Bacon Jalapeño Popper Cornbread

Capture comfiness in a pan with this recipe for the ultimate comfort food - the irresistible Bacon  Jalapeño Popper Cornbread! Packed with bold, savory flavors with a spicy kick, this recipe is perfect for those who crave a deliciously unique twist on traditional cornbread.

The purpose of this recipe is to elevate classic cornbread to a whole new level by adding crispy bacon, spicy jalapeño and sharp cheddar cheese, curating a perfect balance of savory and slightly spicy flavors. It's a perfect dish for gatherings with family and friends, game day snacks or simply as a tasty treat to enjoy on a weeknight.

Not to toot our own horn, but the taste of this Bacon  Jalapeño Popper Cornbread is simply amazing. The crispy bacon adds a smoky and salty note, while the sliced jalapeños bring a touch of heat that is balanced by the rich creaminess of the sharp cheddar cheese. The Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix provides a slightly sweet and tender crumb, making every bite a delightful explosion of flavors that will leave your taste buds craving for more.

The ingredients used in this recipe are simple and easy to find. You'll need 6 strips of center cut bacon, a box of corn muffin mix, a large egg, 2% milk, sliced , shredded sharp cheddar cheese, thinly sliced green onions and canola cooking spray for the baking pan. These ingredients come together to create a deliciously satisfying dish that will impress your guests or loved ones.  

One of the nice things about this cornbread is the fact that it can be served as a side dish for a hearty dinner, a brunch item or an appetizer for gatherings or parties. It's perfect for a cozy night in, a casual BBQ or a potluck with friends. The golden-brown top and the aroma of crispy bacon and jalapeños will surely make your kitchen smell inviting and irresistible. Needless to say, leftovers will be hard to come by.

To prepare this delectable dish, simply follow the directions provided. The crispy bacon is cooked to perfection in a nonstick skillet, then chopped and mixed with the corn muffin mix, egg, milk, jalapeños, shredded cheddar cheese and green onions. The batter is then transferred to a baking pan coated with cooking spray and baked in a preheated oven until golden brown on top. The result is a mouthwatering bacon jalapeño popper cornbread that will make everyone's taste buds dance with delight!

As a tip, you can also spread some whipped cream cheese on top of the finished cornbread for an extra creamy and tangy twist that complements the flavors perfectly. It's a fantastic addition that takes this recipe to the next level and adds another layer of deliciousness to every bite.

Prep Time:  5  minutes   |    Cook Time:  33  minutes   |    Total Time:  38  minutes   |    Number of Servings:  6

Ingredients:

• 6 strips  Appleton Farms  Center Cut Bacon
• 1 box  Jiffy  Corn Muffin Mix
• 1  Goldhen  Large Egg Grade A
• 1/3 cup  Friendly Farms  2% Milk
• 2 jalapeños, seeded, deveined, and sliced
• 4 ounces  Happy Farms  Sharp Cheddar Shredded Cheese
• 1/4 cup thinly sliced green onions
• Carlini  Canola Cooking Spray

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°. Meanwhile, heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat.
2. Lay bacon strips in nonstick skillet, turning until crispy. Remove from heat to paper towel lined plate.
3. Once bacon is cooled and drained, roughly chop into small pieces. Reserve.
4. In large mixing bowl, prepare corn muffin mix according to package instructions. Stir in chopped bacon and remaining ingredients.
5. Coat an 8-inch square baking pan with cooking spray. Transfer batter to pan.
6. Bake for 23-28 minutes, or until top is golden brown.

Tip:  Happy Farms  Whipped Cream Cheese makes an excellent spread on the finished cornbread!

Recipe Courtesy of Chef Trevor, ALDI Test Kitchen