BACON-CHEDDAR MUFFINS

Bacon-Cheddar Muffins image

Provided by Zoe Nathan

Number Of Ingredients 17

3/4 cup cornmeal
6 tbsp unsalted butter, cubed, at room temperature
2 tbsp sugar
1 1/2 tsp kosher salt
3 eggs
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
6 tbsp rye flour
1 1/2 tbsp baking powder
1/2 cup plus 1 tbsp canola oil
3 tbsp plus 2 tsp maple syrup
1 cup plus 2 tbsp buttermilk
1/2 cup diced cheddar (1" cubes) plus 1/4 cup grated
6 tbsp grated Parmesan, divided
11 slices cooked bacon, coarsely chopped
1 1/2 tbsp bacon fat, cooled
1/4 cup fresh chives and/or parsley, finely chopped
chopped rosemary, for garnish

Steps:

Preheat oven to 400° with rack near top. Line two 12-cup muffin pans with 15 liners, spacing them evenly between the 2 pans.
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with paddle attachment, cream butter, sugar, and salt for 1-2 minutes, until fluffy. Incorporate eggs slowly, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Add all-purpose flour, cornmeal, rye flour, and baking powder and mix until incorporated. Add canola oil, maple syrup, and buttermilk. Scrape mixer bowl well, making sure everything is incorporated. Add diced cheddar, 4 tbsp Parmesan, bacon, and chives. Mix just until dispersed, folding by hand to be sure.
Fill muffin cups to the very top.
Toss grated cheddar with remaining 2 tbsp Parmesan in a small bowl; sprinkle evenly over muffins. Bake for about 15 minutes, until nicely browned. Garnish with chopped rosemary.