Jalapeno Cornbread Whoopie Pies with Bacon and Goat Cheese Recipe

Introduction

These Jalapeno Cornbread Whoopie Pies with Bacon Goat Cheese offer a delightful blend of spicy, savory, and creamy flavors. Perfect as a snack or appetizer, they combine the warmth of cornbread with the boldness of jalapenos and crispy bacon. You’ll love the unexpected twist on a classic southern treat.

Ingredients

• 1¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup cornmeal
• ¼ cup brown sugar (packed)
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 4 tablespoons butter (softened)
• 1 egg
• 2 jalapeno peppers (seeds removed, diced)
• 6 slices bacon (cooked crisp and roughly chopped)
• 1 4-ounce package Joan of Arc goat cheese (slightly softened)
• 4 ounces cream cheese (softened)
• 2 tablespoons whole milk
• 1 tablespoon fresh chives (chopped)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly spray a baking sheet with non-stick cooking spray.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornmeal, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the buttermilk, softened butter, and egg, stirring until just combined. Fold in the diced jalapenos gently.
3. Step 3: Using a rounded tablespoon, drop batter onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the edges turn light brown.
4. Step 4: Allow the cornbread rounds to cool on the baking sheet for 3 to 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
5. Step 5: For the filling, combine the goat cheese, cream cheese, and milk in a medium bowl. Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
6. Step 6: Fold the chopped bacon and fresh chives into the cheese mixture until evenly distributed.
7. Step 7: Spread or pipe about 1 tablespoon of the filling onto half of the whoopie pies. Top with the remaining cornbread rounds to create sandwiches.

Tips & Variations

• For a milder heat, use just one jalapeno or substitute with a poblano pepper.
• Try adding a sprinkle of smoked paprika to the filling for extra depth.
• Make the pies a day ahead and chill to let flavors meld; just bring to room temperature before serving.

Storage

Store the assembled whoopie pies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To enjoy, let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes or warm briefly in a low oven to soften the cheese filling.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these whoopie pies gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking. Make sure the blend includes xanthan gum or add it separately to help with texture.

Can these be frozen?

Yes, you can freeze the cooled cornbread rounds before assembling. Wrap them tightly and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw completely before adding the filling and assembling the pies.

Jalapeno Cornbread Whoopie Pies with Bacon and Goat Cheese Recipe

Print Recipe

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4.9 from 104 reviews

These Jalapeno Cornbread Whoopie Pies with Bacon Goat Cheese combine the spiciness of jalapenos and the savory crunch of bacon with a creamy goat cheese filling, delivering a perfect balance of flavors in a delicious handheld treat. Ideal for snacks, appetizers, or party bites, this recipe is easy to make and baked to golden perfection.

• Author: Dylan
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cornbread Whoopie Pies

• 1¼ Cups All-Purpose Flour
• 1 Cup Cornmeal
• ¼ Cup Brown Sugar (Packed)
• 2 Teaspoons Baking Powder
• 1 Teaspoon Salt
• 1 Cup Buttermilk
• 4 Tablespoons Butter (Softened)
• 1 Egg
• 2 Jalapeno Peppers (Seeds Removed, Diced)

Bacon Goat Cheese Filling

• 6 Slices Bacon (Cooked Crisp and Roughly Chopped)
• 1 4 Ounce Package of Joan of Arc Goat Cheese (Slightly Softened)
• 4 Ounces Cream Cheese (Softened)
• 2 Tablespoons Whole Milk
• 1 Tablespoon Fresh Chives (Chopped)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F. Lightly spray a baking sheet with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine all-purpose flour, cornmeal, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt. Stir these dry ingredients together until well combined to ensure even distribution of leavening and seasoning.
3. Add Wet Ingredients: To the dry mixture, stir in buttermilk, softened butter, and egg until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the cornbread tender and light.
4. Fold in Jalapenos: Gently fold the diced jalapeno peppers into the batter. This will give your whoopie pies a spicy kick without overwhelming the flavor.
5. Shape and Bake: Drop the batter by rounded tablespoonfuls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes or until the edges turn light brown and the pies are set.
6. Cool the Whoopie Pies: Let the pies cool on the baking sheet for 3 to 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, which ensures the right texture for assembling the filling.
7. Prepare the Bacon Goat Cheese Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the softened goat cheese, cream cheese, and whole milk. Stir them together until the mixture is smooth and creamy, which makes for an easy spreading or piping consistency.
8. Add Bacon and Chives: Carefully fold the crispy chopped bacon and fresh chopped chives into the cheese mixture, distributing the savory and herbaceous flavors evenly throughout the filling.
9. Assemble the Whoopie Pies: Spread or pipe approximately 1 tablespoon of the bacon goat cheese filling onto half of the cooled cornbread whoopie pies. Top each with the remaining halves to form sandwiches.

Notes

• To reduce spiciness, remove all the jalapeno seeds and membranes before dicing.
• Bacon can be cooked in advance and kept in the refrigerator until ready to use.
• For a smoother filling, use room temperature cheeses and milk.
• These whoopie pies are best served the same day but can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Optional: Garnish with additional chopped chives for presentation.

Keywords: Jalapeno, Cornbread, Whoopie Pies, Bacon, Goat Cheese, Appetizer, Spicy, Savory, Party Food