Sweet, Spicy & Smoky Bites of Heaven!
These irresistible cornbread muffins combine the sweetness of honey-kissed cornbread with smoky beef bacon, spicy jalapeños, and sharp cheddar for the perfect balance of flavors. They’re moist, fluffy, and packed with texture—ideal as a side for chili, BBQ, or enjoyed warm with butter!
Full Recipe
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup honey
- ¼ cup melted unsalted butter
Mix-Ins:
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup diced smoked beef bacon (cooked crispy)
- ½ cup diced jalapeños (seeds removed for milder heat)
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Prep & Preheat
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a 12-cup muffin tin with liners or grease well.
2️⃣ Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a large bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper.
3️⃣ Combine Wet Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk buttermilk, eggs, honey, and melted butter until smooth.
4️⃣ Fold Together
- Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir just until combined (don’t overmix!).
- Gently fold in cheese, bacon, jalapeños, and cilantro.
5️⃣ Bake to Perfection
- Divide batter evenly into muffin cups (⅔ full).
- Bake 15-20 minutes until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
6️⃣ Cool & Serve
- Let cool 5 minutes in the pan, then transfer to a wire rack.
- Serve warm with butter or honey!
Prep Time: 15 mins | Bake Time: 20 mins | Total Time: 35 mins
Servings: 12 muffins
Expert Tips & FAQs
❓ Can I use regular bacon?
✅ Yes! Pork bacon works too—just cook until crispy first.
❓ How spicy are these?
- Remove jalapeño seeds for mild heat, or keep them for extra spice!
❓ Can I make these ahead?
- Bake and freeze for up to 1 month—reheat in the oven or microwave.
❓ What to serve with these muffins?
- Chili, BBQ ribs, or soup
- Brunch with scrambled eggs
- As a snack with cream cheese
❓ Can I use a cast-iron skillet instead?
- Absolutely! Bake as a whole cornbread at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes.
Why These Muffins Rock
✨ Sweet + spicy + smoky = flavor explosion!
✨ Perfect texture—crispy edges, tender center.
✨ Great for parties, potlucks, or meal prep.
Pair With:
- Texas-style chili
- Pulled pork sandwiches
- Collard greens & black-eyed peas
Final Thoughts
These Smoked Jalapeño Bacon Cornbread Muffins are a crowd-pleasing twist on classic cornbread—easy to make and impossible to resist!
Tried them? Tag us on social media! 📸 #SpicyCornbreadMuffins
