Name: Cheddar Jalapeño Cornbread
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup cornmeal; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1-2 jalapeños, diced (adjust to your spice preference); 1 cup buttermilk; 1/4 cup melted butter; 2 large eggs; 1/4 cup sugar; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt

Cheddar Jalapeño Cornbread

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Breakfast & Brunch

Cheddar Jalapeño Cornbread

Home

Breakfast & Brunch

Cheddar Jalapeño Cornbread

April 16, 2025

Author : Megan C

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Cheddar Jalapeño Cornbread: A Spicy and Cheesy Delight! 🌶️🧀🌽

1. Introduction

Craving a flavorful twist on a timeless classic? This cheddar jalapeno cornbread recipe delivers! Imagine the comforting taste of traditional cornbread, but amplified with the sharp, cheesy deliciousness of cheddar and the vibrant, zesty kick of fresh jalapeños. It’s not just good; it’s an *experience* – the perfect side dish for barbecues, hearty chili, or honestly, any meal that’s calling out for a little extra “oomph.”

If you’re anything like me and always on the hunt for the best spicy cornbread recipe options, then look no further. This recipe strikes that elusive perfect balance – a symphony of heat and flavor that will have everyone reaching for seconds. Whether you affectionately call it jalapeno cornbread, or simply cheesy cornbread (both are fitting!), prepare yourself for a baking adventure that’s destined to be a resounding success! So, dust off that skillet, preheat your oven, and let’s get ready to bake a batch of this absolutely irresistible cornbread! It’s also great for breakfast with a fried egg. Consider browsing our other breakfast recipes for inspiration!

Freshly baked Cheddar Jalapeño Cornbread, a savory treat perfect as a side dish.

2. Key Ingredients

Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need to create this masterpiece. Don’t skimp on quality – it truly makes a difference!

Cornmeal: The heart and soul of our cornbread, providing that classic, slightly coarse texture and unmistakable flavor.
All-Purpose Flour: Works in harmony with the cornmeal to bind the ingredients together, resulting in a beautifully soft and tender crumb.
Cheddar Cheese: The star of the show! Adds a delightfully sharp, tangy, and cheesy flavor that complements the jalapeños perfectly. Use a good quality sharp cheddar for best results.
Jalapeños: These little guys provide the spicy kick! Adjust the quantity (and whether you include the seeds) to perfectly match your spice preference.
Buttermilk: This isn’t just any liquid! Buttermilk adds essential moisture and a subtle tanginess, which contributes significantly to a more tender and flavorful crumb.
Melted Butter: Prepare for richness! Melted butter adds a depth of flavor that takes this cornbread to the next level.
Eggs: The binding power! Eggs help to hold all the ingredients together and provide crucial structure to the cornbread.
Sugar: Just a touch! Sugar balances the spice and acidity, enhancing the overall flavor profile. Many people skip sugar in cornbread, but we find it makes it far more palatable.
Baking Powder and Baking Soda: Our dynamic duo of leavening agents! These ensure the cornbread rises beautifully and achieves that desirable light and airy texture.
Salt: Don’t forget the salt! It enhances all the other flavors, bringing them into perfect harmony.

3. Equipment Needed

Before you dive in, make sure you have these essential tools at your disposal:

Mixing Bowls (various sizes are helpful!)
Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accuracy is key for baking success.
Whisk: For blending those dry ingredients with finesse.
Spatula: For gently folding and scraping every last bit of goodness.
9-inch Cast Iron Skillet or Baking Pan: A cast iron skillet is ideal for that perfect crispy crust, but a regular baking pan will work just fine.
Oven: Obviously!

4. Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s get baking! Follow these steps carefully for cornbread perfection.

Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Once that’s nicely combined, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, making sure it’s evenly distributed. Having the dry ingredients properly combined from the start is crucial; it ensures an even distribution of flavors in your final cheddar jalapeno cornbread recipe. Speaking of cheese, you might also enjoy our easy no-bake cheesy bread!

Preparing dry ingredients and cheddar cheese for delicious Cheddar Jalapeño Cornbread.

Step 2: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl (a medium-sized one works well), whisk together the buttermilk, melted butter, and eggs. A pro-tip: make sure the butter has cooled slightly before adding it to the eggs; you don’t want to accidentally cook them! Combining the wet ingredients separately like this is key. It ensures they are beautifully emulsified before being added to the dry ingredients, resulting in a smooth, consistent batter for your potential spicy cornbread recipe.

Mixing wet ingredients: buttermilk, melted butter, and eggs for Cheddar Jalapeño Cornbread recipe.

Step 3: Add the Jalapeños

Now, gently fold the diced jalapeños into the dry ingredients. Aim to distribute them as evenly as possible to ensure each and every bite of your jalapeno cornbread has the perfect, consistent amount of that delightful spicy kick. A little tip from my kitchen to yours: if you prefer a milder flavor, simply remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeños before dicing them.

Adding diced jalapeños to the dry ingredients for spicy Cheddar Jalapeño Cornbread.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients and Bake

Alright, the moment we’ve been waiting for! Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients and jalapeños. Gently stir everything together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter; a few lumps are perfectly fine (overmixing can lead to a tough cornbread). Now, pour the batter into your greased 9-inch cast iron skillet (or baking pan). Pop it into a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) and bake for approximately 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the very center comes out clean. Remember, this careful combination creates the perfect consistency for incredibly moist, incredibly delicious cheesy cornbread.

Combining wet and dry ingredients to create the batter for Cheddar Jalapeño Cornbread.

5. Tips for the Perfect Cornbread

Want to take your cornbread game to the next level? Here are a few of my favorite tips and tricks:

Don’t overmix the batter! I can’t stress this enough. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can result in a tough, dense cornbread.
Use the freshest ingredients possible for the best and most vibrant flavor.
Adjust the amount of jalapeños to perfectly suit your personal spice preference. Taste as you go!
For the ultimate crispy crust, preheat your cast iron skillet in the oven *before* pouring in the batter. This creates a sizzling hot surface that instantly crisps the edges.
Resist the urge to slice into it right away! Let the cornbread cool slightly before slicing and serving. This allows it to set properly and prevents it from crumbling.

6. Variations and Add-ins

Feeling adventurous? Here are some fun and delicious ways to customize your cornbread:

Add a handful of sweet corn kernels for extra sweetness and a delightful pop of texture.
Substitute pepper jack cheese for the cheddar for an even more intense kick of spice.
Mix in some crispy, crumbled bacon for a smoky, savory flavor that’s simply irresistible.
Experiment with different types of peppers! Try using poblano peppers for a milder, slightly smoky flavor, or serrano peppers for a significant increase in heat.
Drizzle with homemade honey butter for the ultimate sweet and savory treat. A drizzle of honey on its own is also a fantastic option! If you like that, check out our Southern Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers!

7. Serving Suggestions

This delicious cheddar jalapeno cornbread recipe is absolutely perfect served warm, straight from the oven, with a generous pat of butter or a drizzle of honey. It’s also an excellent accompaniment to hearty dishes like chili, soups, stews, and of course, barbecue. And don’t forget – it makes a fantastic addition to any potluck, holiday dinner (maybe with pineapple casserole!) or casual gathering. You could even serve it alongside scalloped potatoes!

8. Storage Instructions

Got leftovers? (If you do, you’re lucky!). Store leftover cornbread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, keep it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven or microwave before serving. A quick zap in the microwave and it tastes almost as good as fresh!

9. Conclusion

In conclusion, this cheddar jalapeno cornbread recipe offers a totally delightful, unforgettable combination of cheesy, spicy, and comforting flavors that will leave you craving more. Exceptionally easy to make and perfect for practically any occasion (from weeknight dinners to weekend gatherings!), this spicy cornbread recipe is destined to become a new family favorite in your home. Enjoy the wonderful taste of homemade jalapeno cornbread that is both incredibly satisfying and utterly delicious! So, go ahead and try making this cheesy cornbread today and enjoy the perfect side dish. You can find a similar recipe here. For other baking ideas, check out our baking category!