When it comes to barbecue, I’m all about the sides: classic mac and cheese, creamy potato salad, chunky applesauce (my fave), refreshing coleslaw — the list goes on. One side I love to see at a barbecue joint or at a backyard cookout is cornbread. 

The thing is, not all cornbread is good cornbread. Sometimes it’s too dry (like, really dry) or bland. But I’ve recently discovered a cornbread mix that’s easy to make, perfectly moist, and wildly flavorful. In other words, it’s my dream cornbread.

If you’re not familiar with the brand Ass Kickin’, they offer a range of hot sauces and spicy snacks, including popcorn, jelly beans, peanuts, and snack mix (my mom’s favorite). Although I’ve known about the brand for decades (my parents used to own a hot sauce cart in the mall), I only recently learned that it makes a spicy cornbread mix.

And when I say spicy, I’m serious. This cornbread mix features jalapeño already in the mix, with an additional packet of habanero powder so you can make it as hot as you can handle. Not only is it tasty, but it’s also easy to make. Just combine milk, eggs, the mix, cheddar cheese, melted butter (you can also use margarine), and the habanero powder (there’s a chart on the instructions that advises how much to use for the level of spice you want). After that, the mixture chills in the fridge for 15 minutes before going into a 400°F oven for 35 to 40 minutes (in my oven, it only took 30 minutes). 

You can pick up a bag for $11.95 at Amazon, or you can get six for $49.95.

I’m a tough critic when it comes to cornbread. It’s hard to find a really flavorful version that doesn’t lean too dry. So I was surprised by how good this version is. It got a nice, golden exterior in the oven, but didn’t dry out in the middle. Instead, it had a tender crumb and didn’t dry out my mouth as soon as I ate it.

Plus, the jalapeño and habanero flavors (and heat!) are so good. They complement the sweet corn, as well as the sharp cheddar. It’s so delicious, I find myself thinking about my next slice while I’m still eating my first one. My only regret is that I didn’t buy a six-pack upfront.

Buy: Ass Kickin’ Cornbread Mix, $11.95 for 1 (16-ounce) bag at Amazon

What’s your favorite boxed mix? Tell us about it in the comments below.