Tender Belly Bacon Cornbread and Jalapeño Honey

Tender Belly Bacon Cornbread and Jalapeño Honey

The perfect side dish doesn't exiiii.....shut the front door! This Tender Belly Bacon Cornbread with Jalapeño Honey is next-level good. Rich, buttery, mouthwatering cornbread and packed with smoky Tender Beelly bacon, plus a little cheddar for extra flavor.

Drizzle on some sweet, spicy jalapeño honey, and you’ve got a dish that’s as bold as it is delicious. Perfect side for cozy a bowl of chili, or as a perfect Thanksgiving side dish, this combo is sure to impress. And the best part? The jalapeño honey keeps for months, so you’ll have a dash of sweet heat ready to go whenever you need it! 

Bacon Cornbread

Ingredients

  • 1 cup cornmeal
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 Tbsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 cup sugar (optional, for a slightly sweeter cornbread)
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 6 slices Tender Belly bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional for extra flavor)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease an 8x8-inch baking dish or cast-iron skillet.
  2. Combine dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar.
  3. Add wet ingredients: In another bowl, whisk the buttermilk, eggs, and melted butter. Pour this into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
  4. Add bacon and cheese: Fold in the crumbled bacon and shredded cheese (if using).
  5. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared dish and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  6. Cool: Allow to cool slightly before serving.

Jalapeño Honey 

Sweet and spicy honey and perfect for drizzling on cornbread, cheese, fried chicken, or even pizza.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup honey (preferably a mild variety, we used Honey from our Bees!)
  • 1–2 fresh jalapeños, thinly sliced (adjust quantity for desired heat level)

Instructions

  1. Heat the honey: Pour the honey into a small saucepan and add the jalapeño slices.
  2. Simmer: Place the saucepan over low heat and let the honey warm up with the jalapeños for about 5–10 minutes. Do not let the honey boil; you want it to infuse gently.
  3. Cool and strain (optional): Remove from heat and allow it to cool. For a smoother honey without slices, strain out the jalapenos. Leave them in for extra heat and flavor over time.
  4. Store: Transfer the honey to a jar with a lid. It can be stored at room temperature and will continue to infuse over time.
  5. This Jalapeño Honey keeps well for months and makes a wonderful addition to any dish needing a sweet kick!

Enjoy, and be sure to tag us @tenderbelly on social to share your delicious creations—who knows, you might even get a shoutout!


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