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Bacon Basil Cornbread Muffins

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Cornmeal, fresh corn, bacon, basil, milk, eggs, and honey—this Bacon Basil Cornbread Muffins recipe is packed with flavor.

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I came up with these Bacon Basil Cornbread Muffins during one of my usual kitchen daydreams. I started out just craving cornbread—nothing fancy. But then I spotted fresh corn in the fridge, and of course, that had to go in. And if we’re adding corn, why not crispy bacon? And then it spiraled into a full-on muffin masterpiece when I decided to use the bacon fat for extra richness and toss in basil for a fresh summer twist. Honestly, I thought I was overdoing it, but once I pulled these from the oven, I knew I’d hit gold. Now they’re a go-to when I want a muffin that doubles as a meal!

Why You’ll Love These Bacon Basil Cornbread Muffins

These muffins are everything you want in a cornbread, plus a little extra. You get that sweet-savory balance from the honey and bacon. The basil keeps things bright and not too heavy, so they’re perfect for brunch or a BBQ side. And because they’re muffins, they’re portable—great for picnics, potlucks, or, let’s be honest, snacking straight from the cooling rack.

Ingredients notes

Let’s break down a few stars of this recipe so you can see why they work so well together:

  • Cornmeal: Classic base for cornbread, bringing that signature texture and flavor.

  • Fresh corn kernels: Add pops of sweetness and moisture.

  • Bacon + bacon fat: Salty, smoky, rich—need I say more?

  • Basil: A fresh, herbaceous note that keeps the muffins from feeling too heavy.

  • Honey: Balances the savory with just the right touch of sweetness.

How to make Bacon Basil Cornbread Muffins

Here’s how it all comes together, step by step:

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a standard muffin tin with paper liners.

Step 2: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the diced bacon until crisp, stirring often. Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate. Reserve the bacon fat—you’ll want about 1/4 cup. (If you’re short, just top it off with melted butter.)

Step 3: In a large bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, 1 cup flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt.

Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk the milk, eggs, bacon fat (or butter), and honey until combined.

Step 5: In a small bowl, toss the fresh corn, chopped basil, and cooked bacon with the remaining 3 tablespoons of flour.

Step 6: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Fold in the corn, bacon, and basil mixture.

Step 7: Divide the batter evenly among the muffin liners and bake for 15-17 minutes, or until golden brown. Let cool slightly before serving (if you can wait!).

Storage options

These muffins are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Warm them up in the oven or microwave before serving for that just-baked feel.

Variations and substitutions

There’s plenty of room to play with this recipe:

  • Cheese lovers: Stir in 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar for a cheesy kick.

  • Herb swap: Try chives or parsley if basil isn’t your thing.

  • Spice it up: A pinch of cayenne or diced jalapeño gives these muffins a subtle heat.

What to serve with these Bacon Basil Cornbread Muffins

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These muffins pair beautifully with all sorts of dishes. Here are a few of my favorites:

  • Chili: The muffins soak up the spicy, hearty flavors—plus bacon + chili is always a win.
  • BBQ pulled pork: Sweet and smoky pork meets its perfect match in these savory-sweet muffins.

FAQ

Q: Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh?
A: Absolutely! Just thaw it and pat dry before adding to the mix so the batter doesn’t get too wet.

Q: Can I make these muffins ahead of time?
A: Yes! They freeze well. Just cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

Q: Can I make this as cornbread in a pan instead of muffins?
A: Definitely. Pour into a greased 8×8-inch pan and bake at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes, or until golden and cooked through.

Bacon Basil Cornbread Muffins

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 17 minutes
Total Time 32 minutes
These Bacon Basil Cornbread Muffins are a delightful fusion of sweet corn, crispy bacon, and fresh basil, all baked into tender, savory muffins. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a side to your favorite hearty meal, they offer a balanced combination of salty, sweet, and herbal flavors in every bite.
12 Muffins

Ingredients

  • 4 strips thick-cut bacon diced
  • 1 cup cornmeal
  • 1 cup plus 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour divided
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/4 cup reserved bacon fat or melted butter
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1 cup fresh corn kernels
  • 1/3 cup fresh basil finely chopped

Equipment

  • Muffin tin
  • Paper liners
  • Large skillet
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Medium mixing bowl
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Slotted spoon
  • Measuring cups
  • Measuring spoons
  • Spatula

Instructions
 

  1. Step 1 Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a standard muffin tin with paper liners.
  2. Step 2 In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the diced bacon, stirring frequently, until browned and crispy. Transfer the cooked bacon to a paper towel-lined plate using a slotted spoon, and reserve approximately 1/4 cup of the rendered bacon fat. If there is not enough bacon fat, supplement with melted butter as needed.
  3. Step 3 In a large mixing bowl, combine the cornmeal, 1 cup of all-purpose flour, baking powder, granulated sugar, and salt, whisking until well incorporated.
  4. Step 4 In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the whole milk, eggs, reserved bacon fat or melted butter, and honey until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
  5. Step 5 In a small bowl, toss the fresh corn kernels, chopped basil, and cooked bacon with the remaining 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour to ensure even distribution.
  6. Step 6 Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
  7. Step 7 Gently fold in the corn, basil, and bacon mixture until evenly incorporated.
  8. Step 8 Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 17 minutes, or until the muffins are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow to cool slightly before serving.

Notes

These muffins are best enjoyed warm but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

Nutrition

Serving: 1muffin | Calories: 231kcal | Carbohydrates: 28g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 48mg | Sodium: 430mg | Potassium: 147mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 253IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 99mg | Iron: 1mg

If you try this recipe, please leave a comment and rating below. I love to hear from you and always appreciate your feedback!

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So glad you stopped by Kitchenette Blog. I’m a line cook who’s completely obsessed with food—making it, eating it, and yep… chatting way too much about it. This little blog is where I share my favorite recipes, kitchen wins (and the occasional flop), and all the cozy, delicious things that make life tastier. Pull up a chair, we’re gonna eat well around here!

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