Description
Jalapeno Cornbread Poppers are a deliciously spicy and cheesy appetizer featuring halved jalapeno peppers filled with a savory cornbread mixture, caramelized corn, bacon, and cheddar cheese. Baked to golden perfection and served warm with BBQ sauce, these poppers make a perfect party snack or game day treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Jalapeno Poppers
- 12 jalapeno peppers (medium to large, halved and seeded)
- 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese (shredded and divided)
- ½ cup fresh or frozen corn (sauteed till caramelized)
- 3 ounces bacon (cooked and diced)
- BBQ sauce (for serving)
Cornbread Batter
- ¾ cups yellow cornmeal
- ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ¾ cups buttermilk
- 1 egg (lightly beaten)
- 2 Tablespoons shortening (melted)
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to prepare for baking the poppers.
- Prepare ingredients: Halve and seed the jalapeno peppers. Shred the cheddar cheese, sauté the corn until caramelized, and cook the bacon until crispy, then dice it.
- Make cornbread batter: In a medium bowl, mix the cornmeal, all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda. Add the beaten egg and buttermilk. Melt the shortening and stir it into the mixture until combined.
- Combine fillings: Stir ¾ cup of shredded cheddar cheese, the caramelized corn, and diced bacon into the cornbread batter.
- Fill jalapeno halves: Arrange the jalapeno halves on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Spoon 1 to 2 tablespoons of the cornbread mixture into each half.
- Top with cheese: Sprinkle the remaining ¾ cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the filled jalapeno halves for a cheesy topping.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes or until the cornbread is firm and the cheese topping is melted and golden brown.
- Serve: Serve the Jalapeno Cornbread Poppers warm with BBQ sauce on the side for dipping.
Notes
- For a gluten-free option, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Adjust the amount of jalapenos based on preferred heat level; removing seeds reduces spiciness.
- Ensure bacon is cooked crisp for best texture contrast.
- Buttermilk can be substituted with regular milk mixed with a teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar if unavailable.
- Use fresh or frozen corn; thaw frozen corn before sautéing.
