Jalapeño Cheddar Cornbread – Spicy, Cheesy & Comforting

Recipe Card

Servings & Timing

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 9 slices (8×8 pan)

Dietary Badges:
✔ Vegetarian
✔ Southern-Inspired
✔ Crowd-Friendly

🛒 Ingredients

Yellow cornmeal
All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Baking soda
Salt
Sugar
Buttermilk
Eggs
Unsalted butter (melted)
Sharp cheddar cheese, grated
Jalapeños (seeded and chopped)
Optional: Extra jalapeños and cheddar for topping

👩‍🍳 Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease or line an 8×8 baking dish or cast-iron skillet.
Whisk together cornmeal, flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar.
In another bowl, whisk buttermilk, eggs, and melted butter until smooth.
Stir wet mixture into dry until just combined. Do not overmix.
Fold in cheese and jalapeños until evenly distributed.
Pour batter into the pan, smoothing the top. Garnish with extra jalapeños and cheese if desired.
Bake 20–25 minutes until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool slightly, then slice and serve warm.

Notes:

Serve with butter, chili, or barbecue.
Adjust jalapeños for desired spice level.

Introduction

This Jalapeño Cheddar Cornbread is the ultimate upgrade to classic cornbread: buttery, cheesy, and perfectly spiced with fresh jalapeños. Baked golden in a skillet or pan, it pairs beautifully with chili, barbecue, or soups—or stands alone as a cozy snack.

Step-by-Step Cooking Guide

Step 1 – Prep the oven & pan
Grease your pan or skillet for a crisp edge. Cast iron gives the best golden crust.

Step 2 – Mix the dry ingredients
Cornmeal, flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar—this ensures even distribution of leavening.

Step 3 – Whisk the wet mixture
Blend buttermilk, eggs, and melted butter until smooth. Tip: Make sure butter is slightly cooled so it doesn’t scramble the eggs.

Step 4 – Combine gently
Mix wet into dry just until combined. Overmixing makes cornbread dense.

Step 5 – Fold in cheese & jalapeños
Sharp cheddar adds richness, while jalapeños give a kick. Adjust spice level by leaving in some seeds or adding extra peppers.

Step 6 – Bake & enjoy
Bake until the top is golden. Let cool slightly before slicing to prevent crumbling.

Ingredient Details & Substitution Tips

Cornmeal: Yellow for classic flavor; white cornmeal works too.
Buttermilk: Adds tang and tenderness. Sub with milk + 1 tbsp vinegar/lemon juice.
Cheese: Sharp cheddar is bold, but pepper jack or smoked gouda add variety.
Jalapeños: Fresh gives the best heat. For milder cornbread, use one pepper or sub with canned green chiles.

Variations & Serving Suggestions

Honey Butter Cornbread: Drizzle warm slices with honey butter.
Extra Spicy: Add cayenne powder or diced serrano peppers.
Tex-Mex Style: Mix in corn kernels or black beans.
Serving Ideas:
- With chili or stew.
- As a barbecue side dish.
- With scrambled eggs for a bold breakfast.

Storage & Make-Ahead

Refrigeration: Store tightly covered up to 4 days.
Freezing: Wrap slices individually and freeze up to 2 months. Reheat in oven at 325°F for 10 minutes.
Make-Ahead: Batter can be mixed (without jalapeños/cheese) a few hours ahead; fold in just before baking.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this in muffin form?
A: Yes—bake at 400°F for 15–18 minutes.

Q: Can I skip the sugar?
A: Absolutely, though a touch of sugar balances the spice.

Q: Can I make it gluten-free?
A: Yes—substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

Personal Note

Cornbread is one of those dishes that feels like home. The jalapeño-cheddar twist makes it bold and irresistible—especially baked in cast iron for those crispy edges. It’s my go-to side for chili nights, and it always disappears fast.

👉 Do you prefer your cornbread sweet and mild or spicy and cheesy?

Author
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Rabia

Chef & Food Blogger at menuatthetable.com

Rabia has been a chef in Dubai for over eight years and loves exploring different types of food. Through the blog Menu at the Table, Rabia shares the best places to eat in Dubai for every cuisine. Whether you want street food or a fancy restaurant, Rabia helps you find the perfect spot to enjoy delicious meals.