Delicious Sweet Potato Sage Scones: A Buttery, Savory Delight for Fall & Holidays
There’s something uniquely comforting about a freshly baked scone, and these Sweet Potato Sage Scones elevate that experience to a whole new level. Imagine a scone that’s perfectly buttery and crisp on the bottom, offering a delightful contrast to its tender, flaky interior. Each bite delivers a mellow undertone of natural sweetness from the roasted sweet potatoes, harmoniously balanced with the warm, earthy aroma of fresh sage. The combination of rich butter and aromatic sage truly ties all the flavors together, resulting in a savory scone that is both sophisticated and incredibly satisfying.
While sweet scones often steal the spotlight, these savory counterparts are incredibly versatile. They make an exceptional alternative to traditional biscuits, especially when paired with hearty meals. Picture them alongside a perfectly roasted chicken, a succulent holiday turkey, or even a comforting pot roast. Their robust flavor profile complements a wide array of dishes, making them an ideal addition to your autumn and winter menus.
The Enduring Allure of Scones: A Baker’s First Love
For many home bakers, scones hold a special place in their hearts, and I am certainly no exception. It’s no secret that scones were my very first baking love. In fact, the initial recipe I ever shared on Accidental Happy Baker was for scones, and my Pinterest board is a testament to this devotion, overflowing with nothing but amazing scone recipes. Perhaps my fascination began with countless historical fiction novels, envisioning young governesses enjoying delicate scones at afternoon tea, lost in thought over the estate’s brooding master.
Regardless of its origin, my affection for scones is genuine and deep-seated. Every step of the baking process feels familiar and comforting, like reconnecting with an old friend. Scones offer the perfect balance of ease and methodical precision. They are wonderfully quick to prepare, yet they still allow for that satisfying, hands-on experience of working with dough. A bit of shaping, and voilà – they’re ready for the oven, unlike bread with its often-meddlesome rising stages. These particular sweet potato sage scones mark my exciting debut into the world of savory scones, and I must say, “savory” truly describes them to perfection.
Definition C of Savory from Merriam Webster: pleasing to the sense of taste especially by reason of effective season.
A Culinary Symphony: Why Sweet Potato and Sage Work So Well
The marriage of sweet potatoes with sage in these scones creates an incredibly rich and fragrant flavor profile that is both comforting and sophisticated. Sweet potatoes bring a natural sweetness and earthy depth, while sage offers its distinctive aromatic, slightly peppery notes. This combination is particularly evocative of autumn and the holiday season, making these scones an ideal addition to Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any fall-themed gathering.
For this recipe, you’ll need one cup of mashed sweet potato. Preparing your sweet potatoes couldn’t be simpler. Just scrub a medium to large sweet potato clean, pierce it all over with a fork, and pop it into the microwave for a few minutes until tender. The exact time will depend on its size. Once cooked, let it rest in the microwave for a few more minutes to steam. You can then easily peel off the skin with your fingers. Mash the cooked sweet potato coarsely with a fork and allow it to cool completely before incorporating it into the dough. While you could purée the sweet potatoes for a smoother texture, I prefer leaving them a little coarser. This way, you’ll discover beautiful orange flecks of sweet potato throughout the scones, adding both visual appeal and a delightful textural variation.
Regarding the sage, while dried sage can certainly be used, fresh sage truly shines in this recipe. Its vibrant aroma and delicate leaves not only infuse the scones with incredible flavor but also look stunning when pressed onto the tops as a garnish. The subtle perfume of fresh sage as it bakes is simply irresistible.
Baking the Perfect Scone: Tips for Flaky Perfection
Achieving a perfectly flaky and tender scone is a simple joy when you follow a few key principles. The secret lies in using cold ingredients and handling the dough as little as possible. Cold butter, when cut into the flour, creates pockets of steam as it bakes, resulting in those desirable flaky layers. Buttermilk, with its acidity, tenderizes the dough and reacts with the leavening agents to give the scones a beautiful rise.
When mixing, combine the dry ingredients first, then cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This ensures the butter is evenly distributed without being overmixed. Next, gently combine the wet ingredients (cooled mashed sweet potato and buttermilk) before adding them to the dry mixture. Stir just until a loose ball of dough forms. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, leading to tough scones, which is the opposite of what we want!
Once the dough is gently kneaded a few times on a lightly floured surface, shaping it into an 8-9 inch round and cutting it into 8 wedges is straightforward. Don’t forget the final touch: brushing the tops with melted butter and pressing a fresh sage leaf onto each scone. This not only adds a lovely golden sheen and extra flavor but also makes for a beautiful presentation.
Have leftover fresh sage? Here’s how to preserve it for later!
If you find yourself with extra fresh sage after making these delightful scones, don’t let it go to waste! Preserving herbs is an excellent way to extend their shelf life and enjoy their flavor year-round. Drying sage is a simple process that keeps its robust aroma and taste intact. Here’s a quick guide:
- Wash and thoroughly dry your sage leaves. It’s crucial they are completely dry to prevent mold during drying.
- Turn your oven to the lowest heat setting, typically around 150-170°F (65-75°C).
- Spread the whole leaves, or chopped leaves, evenly on a parchment paper lined baking sheet. Ensure they are in a single layer for even drying.
- Place in the oven for 2-4 hours, or until the leaves crumble easily when touched. The time will vary depending on your oven and the moisture content of the sage.
- Cool completely and remove to an air-tight container. Store in a cool, dark place, and your dried sage will be ready for future culinary adventures!
These preserved sage leaves can then be used in soups, stews, roasted vegetables, or even in another batch of these savory sweet potato scones!
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 Fahrenheit (230°C).
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In a medium sized mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir well to ensure they are thoroughly mixed.
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Using a fork or a pastry blender, cut in the cold butter until the mixture is coarse and crumbly, resembling small peas. This step is crucial for flaky scones.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and the cooled, mashed sweet potato until combined. This mixture will be very thick. Pour this wet mixture into the flour mixture. Add the chopped fresh or dried sage. Stir together with a spoon or your hands just until a loose ball of dough forms. Do not overmix.
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Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it gently a few times – just enough to bring it together. Shape the dough into an 8-9 inch round disc, about 1-inch thick, and cut into 8 uniform wedges using a sharp knife or bench scraper. Place the scones on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, or arrange them in a 12-inch cast iron skillet.
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Brush the tops of the scones with the melted butter. Then, carefully press one fresh sage leaf lightly into the top of each scone for an elegant garnish and an extra burst of fresh aroma.
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Bake at 450 degrees Fahrenheit (230°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until the scones are golden brown around the edges and cooked through. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Versatile Serving Suggestions
These savory sweet potato sage scones are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in a multitude of ways beyond just replacing biscuits at dinner. Here are some ideas to inspire you:
- Holiday Meals: They are a natural fit for Thanksgiving and Christmas spreads, adding a unique and flavorful bread option that complements roasted meats, gravies, and stuffing.
- Brunch Spreads: Serve them warm with a dollop of cream cheese or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for a sophisticated brunch item.
- Soup & Stew Companion: Their sturdy yet flaky texture makes them perfect for dunking into hearty fall soups, chili, or stews, soaking up all the delicious broth.
- Cheese Boards: Pair them with a selection of artisanal cheeses, cured meats, and a fig jam for an elevated appetizer or snack.
- Elevated Breakfast: Enjoy them simply with a cup of coffee or tea, perhaps lightly toasted and buttered for a quick, flavorful breakfast.
No matter how you choose to enjoy them, these sweet potato sage scones are sure to become a beloved addition to your recipe repertoire. Their comforting flavors and satisfying texture make them a standout bake, perfect for cozy evenings, festive gatherings, or simply treating yourself to something truly delicious.
