Jalapeno Cornbread Whoopie Pies

Jalapeno Cornbread Whoopie Pies with Bacon Goat Cheese are the perfect mashup of sweet savory and spicy. Soft pillowy jalapeno cornbread comes together with a creamy bacon goat cheese filling to create an appetizer everyone talks about long after the last pie vanishes.

When I first tried this for a weekend get together my friends could not stop snacking and even asked for the recipe on the spot. They have been my go to for potlucks ever since.

Ingredients

• All Purpose Flour: Gives the whoopie pies their structure Look for unbleached flour for best texture
• Cornmeal: Brings classic cornbread flavor Opt for medium grind for just the right crumb
• Brown Sugar: Adds subtle sweetness Choose organic if possible for richer taste
• Baking Powder: Helps the pies rise nice and fluffy Make sure yours is fresh for best lift
• Salt: Balances the flavors Sea salt often has the cleanest taste
• Buttermilk: Ensures moist tender pies Use full fat for extra richness
• Butter: Adds buttery goodness Use unsalted and let it soften so it mixes well
• Egg: Binds the batter together Use a large room temperature egg
• Jalapeno Peppers: Brings the spice Remove seeds for milder heat and pick firm shiny peppers
• Bacon: For filling use thick cut bacon for best flavor and crispiness
• Goat Cheese: Choose a tangy variety for the biggest flavor punch Joan of Arc is a classic
• Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese helps everything blend Use full fat for creaminess
• Whole Milk: Softens the filling and makes it easy to spread Use cold from the fridge
• Fresh Chives: Brings brightness and color Snip just before using for best results

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare Equipment:

Preheat your oven to 375 F and spray a baking sheet generously to prevent sticking

Mix Dry Ingredients:

In a large bowl combine flour cornmeal brown sugar baking powder and salt Mix these really well for even distribution

Stir in Wet Ingredients:

Add buttermilk softened butter and egg to your dry mix Stir gently just until there are no dry pockets Overmixing will make them tough

Fold in Jalapenos:

Add the diced jalapenos and fold in gently so the chili is equally spread through the batter

Shape and Bake:

Drop rounded tablespoons of batter onto your prepared baking sheet Space them apart so they do not touch Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until edges are golden brown Let them cool on the pan for five minutes before moving to a wire rack to cool completely

Make Filling:

In a separate medium bowl mix goat cheese cream cheese and milk Stir thoroughly until smooth and fluffy

Finish Filling:

Fold in chopped crispy bacon and freshly chopped chives Mix until just combined for bursts of flavor in every bite

Fill Whoopie Pies:

Spread or pipe about one tablespoon of filling onto half of your cooled cornbread rounds Gently top each with a second round and press lightly to sandwich

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This combination of spicy jalapeno and creamy goat cheese always surprises people with how well it works One time my cousin who says he hates goat cheese ate three without realizing it was even in the filling That is how well the flavors meld together

Storage Tips

Store any leftover whoopie pies in an airtight container in the refrigerator They keep best for up to three days The cornbread base stays moist thanks to the buttermilk and the filling remains creamy as long as it is chilled If you want to serve them warm a quick ten seconds in the microwave softens them perfectly

Ingredient Substitutions

No buttermilk on hand Mix one cup milk with a tablespoon of lemon juice and let sit five minutes Swap cream cheese for extra goat cheese for a stronger tang or use turkey bacon in the filling for a lighter twist If you love extra heat try mixing in a pinch of cayenne pepper with the dry ingredients

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Serving Suggestions

These whoopie pies make crowd pleasing appetizers for game night or holiday buffets Try offering them with a fresh corn salsa or crunchy pickles on the side for color and extra flavor I love adding a tray of these to a brunch spread beside fresh fruit and a pitcher of lemonade

Cultural or Historical Context

Whoopie pies are a nostalgic treat from New England often enjoyed as dessert My twist transforms them into a savory snack inspired by Southern cornbread and bold Tex Mex flavors It is a fun mashup of regional American favorites that brightens up any table

Recipe FAQs

→ How spicy are the jalapeno whoopie pies?

The jalapenos add gentle heat, but removing the seeds keeps the spice mild and family-friendly.

→ Can I substitute another cheese for the goat cheese?

Cream cheese or feta can be used as alternatives, though goat cheese offers a unique tangy flavor.

→ What’s the best way to cook bacon for the filling?

Cook bacon until crisp, drain on paper towels, and chop roughly before adding to the cheese mixture.

→ How do I keep the cornbread soft?

A mix of buttermilk and butter helps achieve a tender, moist texture in the cornbread rounds.

→ Can these be made ahead of time?

You can prepare the cornbread rounds and filling in advance. Assemble just before serving for best texture.

→ Is there a vegetarian option?

For a vegetarian version, simply omit the bacon or replace with smoky roasted mushrooms.