Bacon Cheddar Skillet Cornbread

My kids go crazy for cornbread. I have to admit, I love it too, but sometimes I crave a more grown up version.

If grown up means lots of smoky bacon and tons of cheddar cheese, I have definitely got you covered with this recipe.

Should I also tell you I am obsessed with this cast iron skillet my husband bought me for Christmas? I cannot get enough of it. I have been using it for everything and find myself craving recipes to just have the chance to use it. It is my new favorite thing in the kitchen.

Of course cornbread is the perfect excuse to use it. Especially a cornbread that has loads of bacon and cheese in it! Shall we put some jalapeños on top?

Yes we should!

(Okay, I only did half since my kids would not touch a jalapeño. I am not as much of a cornbread rebel as I was claiming to be I suppose!)

This cornbread is the perfect combination of salty and sweet and has a texture that is moist, yet crumbly. If your mouth is watering, you have a good reason to!

I am serving this with some of my favorite coleslaw and a delicious barbecue chicken recipe coming soon! The perfect summer … or anytime dinner!

Bacon Cheddar Skillet Cornbread
2 cups stone ground corn meal
2 cups whole wheat pastry flour
2 tsp salt
1/3 cup sugar
2 tbsp baking powder
2 cups buttermilk
2 eggs
1 1/2 cups butter, melted and slightly cooled
6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
1 1/2 cups freshly grated cheddar cheese
jalapeños, optional
extra sugar for sprinkling, optional
honey butter, optional

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. In a large bowl, mix together corn meal, flour, salt, sugar, and baking powder. In a small bowl, whisk together eggs and buttermilk. Add the melted butter and whisk together. Add the wet ingredients to the dry and stir JUST until combined. DO NOT over mix. Fold in the bacon and the cheese and pour the very thick mixture into a 12 inch cast iron skillet. Top with jalapeños if desired. Bake at 425 degrees for 30 minutes. Check to make sure it is baked through. Take out to cool. Sprinkle sugar on top or slather with honey butter. Best if served warm, but delicious any way!