Ultimate Savory Sweet Potato Sage Scones: Flaky Perfection for Any Meal
Prepare to fall in love with these Sweet Potato Sage Scones – a truly exceptional savory bake that will elevate any meal. Each scone boasts a delightful buttery crisp exterior, yielding to a tender, flaky interior. The natural mellow sweetness of sweet potatoes harmonizes perfectly with the earthy, aromatic notes of fresh sage, creating a flavor profile that is both comforting and sophisticated. This isn’t just a scone; it’s a culinary experience. Forget plain biscuits; these savory scones are an absolute game-changer, especially when served alongside a succulent roasted chicken or a holiday turkey.
My Enduring Love Affair with Scones
It’s no secret to those who know me that scones hold a special place in my heart when it comes to baking. Indeed, the very first recipe I ever shared on Accidental Happy Baker was for scones, a testament to my profound affection for these humble yet elegant baked goods. I even curate a dedicated Pinterest board filled with nothing but incredible scone recipes. Perhaps my initial fascination stemmed from countless hours lost in historical fiction novels, picturing young governesses enjoying delicate scones at tea, contemplating the enigmatic masters of grand estates. Whatever its origin, that fascination has blossomed into a genuine, deep-seated love.
Every step of the scone-making process feels like reconnecting with an old friend. For me, scones strike the perfect balance between ease and engagement. They’re quick to prepare, yet they allow me to get my hands right into the dough, feeling its texture and shaping it with care. There’s a satisfying, almost magical transformation that happens, and then, voilà, they’re ready for the oven. This hands-on, relatively quick process is a welcome contrast to bread baking, which often involves that “meddlesome rising part” in the middle, demanding patience I sometimes lack. While I’ve explored many sweet scone variations over the years, these Sweet Potato Sage Scones mark my first serious foray into the world of savory scones. And oh, how perfectly the word “savory” describes them!
Definition C of Savory from Merriam-Webster: pleasing to the sense of taste especially by reason of effective season.
The Perfect Harmony: Sweet Potato and Sage
The combination of sweet potatoes with fragrant sage in these scones is nothing short of magical, resulting in a rich, deeply aromatic, and incredibly pleasing flavor. Sweet potatoes bring more than just sweetness; they impart moisture, a lovely creamy texture, and a vibrant orange hue that makes these scones visually appealing, especially with the flecks of orange within. Sage, a classic herb for fall and winter cooking, offers an earthy, slightly peppery, and subtly minty aroma that balances the sweet potato beautifully. It’s a pairing that feels both traditional and uniquely delicious, making these savory scones perfect for any occasion.
This recipe calls for 1 cup of mashed sweet potato. Preparing the sweet potato is incredibly simple: just scrub a medium to large sweet potato, pierce it all over with a fork, and microwave it for a few minutes until tender. The exact time will vary depending on its size, but generally, a few minutes is all it takes. Once cooked, let it rest in the microwave for another few minutes to steam through. You can then easily peel off the skin with your fingers. Mash it coarsely with a fork – I actually prefer a slightly coarser mash, as it leaves those beautiful orange flecks visible within the baked scone, adding to its rustic charm. Be sure to let your mashed sweet potato cool completely before incorporating it into the dough; this is crucial to ensure your butter stays cold, which is key for flaky scones.
While you can certainly use dried sage in this recipe, I highly recommend opting for fresh sage if possible. The vibrant aroma of fresh sage, finely chopped, infuses the dough with an unparalleled depth of flavor. Plus, pressing a fresh sage leaf lightly into the top of each scone before baking not only adds a lovely decorative touch but also releases more of its fragrant oils as it bakes, making them smell absolutely divine as they come out of the oven. This small detail truly elevates the experience of these savory delights.
Tips for Baking the Perfect Flaky Scones
Creating truly flaky and tender scones relies on a few key techniques that, once mastered, will make you a scone-baking pro:
- Keep Ingredients Cold: This is perhaps the most critical tip. Cold butter, cold buttermilk, and even a chilled bowl can make a difference. When cold butter pieces melt in the hot oven, they release steam, creating pockets that result in those desirable flaky layers. If your butter gets too warm, those layers won’t form, and you’ll end up with a denser, more cake-like scone.
- Don’t Overwork the Dough: Scone dough, much like pastry dough, thrives on minimal handling. Over-kneading develops the gluten in the flour, leading to tough scones. Mix just until the ingredients are combined and the dough barely comes together. A light touch is your best friend.
- The Power of Buttermilk: Buttermilk isn’t just for flavor; its acidity reacts with the baking powder and baking soda, giving the scones an excellent lift and contributing to their tender crumb. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a quick substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to a measuring cup and filling the rest with regular milk to equal ¾ cup. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it slightly curdles.
- High Heat for a Crisp Crust: Baking scones at a relatively high temperature (like 450°F / 230°C) helps them rise quickly and creates a beautifully crisp, golden-brown exterior while keeping the inside soft and moist. The initial burst of heat is what locks in the moisture and helps the butter create steam.
- Shaping Matters: Gently shape the dough into a round, avoiding excessive rolling or pressing. When cutting into wedges, try to cut straight down rather than twisting the knife or cutter. Twisting can seal the edges of the scone, preventing it from rising as high and flaking properly.
Serving Suggestions for Savory Sweet Potato Sage Scones
These savory sweet potato sage scones are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in a multitude of ways:
- Holiday Side Dish: They are a fantastic alternative to dinner rolls or cornbread for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any festive meal. Their seasonal flavors pair beautifully with roasted meats and rich gravies.
- Breakfast or Brunch: Serve them warm with scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, or a side of fruit for a hearty and elegant breakfast or brunch spread.
- Alongside Soups and Stews: Their savory profile makes them an excellent accompaniment to a creamy butternut squash soup, a hearty lentil stew, or a simple vegetable broth. They’re perfect for dipping!
- Cheese Board Addition: Elevate your cheese board by adding these unique scones. They pair wonderfully with aged cheddar, goat cheese, or a creamy brie.
- Light Lunch: Split them open and fill with a slice of ham and a dollop of cranberry sauce for a delicious and quick lunch.
Have Leftover Sage? Here’s How to Preserve It for Later!
If you’ve bought a bunch of fresh sage for these delicious scones and find yourself with extra leaves, don’t let them go to waste! Preserving fresh herbs is a simple way to extend their life and ensure you always have them on hand for future culinary adventures. Drying sage is particularly easy and effective, allowing you to capture its intense flavor for months to come. Here’s a quick guide to drying your fresh sage in the oven:
- Wash and gently pat dry your sage leaves. Ensuring they are completely dry will prevent mold during storage.
- Turn your oven to the lowest possible heat setting, typically around 150-200°F (65-95°C). You’re looking to dehydrate them, not cook them.
- Spread the whole leaves, or chopped leaves, evenly on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Make sure they are in a single layer to ensure even drying.
- Place the baking sheet in the oven for 2-4 hours. The time will vary depending on your oven and the size of the leaves. Check them periodically.
- The leaves are ready when they are completely dry and crumble easily when touched. They should feel brittle, not pliable.
- Once cooled completely, remove them from the baking sheet and store them in an airtight container or jar. Keep them in a cool, dark place, and they’ll retain their flavor for a long time, ready to infuse your next savory creation!
Sweet Potato Sage Scones
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Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cup all purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
- 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup mashed sweet potato (cooled)
- 3/4 cup buttermilk
- 10 leaves fresh sage (chopped, or 1 1/2 tsp dried sage)
- 1/2 cup cold butter (cut into small pieces)
- 8 leaves sage (for garnish)
- 1 Tablespoon butter (melted)
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 450 degrees.
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In a medium sized mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients.
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Using a fork or a pastry blender, cut in the butter until the mixture is coarse and crumbly
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Whisk together the buttermilk and cooled, mashed sweet potato. This will be very thick. Pour the mixture into the flour mixture. Add the chopped or dried sage. Stir together to form a loose ball of dough.
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Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead a few times. Shape the dough into an 8-9 inch round and cut into 8 wedges. Place the scones on a baking sheet or in a 12 inch cast iron skillet.
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Brush the tops of the scones with the melted butter and press a fresh sage leave lightly into the top of each scone.
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Bake at 450 degrees for 15-20 minutes or until golden browned around the edges. Serve warm.
Notes
Nutrition
Conclusion: A Savory Scone Masterpiece
These Sweet Potato Sage Scones are more than just a baked good; they are a celebration of seasonal flavors, expert technique, and the sheer joy of homemade baking. The subtle sweetness of the sweet potato, combined with the fragrant, herbaceous sage and the rich butter, creates a truly unforgettable savory experience. Whether you’re serving them as an elevated side dish for a holiday feast, a comforting addition to a casual brunch, or simply enjoying one with a cup of tea, these scones promise to deliver flaky, flavorful perfection.
I encourage you to embrace the process, follow the tips for success, and allow yourself to savor the delightful aroma that will fill your kitchen. There’s something deeply satisfying about creating something so delicious from scratch. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and prepare to bake a batch of these exquisite savory scones that are sure to become a cherished recipe in your culinary repertoire. Don’t forget to share your creations and feedback!