As a food writer, few things excite me more than taking a classic comfort food and giving it a vibrant, flavorful twist. This Loaded Bacon Cornbread with Pepper Jack is a prime example. It elevates humble cornbread into a show-stopping side dish, packed with crispy bacon, spicy jalapeños, fresh green onions, and gooey pepper jack cheese. It’s warm, savory, and has just the right amount of kick, making it an absolute must-try for any meal or gathering.

Why I Love This Recipe

What’s not to love about a cornbread that’s practically a meal in itself? This recipe brings together so many incredible textures and flavors. The sweetness of the cornmeal perfectly balances the smoky, salty bacon and the fiery pepper jack cheese and jalapeños. Every bite is a delightful surprise, offering a bit of crunch from the bacon, a soft crumb from the cornbread, and that irresistible cheesy pull. It’s incredibly versatile, working beautifully as a side for hearty stews or chili, or even as a satisfying snack on its own. It’s also surprisingly easy to whip up, making it ideal for both busy weeknights and special occasions.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to bake this incredible Loaded Bacon Cornbread:

• 1 cup cornmeal (fine or medium grind)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup sugar (granulated, for a touch of sweetness that balances the savory)
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup buttermilk (or use regular milk with 1 tbsp lemon juice/vinegar, let sit 5 mins)
• 1/2 cup melted butter (unsalted or salted, your preference)
• 2 eggs (large)
• 1 cup cooked and crumbled bacon (about 8-10 slices before cooking)
• 1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions (scallions), plus more for garnish
• 1/4 cup diced jalapeños (fresh or canned, seeds removed for less heat)

Swaps and Notes

• Cornmeal: While yellow cornmeal is traditional, white cornmeal can also be used.
• Bacon: Any bacon will work, but a good quality, smoky bacon will truly shine. For a vegetarian version, you can omit the bacon or use a plant-based bacon substitute.
• Cheese: If you’re not a fan of heat, swap pepper jack for sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a smoked cheddar for depth.
• Jalapeños: Adjust the amount of jalapeños to your heat preference. For less heat, remove all seeds and membranes. For more, leave some seeds in! You could also use a milder green chile.
• Green Onions: Chives or even finely diced red onion could be used in a pinch.
• Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet cornbread, you can reduce the sugar to 2 tablespoons.

Steps for the Recipe

Baking this Loaded Bacon Cornbread is a breeze. Just follow these simple instructions:

1. Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 9×9 inch baking dish (or an 8×8 inch for thicker slices) with butter or cooking spray.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Make sure there are no lumps.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, melted butter, and eggs until well combined.
4. Mix Batter: Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir with a spoon or spatula until just combined. It’s okay if there are a few small lumps; overmixing can lead to tough cornbread.
5. Fold in Loadings: Gently fold in the cooked and crumbled bacon, shredded pepper jack cheese, chopped green onions, and diced jalapeños until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
6. Pour and Smooth: Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish. Use the back of your spoon or spatula to smooth the top.
7. Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Cool and Serve: Allow the cornbread to cool slightly in the dish before slicing and serving. This helps it set and makes it easier to cut. Enjoy this delicious loaded bacon cornbread with pepper jack!

Tips for Success

• Don’t Overmix: This is the golden rule for tender cornbread. Mix just until the wet and dry ingredients are incorporated.
• Hot Pan (Optional): For an extra crispy crust, you can preheat your greased cast iron skillet in the oven while it preheats before pouring in the batter.
• Buttermilk is Key: Buttermilk reacts with baking powder to give the cornbread its tender texture and slight tang. If you don’t have it, a homemade substitute works well (milk + acid).
• Cool Slightly: Resisting the urge to slice immediately ensures cleaner cuts and allows the flavors to settle.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This Loaded Bacon Cornbread with Pepper Jack is incredibly versatile. It’s fantastic on its own, but truly shines as a side:

• Chili & Stews: It’s the perfect companion for a hearty bowl of chili, beef stew, or even a spicy Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo.
• Soups: Pair it with a creamy tomato soup or a flavorful black bean soup.
• Barbecue: Serve it alongside pulled pork, ribs, or grilled chicken.
• Breakfast/Brunch: A slice of this cornbread is delicious with scrambled eggs and extra hot sauce.
• Butter & Honey: A drizzle of honey or a dollop of butter can add an extra layer of richness and flavor.

Storage and Leftover Tips

If you have any leftovers of this fantastic bacon cornbread, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

To reheat, slices can be warmed in a microwave for convenience, but for best results (and to re-crisp the edges), warm them in a toaster oven or a regular oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-10 minutes.

More Recipes You Will Love

If you enjoyed the hearty, flavorful, and easy nature of this cornbread, you might also like some of my other comforting and crowd-pleasing dishes:

• For another fantastic one-pan meal, check out my Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole.
• If you love simple dishes with big Southern flavor, my Tomato Skillet with Okra and Sausage is a must-try.
• And for easy entertaining or a fun family dinner, consider my Walking Taco Bar – it’s always a hit!

Final Thoughts

This Loaded Bacon Cornbread with Pepper Jack is a true delight—a testament to how a few simple additions can transform a classic into something extraordinary. It’s comforting, flavorful, and incredibly versatile, making it a perfect addition to your recipe collection. Give it a try, and prepare for rave reviews!

What’s your favorite way to load up your cornbread? Share your ideas in the comments below!