little but leave the oven on.
- Meanwhile cook the bacon until crisp - either fry, grill or you can also do in the oven on a baking sheet for around 20min, turning now and then. Drain excess fat and break up the slices.
- In a food processor, add the dry ingredients - flour, cornmeal, baking powder and salt - and pulse to mix.
- Dice the butter and add to the flour mixture. Pulse until you get a breadcrumb-like texture.
- Add the apple, bacon and buttermilk and pulse to combine. Try not to overmix or break things up too much, you want it just combined and a little chunky.
- Turn the mixture out onto a floured surface, flatten it out to around ⅔in/2cm thick and cut into squares/rectangles/triangles.
- Carefully transfer the scones to a lined baking sheet and bake for approx 20min until browning around the edges.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
This post was originally posted in Feb 2016 and has been updated with new photos and video.
More breakfast and brunch ideas, that can be made ahead:
- Lemon Crumb Cake by Life Tastes Good
- Asparagus Quiche in Hash Brown Crust by Wimpy Vegetarian
- Make Ahead Baked Monte Cristo Casserole by Sprinkles and Sprouts
- Citrus Crepes with White Chocolate Drizzle by Gourmet Everyday
- Flourless Chocolate Torte by Pies and Plots
- Raspberry Mascarpone French Toast Casserole by That Skinny Chick Can Bake
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Linda says
I made the apple and bacon and we had them with eggs and sausages could also servvewith more bacon or ham
Shannon says
What type of apple works best with this recipe?
Caroline's Cooking says
A few different kinds will work, I'd suggest a more tart apple that doesn't become too soft when cooked is best, so for example granny smith or pink lady.
Traci says
I've made these once before and they were lovely and tasty! I am making them again this morning, and am thinking of adding just a bit of sharp cheddar cheese. Any thoughts on how it would work or how much to add?
Caroline's Cooking says
Glad you enjoyed! Yes I definitely think some cheese would work, maybe around 1/4 cup? Let me know how it goes!
Traci says
They turned out delicious! I didn't measure exactly, but grated probably about 1/4 cup of sharp cheddar and added it in at the same time as the apples and bacon. I had forgotten how good and light these are! Thanks so much for sharing the recipe.
Caroline's Cooking says
Great, glad they worked out well! They're a favorite of ours too.
Abbe@This is How I Cook says
I like the British version of scones also! But these look killer along with that additional bacon on the side!
Caroline's Cooking says
Thanks, the bacon is so good on these (and extra on the side never a bad thing!)
Nettie Moore says
I am seriously drooling! I love baking scones, sounds like a wonderful combo! Nettie
Caroline's Cooking says
Thanks Nettie, they are indeed delicious!
Doreen Simpson says
Love this combo, sweet and savoury perfection 3
Caroline's Cooking says
Thank you, I would have to agree 🙂
Kelsie | the itsy-itsy kitchen says
Well these look just divine! I tend to have a baking default too; right now it's cupcakes and I'm trying hard to move beyond it! I don't think I've ever had a British scone--just the American ones--so I'm going to have to expand my scone horizons. Happy Monday!
Caroline's Cooking says
Thanks Kelsie, it's funny how you can get stuck on one thing for a while. I hope you'll give these a try, they're really tasty.
susan | the wimpy vegetarian says
I love moist buttery scones, and never thought about the fact the scones here in the States are drier. I would love to make these!
Caroline's Cooking says
Thanks Susan, these have a lovely texture and flavor, hope you give them a try.
Hezzi-D says
What great flavors! I bet the sweetness from the apple and the saltiness from the bacon are perfect toegether!
Caroline's Cooking says
Thanks Heather, they are indeed great together.
Katie says
The combination of sweet and savory sounds divine! I have to admit - I've been on a scone making kick lately (instead of muffins) - I love when there is a crispy exterior but a really fluffy interior...I have to remind myself to not eat the entire batch!!!
Caroline's Cooking says
Thanks Katie, I know what you mean about having to stop yourself eating them all, and these ones definitely have that problem!
Christine | Mid-Life Croissant says
Is it possible, do you think, to read someone's palate? Like how we say, "you read my mind!" Either you're reading my palate or we just have very similar tastes but I prefer to add a little metaphysical mystery into the mix. Delicious and can't wait to give them a go. My son will totally love these too. Thanks for linking up at #SaucySaturdays.
Caroline's Cooking says
I like the idea Christine, go with it! These really are delicious, enjoy!
Suzanne says
Love those scones, they look absolutely perfect and delicious. Thank ou for bringing to the party this week.
Caroline's Cooking says
Thanks Suzanne, and thanks for co-hosting!
Petra says
Cream tea is so great isn't it? These scones would make a lovely twist and the combination of apple and bacon sounds great! 🙂
Caroline's Cooking says
Thanks Petra, and yes I love cream tea - need to re-create some time!
Julie is Hostess At Heart says
Caroline, this is a wonderful combination! I love apple and bacon together and these scones look delicious!
Caroline's Cooking says
Thanks Julie, they really are good!
Jade @ Jonesin' For Taste says
My husband loves savory scones and I've made them with cheese and bacon before but I love the idea of bacon, apple, and cornmeal together! What an unusual mix!
Caroline's Cooking says
Thanks Jade, it is a bit unusual but the flavors and textures are all so good!
Joy @ Joy Love Food says
I love making scones, but have never tried this combination or used cornmeal in scones either, they sound delicious, I will have to try it soon! Love those bread hens too 🙂
Caroline's Cooking says
Thanks Joy, it was all a bit of an experiment, but worked so well, I need to make some more soon!
Analida's Ethnic Spoon says
This sounds like my kind of breakfast! I might warm them up and drizzle a little maple syrup on them too!
Caroline's Cooking says
Thanks Analida, they are great warm and I think the maple syrup would go perfectly.