Jalapeno Cheddar Cornbread
A moist, tender cornbread packed with sharp cheddar cheese and a spicy kick from fresh jalapenos. This Southern classic is the perfect side for chili, soups, or barbecue, ready in under an hour.
For 8 servings
8 steps. 25 minutes total.
- 1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C)
- a.Generously grease a 9-inch cast-iron skillet or an 8x8-inch baking pan with butter.
- 2
Step 2
- a.In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: cornmeal, all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- 3
Step 3
- a.In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients: buttermilk, lightly beaten eggs, and melted butter.
- 4
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients
- a.Stir with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Reserve about 1/4 cup of shredded cheese and 1 tablespoon of diced jalapenos for the topping. Gently fold the remaining cheese and jalapenos into the batter.
- 6
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly
- a.Sprinkle the reserved cheese and jalapenos over the top.
- 7
Step 7
- a.Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- 8
Step 8
- a.Let the cornbread cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For a crispy crust, preheat your greased cast-iron skillet in the oven for a few minutes before adding the batter.
- 2Do not overmix the batter. Overmixing develops gluten and can result in a tough, dry cornbread.
- 3Using room temperature eggs and buttermilk helps the ingredients combine more evenly for a better texture.
- 4Shred your own cheese from a block. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can prevent it from melting smoothly.
- 5For extra flavor, you can add 1/4 cup of chopped green onions or a pinch of smoked paprika to the batter.
- 6Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Reheat briefly in the microwave or oven.
Adapt it for your goals.
Gluten free
Replace the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend and ensure your cornmeal is certified gluten-free.
kid friendlyKid friendly
Omit the jalapenos entirely or replace them with 1/4 cup of canned mild green chiles for flavor without the intense heat.
high proteinHigh protein
Stir in 1/2 cup of cooked, crumbled bacon or sausage along with the cheese for a savory, protein-packed version.
quickQuick
Use a cornbread box mix as a base, then add the melted butter, buttermilk, eggs, cheese, and jalapenos for a shortcut.
