ChezCindy: Cornbread Scones with Crispy Parmesan Topping

 

Gorgeous cornbread scones are a delight any time, any season, any table.  These are a savory scone with just 1 tablespoon of sugar in the ingredients.  The dough is fragrant with thinly sliced green onions, then topped with fresh grated Parmesan cheese that makes the scone tops become crispy as they bake.  The scones are delicious served with a creamy cheese spread, or simply with a drizzle of honey.  

Cornbread Scones with Crispy Parmesan Topping

1 cup all-purpose flour
2/3 cup cornmeal
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 tablespoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
8 tablespoons cold, unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
3/4 cup buttermilk or cream
2 tablespoons green onion thinly sliced
1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan

Line a sheet pan with parchment paper, set aside.  Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornmeal, baking powder, sugar, salt and baking soda.  Add the cubes of butter to the flour mixture.  Using your figures in a snapping motion, rub in the butter to combine it with the flour until the butter is incorporated into the flour.  You should see small pieces of butter among the flour.  Add in the buttermilk, sliced green onion, and cheddar cheese, stirring with a wooden spoon until the mixture just comes together.  It will be soft and sticky.  

Working on your kitchen counter, lightly sprinkle the work surface with flour before transferring the dough from the bowl onto the work surface.  Sprinkle the top of the dough with a light dusting of flour.  Gather the dough into a disk, gently pressing the dough into an 8-inch circle, roughly 1 1/2-inches thick.  Using a lightly floured knife, cut the dough into 8 wedges.

Transfer the wedges to the sheet pan lined with parchment paper leaving a bit a space between each wedge, lightly brushing the tops with a bit of buttermilk or cream.  Top each scone with a small amount of the grated Parmesan cheese.  Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.  Remove from the oven, cooling for 5 minutes, serve with salted butter and honey if desired.