There’s something special about a breakfast that’s both savory and satisfying. Jalapeño and Cheddar Corn Pancakes with Crispy Bacon bring together the best of sweet, spicy, and cheesy flavors, creating a perfect comfort food with a twist. These pancakes are fluffy, crispy around the edges, and packed with bold flavors, making them ideal for brunch, breakfast, or even dinner.
If you love cornbread, cheddar cheese, and smoky bacon, this recipe will become a favorite in your kitchen. The jalapeños add just the right amount of heat, while the corn gives a natural sweetness. Serve them with sour cream, salsa, or a drizzle of honey for a delicious sweet-savory contrast.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Savory twist on classic pancakes – Perfect for those who prefer a hearty, cheesy breakfast.
✔ Crispy, cheesy, and slightly spicy – The perfect blend of flavors and textures.
✔ Versatile & customizable – Adjust the spice level, make it gluten-free, or add extra toppings.
✔ Great for any time of day – Enjoy for breakfast, brunch, or a comforting dinner.
✔ Easy to make – Simple ingredients and quick preparation!
Ingredients for Jalapeño and Cheddar Corn Pancakes with Crispy Bacon
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour (or rice flour for gluten-free) | 2 cups |
| Baking powder | 2 tsp |
| Baking soda | 1 tsp |
| Salt | ½ tsp |
| Honey | 2 tbsp |
| Buttermilk | 2 cups |
| Eggs, lightly beaten | 2 |
| Butter, melted | 4 tbsp |
| Jalapeños, thinly sliced or diced | ½ cup |
| Corn kernels (fresh or frozen) | ½ cup |
| Cheddar cheese, cubed or shredded | ½ cup |
| Cooked and crumbled bacon (optional) | ½ cup |
| Green onions, sliced | 2 |
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Dry Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Whisk to mix evenly and remove any lumps.
2. Combine the Wet Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together honey, buttermilk, eggs, and melted butter until smooth.
3. Mix the Batter
- Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring gently.
- Fold in the jalapeños, corn, cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon (if using), and green onions.
- Be careful not to overmix—a few lumps are okay!
4. Cook the Pancakes
- Heat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
- Lightly grease with butter or cooking spray.
- Pour about ¼ cup of batter per pancake onto the skillet, spreading slightly.
- Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until bubbles appear on the surface and the edges firm up.
- Flip and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until golden brown.
5. Serve & Enjoy
- Serve warm with sour cream, salsa, or a drizzle of honey for a delicious contrast.
- Garnish with extra green onions, bacon, or a sprinkle of cheddar cheese.
Tips for Perfect Savory Pancakes
✔ Use fresh jalapeños – For a milder spice, remove the seeds before chopping.
✔ Don’t overmix the batter – This keeps the pancakes light and fluffy.
✔ For crispier edges, cook in a lightly greased cast-iron skillet.
✔ Adjust the spice level – Add more or fewer jalapeños based on your preference.
✔ Keep pancakes warm – Place them on a baking sheet in a 200°F (90°C) oven while cooking the rest.
What to Serve with Jalapeño and Cheddar Corn Pancakes
- Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt – Adds a cool, tangy balance to the heat.
- Fresh Salsa or Pico de Gallo – Enhances the flavors with a fresh, zesty kick.
- Maple Syrup or Honey – A touch of sweetness complements the savory flavors.
- Crispy Bacon Strips – If you didn’t mix them in, serve extra on the side!
- Fried or Poached Egg – A perfect addition for extra protein and richness.
Health Benefits of These Savory Pancakes
1. Nutrient-Rich Jalapeños
✔ Packed with vitamin C to boost immunity.
✔ Contains capsaicin, which helps with metabolism and digestion.
2. Cheddar Cheese for Healthy Fats & Protein
✔ Provides calcium for strong bones.
✔ Adds creamy richness and protein to keep you full.
3. Corn for Natural Sweetness & Fiber
✔ A natural source of fiber for better digestion.
✔ Adds a slight sweet crunch to the pancakes.
4. Buttermilk for Extra Fluffiness
✔ Creates a light, tender texture in pancakes.
✔ Adds a mild tangy flavor to balance the spice.
Customizations & Variations
1. Make It Gluten-Free
- Swap regular flour for rice flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour.
2. Add More Heat
- Add red pepper flakes or extra jalapeños for an extra spicy kick.
3. Vegetarian Version
- Omit the bacon and add sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers for a hearty twist.
4. Extra Protein Boost
- Add cooked shredded chicken or serve with a side of scrambled eggs.
How to Store & Reheat Leftovers
Storing
- Store pancakes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating
- Stovetop: Heat in a dry skillet over low heat for 1-2 minutes per side.
- Oven: Warm at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in 20-second intervals until warmed through.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~320 |
| Protein | 10g |
| Carbohydrates | 35g |
| Fats | 14g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sugar | 6g |
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients used.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make the batter ahead of time?
Yes! Store the batter in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Stir before cooking.
2. Can I freeze these pancakes?
Absolutely! Freeze pancakes in a single layer, then store in a ziplock bag for up to 2 months.
3. How do I make these spicier?
Add more jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce to the batter.
4. Can I use canned corn instead of fresh?
Yes! Just drain and pat it dry before adding it to the batter.
5. What’s the best cheese substitute for cheddar?
Try pepper jack for extra spice or mozzarella for a milder taste.
6. Can I make mini pancakes for appetizers?
Yes! Just use 1 tablespoon of batter per pancake and cook as directed.
Final Thoughts
These Jalapeño and Cheddar Corn Pancakes with Crispy Bacon are a game-changer for breakfast and brunch lovers. With a perfect balance of savory, spicy, and cheesy flavors, they’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re making them for a lazy weekend morning or a special brunch, these pancakes are sure to impress.
So why not try them today? Gather your ingredients, fire up the skillet, and enjoy every delicious bite!
Print
Jalapeño and Cheddar Corn Pancakes with Crispy Bacon
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 pancakes 1x
Description
Start your day with a bold and flavorful twist on classic pancakes. These Jalapeño and Cheddar Corn Pancakes with Crispy Bacon are fluffy, cheesy, slightly spicy, and incredibly satisfying. They bring together the savory goodness of cheddar, the smoky crunch of bacon, the natural sweetness of corn, and the heat of jalapeños.
Ingredients
- 2 cups flour (substitute rice flour for a gluten-free option)
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 2 eggs (lightly beaten)
- 4 tablespoons butter (melted)
- ½ cup jalapeños (thinly sliced or diced)
- ½ cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- ½ cup cheddar cheese (cubed or shredded)
- ½ cup cooked and crumbled bacon (optional, omit for vegetarian)
- 2 green onions (sliced)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk to mix evenly.
- Combine the Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together honey, buttermilk, eggs, and melted butter until smooth.
- Mix the Batter: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Fold in the jalapeños, corn, cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon (if using), and green onions. Be careful not to overmix.
- Cook the Pancakes: Heat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Grease lightly with butter or cooking spray. Pour about ¼ cup of batter per pancake onto the skillet, spreading slightly. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until bubbles appear on the surface and the edges begin to firm up. Flip and continue cooking for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until golden brown.
- Serve: Serve warm with your choice of toppings, like sour cream, salsa, or a drizzle of honey for a sweet-savory touch.
Notes
- Adjust the spice level by adding more or fewer jalapeños.
- Make it vegetarian by omitting the bacon and adding more cheese or sautéed mushrooms.
- For crispier pancakes, cook them in a lightly greased cast-iron skillet.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American