Cheddar Cornsticks
Cheddar Cornsticks are savory, cheesy, and slightly sweet baked treats with crispy bacon, perfect for breakfast, snack, or side dish, appealing to all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F or 425°F.
- Combine all-purpose flour, cornmeal, baking powder, shredded Cheddar cheese, and crumbled bacon in a bowl.
- In a separate bowl, mix milk, honey, melted shortening, and eggs; beat well.
- Add the liquid mixture to the dry ingredients; stir just until the flour is moistened.
- Spoon the batter into greased muffin cups, filling about 2/3 full, or into well-greased, heated heavy cornstick pans, filling almost full.
- Bake muffins at 400°F for 15 to 20 minutes or cornsticks at 425°F for 8 to 10 minutes.
- Let stand for a minute or two before removing from pans.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, consider using half whole wheat flour in place of all-purpose flour. You can substitute the Cheddar cheese with any sharp cheese you prefer. If you want to reduce fat, use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon. Additionally, you can add jalapeños for a spicy kick or use maple syrup instead of honey for a different flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these cornsticks warm as a delightful side with soups or salads. They pair beautifully with Tropical Ham Slices for a hearty meal. Consider adding a dollop of butter or honey on top before serving. For a complete dinner, enjoy them alongside Green Beans With Horseradish Sauce for a flavorful contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cornsticks in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through, ensuring they maintain their crispy exterior.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cheddar Cornsticks contains roughly 492 calories, with 12g protein, 82g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (28% of the Daily Value), protein (24% of the Daily Value), and iron (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 564mg per serving (25% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these cornsticks ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the batter ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just give it a good stir before baking. Alternatively, you can bake the cornsticks and store them in an airtight container, reheating as needed.
What can I use instead of shortening?
You can substitute melted butter or coconut oil for shortening in this recipe. Both will provide a rich flavor and moisture to the cornsticks. If using butter, ensure it's melted before adding it to the mixture.
Can I freeze these cornsticks?
Absolutely! Once cooled, place the cornsticks in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm them in the oven before serving.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).