Cheese and ale scones

A twist on our classic cheese scones, these moreish cheese and ale scones are a tempting savoury treat. Serve them slightly warm with a slather of butter, or pair them with a real ale chutney and a wedge of mature cheddar cheese.

25 minutes prep. time
15–20 minutes cooking time
Serves 12
Pies & savoury treats

A cheese and ale scone which has been cut open and filled with chutney and cheese — Cheese and ale scone | © National Trust/ William Shaw

750g self-raising flour
185g baking margarine
Pinch of salt
Pinch of ground black pepper
310g cheddar cheese, grated
220ml pale ale
100ml milk

Step 1

Pre-heat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan/ gas mark 4) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.

Step 2

Put the flour and margarine into the bowl of your mixer. Attach the paddle beater and mix on a low speed for 3–4 minutes, or until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs.

Step 3

Add a pinch of salt and pepper and 250g of the grated cheddar cheese. Gently mix together to combine.

Step 4

Remove the paddle beater and replace with the dough hook. Add all the ale into the bowl of your mixer and enough of the milk to make a shaggy dough – everything should be combined but the dough is still a little lumpy.

Step 5

Tip the mixture onto a lightly floured work surface. Using your hands, gently work the dough until everything is fully combined.

Step 6

Divide the dough into three even pieces, each weighing approximately 480g. Form each piece into a disc shape – roughly 20cm in diameter. Next, cut each disc in half and then half again. You should end up with 12 wedge-shaped scones.

Step 7

Place these on your lined baking tray. Use the remaining 60g of grated cheddar cheese by topping each scone with 5g of cheese. Press each scone gently to make it flatter.