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1
In a mixing cup, combine the cornmeal and buttermilk.
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2
Cover and leave at room temperature for 4 to 6 hours, or overnight.
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3
After the cornmeal finishes its long buttermilk bath, preheat the oven to 450F with a 10-inch cast-iron skillet placed inside.
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4
Meanwhile, in a large skillet over a moderate heat, cook the bacon until it nears crispy.
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5
Drain off the rendered fat, reserving for later use.
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6
Allow the bacon slices to cool, then dice into pieces.
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7
In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and baking soda.
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8
Mix in the sugar and salt.
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9
Pour in the eggs, butter, corn, cheese, bacon pieces, and the cornmeal/buttermilk mixture.
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10
Mix until combined.
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11
Using a hot pad, carefully remove the hot skillet from the preheated oven.
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12
Slowly pour the reserved bacon fat into the skillet.
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13
(The grease should hiss and pop upon contact.
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14
If not, return your skillet to the oven for another 10 to 15 minutes until it gets good and hot.)
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15
Pour the cornbread batter into the hot, greased skillet.
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16
Working briskly, spoon the Sriracha over the top of the batter.
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17
Using swirly veins of Sriracha that will be visible in the finished bread.
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18
Using a hot pad, quickly return the skillet to the oven.
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19
Decrease the oven temperature to 425F.
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20
Bake until golden brown, 20 to 25 minutes.
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21
Allow the cornbread to cool slightly in the pan for 5 minutes, then turn it out onto a plate to cool for an additional 5 to 10 minutes before serving a bamboo skewer, toothpick, or fork, swizzle the Sriracha throughout the batter to create
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22
This recipe can also yield 12 large muffins.
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23
Preheat the muffin tray in the oven as for the skillet, and divide the bacon fat evenly among the separate muffin cups.
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24
If your muffin pans are not cast-iron or nonstick, a quick spritz of nonstick cooking spray will serve as an extra insurance policy for easy removal after baking.
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25
Divide the batter equally among the cups, topping with the Sriracha as the recipe directs.
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26
Bake until golden brown, 17 to 22 minutes.