Description
Smoky southern “Smoked Jalapeño Bacon Cornbread Muffins” seamlessly blend spicy, savory flavors with classic comfort. Crisp bacon and fiery peppers elevate cornbread into an irresistible treat you’ll crave at every gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 cup (120 g) yellow cornmeal
- 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar (optional, for sweetness)
Wet Ingredients:
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup (240 ml) buttermilk
- ¼ cup (60 ml) vegetable oil or melted butter
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for drizzling)
Flavor Add-Ins:
- ½ cup (75 g) shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup (60 g) cooked bacon, crumbled
- 2 fresh jalapenos, finely diced (seeds removed for less heat)
Instructions
- Prepare the culinary workspace by heating the oven to a precise 375F (190C), ensuring the muffin tin is either generously greased or lined with paper cups to prevent sticking.
- Create a dry ingredient foundation by thoroughly blending cornmeal, flour, optional sugar, baking powder, salt, and smoky paprika in a spacious mixing vessel, whisking until uniformly combined.
- In a separate container, gently emulsify buttermilk, eggs, and chosen fat (vegetable oil or melted butter) until the liquid components achieve a harmonious consistency.
- Merge the wet and dry mixtures with minimal manipulation, carefully folding until just integrated. Introduce sharp cheddar cheese fragments, crisp bacon crumbles, and fiery jalapeno pieces, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
- Allocate the mixture into muffin compartments, filling each approximately three-quarters full to allow proper rising during baking.
- Position the muffin tin in the preheated oven, allowing the delicacies to transform for 18-20 minutes. Monitor for a golden-brown exterior and confirm doneness by inserting a testing implement that emerges clean.
- Allow the freshly baked muffins to rest momentarily in their tin, then carefully transfer to a cooling surface. For an indulgent finale, drizzle with golden honey, enhancing the savory-sweet profile.
Notes
- Customize heat levels by removing jalapeno seeds for milder muffins or keeping seeds for extra spiciness.
- Swap buttermilk with Greek yogurt or plant-based milk for dietary adaptations like dairy-free or vegan options.
- Toast bacon until extra crispy to enhance the smoky flavor and provide a more robust crunch throughout the muffins.
- Use high-quality smoked paprika for deeper, more complex flavor that elevates the entire cornbread experience.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 26 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg