Nearly a year ago, I met one of the sweetest people I know… And it’s no surprise because she’s known to make some sweet desserts on her blog, My Baking Heart. Jessica is such a beautiful person inside and out that today, fellow foodie friends and I are celebrating in her honor. She has met the love of her life and soon, Jessica and Chris will be getting married. That calls for a celebration and a virtual one at that! Nikki of Pennies on a Platter is graciously hosting today’s Virtual Bridal Shower for Jessica of My Baking Heart. Please visit Nikki’s blog for a delicious round up of eats that’s perfect for any special occasion.
For this bridal shower, a southern staple seems most fitting. Jessica hails from Texas so I made these Green Chile & Bacon Cheddar Cornbread Muffins for the virtual bridal shower. These muffins capture the south by incorporating chopped green chiles, crisp bacon and sharp cheddar cheese in a cornbread batter. The best part? These are completely gluten free!…
The original recipe calls for baking this in a cast iron pan, however for the sake of easy portion control, I baked these in a muffin tin. They freeze great however if you have leftovers, I would suggest using them for a cornbread stuffing. These are best the same day and warm, if not fresh out of the oven!
recipe adapted from Sunny Anderson
2 strips bacon, chopped
1/2 cup chopped onion
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
2 cups yellow cornmeal
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
2 cups buttermilk
2 eggs, beaten
4 tablespoons butter
1 (4.5-ounce) can chopped green chiles
In a 10-inch cast iron pan on medium-high heat add the bacon and saute until almost crisp then add the onions and season with a pinch of salt and a couple of grinds of pepper. Saute until the onions are tender, then add the garlic and stir. When the garlic is tender use a slotted spoon to remove the mixture and drippings to a medium bowl and set aside.
In a large bowl combine the cornmeal, cheese, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Stir the buttermilk, eggs, butter, and chiles into the bowl with the bacon mixture. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and gently pour in the egg mixture. Fold until all the ingredients are combined.
Divide the batter evenly among the lined muffin pan and bake in the preheated oven. Bake until golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, about 17-20 minutes.
Glaze: Melt the butter, sugar and a pinch of salt together in a small pan over low heat, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Once the cornbread is done, remove it from the oven and immediately brush the glaze over the tops. Serve warm.
For a great quick tip recipe, I definitely recommend Glory Foods cornbread mix! This is a great alternative to save some time in the kitchen without sacrificing flavor. To use, stir in the onions, bacon, cheese and chiles to the package directions and bake up!
Simple ADORE chili!!
I am sure that more than a few of these would find their way on to my plate if we were all gathering in real life! 🙂 YUM!
I'm always looking for a new cornbread variety! Thanks for participating, Jo! 🙂
Yum!! These look fantastic and I agree with Jess – I wish we were together in real life enjoying this delicious spread!!
These look so good. Carbs, cheese, bacon, and green chile in one place? Sign me up!
These sound amazing, and so perfect for our Texas girl! We were on the same wavelength – I went with bacon and cheese too 🙂
Sounds great! Wouldn't mind snacking on one of those right now
Hi Joelen!
My name is Joy (of Hot, Oven Warm Heart) and I was a fellow "guest" at Jessica's virtual shower. I saw an adorable picture with you alongside Jess and some of the other bloggers at a convention you ladies attended (it sounded like quite an amazing time!) Your flavor packed cornbread muffins look divine, and I think it's wonderful that you "brought" a gluten-free option. I will definitely keep them in mind next time I need to make a fun appetizer for a potluck or get-together. I recently made the dessert for a baby shower where two guests where gluten intolerant, and I had trouble nailing down a recipe that sounded just right. (At first I was going to use a bunch of the alternative ingredients often used in gluten free baking, but chickened out at the last minute). I ended up making a decadent flourless chocolate cake that I posted about on my blog. You'll find the recipe there, along with my contribution to Jess's shower, Biscoff Sandwich Cookies. I'd love for you to check them out, whenever you have a chance. I hope to hear from you soon!
Have a great day 🙂
Joy (Hot Oven, Warm Heart)
https://hotovenwarmheart.wordpress.com
One of my favorite combos, Jo – I know I'd just gobble them up!! So happy that you were able to be a part of this special shower. I really wish I could make it to Foodbuzz Fest this year – I'll miss you! 🙂
these are muffins with zip! they sound great.