Description

This Easy Cornbread Casserole is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines a moist cornbread base with sweet corn, spicy jalapeños, crispy bacon, and melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for a side or a hearty snack, it features a gluten-free option using King Arthur’s gluten-free cornbread mix, making it accessible for those with gluten sensitivities. A drizzle of hot honey and fresh green onions add a delightful sweet and savory finish.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

14–15 oz gluten-free cornbread mix (such as King Arthur)

Wet Ingredients and Add-ins

8.5 oz can sweet corn, drained
3–4 small jalapeños, sliced (remove membrane and seeds for less spice)
8–9 slices bacon, cooked, cooled, and chopped
¼ cup hot honey
1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
4 green onions, chopped

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (204°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
Prepare the Cornbread Batter: Mix the gluten-free cornbread mix with the ingredients specified on the box as instructed. Once combined, gently fold in the drained sweet corn, crumbled bacon, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, and sliced jalapeños. Be careful not to overmix to maintain a tender texture.
Assemble the Casserole: Pour the prepared batter into a greased baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese and reserved jalapeño slices on top to create a flavorful crust.
Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges start to pull away from the sides. Watch closely near the end to prevent burning.
Cool and Garnish: Remove the casserole from the oven and transfer it onto a wire rack to cool for 15 minutes. Drizzle with hot honey, then garnish with chopped green onions and additional crumbled bacon before serving to add sweetness and a fresh crunch.

Notes

For less spice, remove the membranes and seeds from the jalapeños before adding.
Ensure not to overmix the batter to keep the cornbread light and fluffy.
You can substitute regular cornbread mix if gluten is not a concern.
Allow the casserole to cool slightly to enhance flavor development and make slicing easier.
Adjust the amount of hot honey drizzle to your preference for sweetness and heat balance.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Casserole
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: cornbread casserole, gluten-free cornbread, bacon cornbread, jalapeño cornbread, easy casserole recipe, hot honey drizzle