These Cheddar Honey Cornbread Muffins are the perfect balance of savory cheddar cheese and the subtle sweetness of honey. The golden crust and fluffy interior make every bite a delightful experience. The addition of sharp cheddar cheese adds a savory kick that pairs wonderfully with the honey’s sweetness, making these muffins perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack.
Whether you serve them with a hearty soup or enjoy them on their own, these muffins bring comfort in every bite. You can easily customize them with herbs or even add a touch of spicy jalapeños for an extra flavor boost. They are sure to become a favorite at any table, making every meal just a little bit more special.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 1/2 cups cornmeal
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1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
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1/4 cup granulated sugar
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1 tablespoon baking powder
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1 teaspoon salt
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2 large eggs
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1 cup milk
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1/4 cup honey
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1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
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1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
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1 tablespoon olive oil (for greasing the muffin tin)
Directions:
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Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 12-cup muffin tin with olive oil or line with muffin liners.
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In a large bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
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In another bowl, whisk the eggs and then add milk, honey, and melted butter. Stir until well combined.
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Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently fold them together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
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Fold in the shredded cheddar cheese until evenly distributed.
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Divide the batter evenly into the muffin tin, filling each cup about 3/4 full.
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Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the muffins are golden brown on top.
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Remove from the oven and let the muffins cool for a few minutes in the tin before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 230 kcal
Servings: 12 muffins
The Origins of Cheddar Honey Cornbread Muffins
The creation of these Cheddar Honey Cornbread Muffins began with a quest for a quick and easy cornbread recipe that would be just as flavorful as the classic, but with a twist. The idea stemmed from a holiday meal where cheesy cornbread muffins were tied with yeasted rolls for the prized spot as the Christmas Eve dinner bread. Instead of opting for the more time-consuming yeasted rolls, these quick and easy muffins became the perfect choice. The combination of cheddar cheese and honey gives them a wonderful balance of salty, sweet, and cheesy flavors.
Why This Recipe Works So Well
The key to the success of these muffins is the perfect blend of ingredients and proportions. By swapping out some of the whole-grain cornmeal for all-purpose flour and adjusting the flour-to-cornmeal ratio, the texture becomes much softer and more muffin-like, as opposed to the crumbly texture often found in traditional cornbread. The extra honey and a bit of granulated sugar provide just the right amount of sweetness to balance out the richness of the cheese and the savory notes of the cornbread. The sea salt added in the recipe helps to round out the flavors, making them more harmonious.
Cheddar and Honey: The Dynamic Duo
What makes these muffins truly special is the pairing of cheddar cheese and honey. Sharp or smoked cheddar brings a deep, savory richness that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the honey. As the muffins bake, the cheddar melts into the batter, creating pockets of melty, gooey cheese in every bite. This sweet-salty combination is what elevates these muffins from simple cornbread to something extraordinary.
Quick and Easy to Make
One of the best aspects of this recipe is how quickly and easily it comes together. Unlike traditional yeast bread, which requires time for rising and kneading, these cornbread muffins are ready in under 30 minutes. The batter is mixed in just one bowl, eliminating the need for special tools or mixers. The muffins bake in a 6-cup muffin tin, allowing them to crisp up around the edges, giving them that irresistible golden-brown exterior.
In just 12 minutes of baking, you’ll have perfectly fluffy, cheesy muffins that are ready to be enjoyed right out of the oven. This small-batch recipe is designed to make a dozen muffins, but it can easily be doubled if you need more. For those with limited oven space or who are serving a smaller group, the 6-cup muffin tin is perfect for minimizing cleanup and maximizing convenience.
Serving Suggestions: More Than Just a Side Dish
These Cheddar Honey Cornbread Muffins are great on their own, but they truly shine when served with complementary dishes. A perfect accompaniment is roasted garlic honey butter, which enhances the muffins’ flavor and adds a creamy, rich texture. The sweetness of the honey and the savory roasted garlic make a perfect pairing, creating a luxurious topping for these warm muffins.
These muffins also have a place at the brunch table. For an elevated twist, try splitting them in half, toasting them, and topping them with savory spreads or even eggs. They work wonderfully in an eggs Benedict-style breakfast, with eggs, ham, and a drizzle of hollandaise sauce. You can get creative by adding bacon, sausage, or even a vegetable scramble for a full, hearty brunch dish.
Storing and Reheating
While these muffins are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, they can be stored for up to 2-3 days at room temperature in an airtight container. For longer storage, they freeze beautifully for up to three months. To reheat, simply microwave the frozen muffins for about 30 seconds or let them thaw at room temperature. For the best texture, slice them in half and toast them in a toaster oven for a couple of minutes until crispy. This method brings back their golden, crisp edges, ensuring that they taste as good as the day they were made.
A Versatile Recipe for All Occasions
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, preparing for the holidays, or simply looking for a delicious homemade snack, these Cheddar Honey Cornbread Muffins will not disappoint. They fit a variety of occasions—from elegant holiday dinners to casual family meals—and their versatility makes them easy to adapt. You can add herbs, spices, or even different cheeses to give the muffins your own signature touch. Their comforting flavors and satisfying texture make them a crowd-pleaser every time.
Conclusion: A Must-Try for Cornbread Lovers
Cheddar Honey Cornbread Muffins are the perfect example of how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly special. Whether you’re serving them as a side dish for dinner or enjoying them at brunch, their combination of savory cheddar and sweet honey makes them an irresistible choice. With their quick prep time, easy steps, and fantastic flavor, these muffins are bound to become a staple in your baking repertoire. Add them to your next meal and watch them disappear as quickly as you can make them.
Enjoy the crispy edges, the soft middle, and the mouthwatering flavors of these delicious muffins!