In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, there’s a special joy that comes from whipping up something comforting in the kitchen. I was searching for a way to transform our leftover mashed potatoes when inspiration struck: why not turn them into delightfully savory Loaded Mashed Potato Scones? As the warm, buttery scent of baking fills the air, you’ll find the perfect combination of crispy bacon and sharp cheddar dancing through the kitchen. This quick and easy recipe is not just a fantastic way to use up leftovers but a crowd-pleaser that can elevate any breakfast or snack time. Trust me, with each bite of these golden scones, you’ll appreciate their tender crumb and rich flavors—ideal for cozy mornings or afternoon indulgence. Let’s dive into creating a batch that will make you the star of your own kitchen!
Why You’ll Love These Loaded Mashed Potato Scones?
Irresistible Comfort: These scones merge the heartiness of mashed potatoes with the flavors of bacon and cheese, creating a truly satisfying treat.
Quick & Easy: Perfect for busy mornings, this recipe takes minimal time and effort while delivering maximum flavor.
Crowd-Pleasing Goodness: Serve them at brunch or as a snack, and watch everyone come back for seconds!
Versatile Ingredients: Customize with different cheeses, herbs, or vegetables to suit your taste or use up what you have on hand.
No Leftover Woes: Transform yesterday’s mashed potatoes into today’s delightful baked goods—waste not, want not!
Loaded Mashed Potato Scone Ingredients
For the Scones
• All-Purpose Flour – Provides the structure for the scones; swap for a gluten-free blend if needed.
• Baking Powder – Acts as a leavening agent, making your scones rise beautifully.
• Salt – Enhances the overall flavor, making each bite delicious.
• Black Pepper – Adds a mild heat; adjust according to your taste preferences.
• Cold Unsalted Butter – Ensures flakiness and rich flavor; keep it very cold for the best results.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese – Brings sharp, savory notes; try swapping for Monterey Jack for a milder flavor.
• Crispy Bacon – Adds a salty crunch; can substitute with cooked turkey bacon if you prefer a lighter option.
• Chopped Chives – Provides freshness and a mild onion taste; scallions or green onions are perfect stand-ins.
• Leftover Mashed Potatoes – Introduces moisture and a tender crumb; freshly made mashed potatoes work too!
• Heavy Cream – Contributes richness and moisture to the dough, enhancing the texture.
• Egg (whisked with water) – Used for an egg wash, adding a golden crust to the scones.
• Sour Cream – Ensures moisture and tenderness; Greek yogurt can be a great substitute for tanginess.
How to Make Loaded Mashed Potato Scones
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Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures a nice, even bake for your scones.
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Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and black pepper. This creates a flavorful base for your scones.
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Cut in Butter: Add the cold, diced unsalted butter to the bowl. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This step is crucial for achieving flaky scones!
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Add Add-Ins: Gently stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and half the chopped chives. Expect a beautiful mix of flavors at this stage.
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Incorporate Wet Ingredients: Fold in the leftover mashed potatoes, heavy cream, and sour cream until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep those scones tender!
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Shape Dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface. Pat it into a rectangle about 1-inch thick, ensuring a uniform shape for even cooking.
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Cut Scones: Use a knife or a biscuit cutter to cut the dough into your desired shapes. Feel free to make them as big or small as you like!
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Egg Wash: Brush the tops of the scones with the whisked egg wash. Sprinkle the remaining chives over the top for a pop of color and flavor.
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Bake: Place your scones on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown. Keep an eye on them for that perfect color!
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Cool: Once baked, allow the scones to cool slightly before serving. This helps them maintain their structure and flavor.
Optional: Serve warm with butter or a dollop of cream cheese for an upgraded experience.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Loaded Mashed Potato Scones
• Chill the Mixture: Keep the scone mixture cold before baking to achieve the best flakiness. A warm mixture will result in denser scones.
• Don’t Overmix: Gently combine the wet and dry ingredients. Overmixing can lead to tough scones, so stop as soon as you don’t see dry flour.
• Cheese Variety: Experiment with different cheeses such as Gruyère or feta for unique flavor profiles in your loaded mashed potato scones.
• Bacon Alternatives: If you’re looking for a lighter option, try turkey bacon or sautéed mushrooms for a hearty yet healthier twist.
• Add Fresh Herbs: Incorporating fresh herbs like dill or parsley can elevate the scone’s flavor and offer a refreshing taste in each bite.
How to Store and Freeze Loaded Mashed Potato Scones
Room Temperature: Store uneaten scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain freshness.
Fridge: If you prefer, scones can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days, keeping them wrapped tightly to prevent drying out.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the scones in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to an airtight container for up to 3 months—perfect for enjoying later!
Reheating: To reheat, simply pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to restore their flaky texture and warming comfort.
What to Serve with Cheddar Bacon Scones with Leftover Mashed Potatoes?
Imagine a delightful table spread that perfectly complements the savory goodness of warm scones, each bite a buttery escape.
- Creamy Tomato Soup: The rich and tangy flavors of tomato soup enhance the scone’s cheesy notes, perfect for dipping.
- Fresh Arugula Salad: A light, peppery salad adds a vibrant contrast, balancing the scones’ richness with a refreshing crunch.
- Savory Egg Frittata: A fluffy egg frittata with herbs and cheese transforms breakfast into a feast, beautifully pairing with the scones.
- Pickled Vegetables: The tanginess of pickled vegetables brings a zesty contrast, cutting through the savory scone flavors.
- Buttery Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn slathered in butter adds a comforting, summery touch to your meal, bringing joy to every bite.
- Sparkling Apple Cider: A glass of sparkling apple cider offers a crisp, invigorating drink choice, harmonizing wonderfully with the scones’ richness.
- Chocolate Chip Cookies: For those with a sweet tooth, pairing with freshly baked cookies can satisfy both savory and sweet cravings.
- Garlic Herb Butter: A spread of garlic herb butter elevates the scones even further, adding a delicious, aromatic layer of flavor.
Crafting a meal around these flavors makes every gathering feel special, inviting warmth and satisfaction to your table!
Loaded Mashed Potato Scones Variations
Feel free to get creative and make these scones your own with exciting twists and alternatives!
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Turkey Bacon: Swap crispy bacon for turkey bacon for a lighter, yet still savory scone. You’ll enjoy the same richness with fewer calories.
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Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the dry ingredients for a warm, spicy flavor that elevates the scones’ savory notes.
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Cheese Swap: Try goat cheese or pepper jack for a completely different flavor profile. Both will add unique tanginess and character.
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Veggie Boost: Fold in some sautéed spinach or roasted red peppers for extra nutrients and color. You’ll love the added freshness and flavor burst.
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Herbed Delight: Experiment with fresh herbs—such as rosemary or dill—for a fragrant twist that complements the bacon and cheese beautifully.
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Nutty Texture: Add a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch and a nutty flavor enhancement. Everyone will crave that new texture!
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Sweet and Savory: Mix in a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup for a sweet contrast to the savory ingredients, creating an intriguing flavor balance.
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Leftover Twist: Use leftover flavored mashed potatoes, like garlic or ranch, to infuse your scones with an extra layer of deliciousness. The result will be truly unforgettable!
Make Ahead Options
These Loaded Mashed Potato Scones are a fantastic choice for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper) up to 3 days in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. The crispy bacon can also be cooked ahead and refrigerated for up to 4 days. When you’re ready to bake, simply combine the dry mix with the cold butter and add the rest of the ingredients. No need to worry—these scones will still be just as delicious! Bake them fresh in the morning, and enjoy the delightful aroma wafting through your kitchen while saving precious time during busy weeknights.
Loaded Mashed Potato Scones Recipe FAQs
What’s the best way to select ripe ingredients for this recipe?
Absolutely! For the best results, choose your ingredients carefully. Look for all-purpose flour that feels fine and free from lumps. When selecting cheese, opt for sharp cheddar that’s brightly colored without any dark spots. For bacon, crispy and fully cooked strips add the best flavor and texture. Fresh chives should appear vibrant and green; avoid any that look wilted or yellowed.
How should I store my leftover Loaded Mashed Potato Scones?
To keep your scones fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you have any leftovers after that, it’s best to freeze them. Simply place them in the fridge for up to 4 days if wrapped tightly to prevent them from drying out or getting stale.
Can I freeze Loaded Mashed Potato Scones?
Absolutely! To freeze, first let the baked scones cool completely. Then, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about an hour. Once firm, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag, ensuring they’re sealed tightly. They can store in the freezer for up to 3 months! When ready to enjoy, reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to revive their delightful texture.
What if my scones turn out too tough or dense?
Tough scones can often be a result of overmixing the dough. To avoid this, gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ones until just combined—treat it like a delicate friendship! Additionally, ensuring that your butter is very cold will help achieve that flaky texture. If they appear too dry, you might also consider adding a tad more cream to the wet mix next time.
Are Loaded Mashed Potato Scones suitable for dietary restrictions?
Very! While this recipe contains gluten due to the all-purpose flour, you can easily adapt it. Substitute with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free option. If you have dairy sensitivities, consider using a dairy-free heavy cream and sour cream alternative. For those avoiding bacon, you might try using diced ham, cooked turkey bacon, or even sautéed mushrooms for a hearty yet lighter version.
Loaded Mashed Potato Scones: A Cozy Comfort Food Delight
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Add cold, diced butter and mix until resembling coarse crumbs.
- Gently stir in cheddar cheese, bacon, and half of the chives.
- Fold in mashed potatoes, heavy cream, and sour cream until just combined.
- Turn dough onto a floured surface and pat into a rectangle about 1-inch thick.
- Use a knife or biscuit cutter to cut dough into desired shapes.
- Brush tops with egg wash and sprinkle remaining chives.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving.