The combination of sharp cheddar cheese and spicy jalapeños creates a cornbread that’s both comforting and full of flavor. This recipe is ideal for adding a bit of heat to any meal or serving as a flavorful side for chili or BBQ. The honey drizzle adds a lovely sweet contrast to the spicy cornbread, making each bite an unforgettable experience.
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just looking for a cozy meal at home, this Jalapeño Cheddar Cornbread will surely become a crowd favorite. The balance of spicy and savory flavors, paired with its perfect golden crust, makes it a true standout at any table.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 cup cornmeal
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1 cup all-purpose flour
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1 tablespoon baking powder
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1 teaspoon salt
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1/2 teaspoon baking soda
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1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
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1 cup buttermilk
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2 large eggs
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1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
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2 jalapeños, finely chopped (seeds removed for less heat)
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1/4 cup honey (optional)
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1 tablespoon olive oil (for greasing the pan)
Directions:
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Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9-inch square baking dish with olive oil or butter.
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In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, buttermilk, and eggs until smooth and fully combined.
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Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
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Fold in the shredded cheddar cheese and chopped jalapeños until evenly distributed.
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Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top.
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Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown.
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Remove from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before cutting into squares. Optional: Drizzle with honey for a sweet and savory combination.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 250 kcal | Servings: 9 servings
Why You’ll Love Jalapeño Cheddar Cornbread
This cornbread is not just delicious but incredibly versatile. The beauty of cornbread lies in its simplicity—few ingredients come together to create a rich, flavorful dish that pairs well with nearly anything. The spiciness from the jalapeños gives it an edge, while the sharpness of the cheddar offers a creamy texture that complements the crispy, slightly sweet cornbread.
Perfect for any occasion, this cornbread works beautifully with BBQ, fried chicken, or even a hearty bowl of chili. It can also be served as a standalone snack, perfect for those craving a quick bite with a cup of tea or coffee. Plus, it’s a great side dish for holiday dinners, potlucks, and casual family gatherings.
How to Serve Jalapeño Cheddar Cornbread
Jalapeño Cheddar Cornbread is extremely versatile and pairs with so many different dishes. The slight heat from the jalapeños and the savory notes from the cheddar create a great contrast to creamy, rich dishes. It complements the smoky flavors of BBQ, the warmth of a hearty stew, or the tanginess of a tomato-based chili.
If you’re looking for a simple yet elevated meal, serve this cornbread alongside a bowl of spicy chili or a comforting soup. Its dense and moist texture pairs wonderfully with creamy soups like potato leek or butternut squash. For a more robust meal, serve it with grilled meats such as ribs or steak. Don’t forget to drizzle it with honey for a sweet contrast to the spicy kick—it adds a lovely dimension to every bite.
Customizing Your Jalapeño Cheddar Cornbread
While the basic recipe for Jalapeño Cheddar Cornbread is fantastic on its own, it’s incredibly customizable to suit your preferences. You can adjust the level of heat by increasing or decreasing the amount of jalapeños. If you prefer a milder version, you can remove the seeds from the jalapeños or use fewer peppers. Conversely, for those who love heat, adding extra jalapeños or even some chili flakes will enhance the spiciness.
The cheddar cheese can also be customized—while sharp cheddar works wonderfully for its tangy flavor, you can experiment with other types of cheese like Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even gouda for a more unique taste. Adding a bit of crumbled bacon into the batter could provide another layer of savory goodness, while fresh herbs like cilantro or chives could give it a bright and fresh finish.
The Secret to Perfectly Moist Cornbread
One of the key factors to making the perfect Jalapeño Cheddar Cornbread is ensuring it stays moist. Many cornbread recipes can be a bit dry, but with the right ingredients and a few techniques, you can achieve the ideal balance of moistness and fluffiness.
The key is to use buttermilk instead of regular milk or water. Buttermilk adds a tangy richness and helps tenderize the batter, resulting in a soft, moist crumb. The melted butter also plays a crucial role in achieving that rich flavor and texture. Using a combination of cornmeal and flour gives the cornbread structure while maintaining its classic crumbly texture.
It’s also essential not to overmix the batter. Cornbread is best when it’s mixed just enough to combine the ingredients. Overmixing can lead to a dense and rubbery texture. So, mix gently and leave a few lumps—your cornbread will turn out much lighter and fluffier.
Why This Recipe is Perfect for Meal Prep
Jalapeño Cheddar Cornbread is ideal for meal prepping because it holds up well in the fridge for a few days and can be easily reheated. If you’re planning a week of delicious meals, bake this cornbread in advance and store it in an airtight container. Simply reheat slices in the microwave or oven when you’re ready to serve.
It also freezes wonderfully. Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap and then store them in a freezer bag. When you’re ready to eat, just thaw and reheat. This makes it a great addition to your freezer stash, ready to be enjoyed whenever you need a quick snack or side dish.
A Dish for All Seasons
Jalapeño Cheddar Cornbread isn’t just a winter comfort food; it’s perfect for all seasons. The light, crumbly texture and slight sweetness make it a great choice for summer BBQs, while the richness of the cheddar and heat from the jalapeños provide warmth during the colder months. Whether you’re serving it alongside a fresh summer salad or with a hearty winter stew, this cornbread will always be a hit.
Conclusion: Why You Need to Try This Jalapeño Cheddar Cornbread
Jalapeño Cheddar Cornbread is an exceptional take on a classic favorite. With its perfect balance of spicy, cheesy, and slightly sweet flavors, it’s a side dish that can easily steal the show at any meal. Its versatility makes it suitable for a wide range of dishes, and its simple ingredients come together to create something truly extraordinary. Whether you’re enjoying it as a snack, pairing it with soup, or serving it at a family gathering, this cornbread is sure to impress everyone at the table.
So, if you’re looking to elevate your cornbread game and add a bit of heat and richness to your meal, this recipe is a must-try. With the addition of sharp cheddar and spicy jalapeños, every bite is packed with flavor. It’s a dish that will leave your taste buds satisfied and your guests asking for seconds.
Let’s face it: cornbread is already delicious on its own, but when you add jalapeños and cheddar, you take it to a whole new level. So why not give this recipe a try? We promise you won’t regret it!