Jalapeño Cheddar Cornbread takes classic cornbread up a notch with a kick of heat and rich, cheesy flavor. The combination of sharp cheddar and spicy jalapeños creates a bold, flavorful bread that adds excitement to any meal. It’s easy to make, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings.
Simple Ingredients for Big Flavor
To make this cornbread, start by mixing cornmeal, flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together buttermilk, eggs, and melted butter. The buttermilk adds tang and keeps the bread moist. Combine the wet and dry ingredients, then fold in shredded cheddar and chopped jalapeños. For extra texture and flavor, add corn kernels or a dash of cumin. Pour the batter into a preheated cast-iron skillet or baking dish, and bake until golden brown.
Perfect Pairings for Every Meal
This cornbread is delicious on its own, but it shines when paired with other dishes. Serve it with chili for a classic Southern meal—the spice and cheese balance the rich, savory stew. It’s also a great match for barbecued meats like pulled pork or smoked ribs, complementing the smoky, tangy flavors.
Lighter Options for a Balanced Meal
For a lighter option, pair Jalapeño Cheddar Cornbread with a fresh green salad or a bowl of soup. A tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness, while a creamy soup like tomato bisque pairs perfectly with its hearty texture. Whether as a side dish or snack, this cornbread is a versatile crowd-pleaser.
Jalapeno Cheddar Cornbread
Ingredients
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 cup all purpose flour
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp paprika
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¾ cup unsalted butter melted
- 2 eggs
- 1 ½ cups whole milk
- ½ cup sharp cheddar grated
- 1 jalapeno sliced
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
- In a bowl, whisk together the 1 cup cornmeal, 1 cup all purpose flour, 1 tbsp sugar, 1 tsp salt, ½ tsp paprika, 1 ½ tsp baking powder, and ½ tsp baking soda.1 cup cornmeal, 1 cup all purpose flour, 1 tbsp sugar, 1 tsp salt, ½ tsp paprika, 1 ½ tsp baking powder, ½ tsp baking soda
- In another bowl, combine the 2 eggs and 1 ½ cups whole milk with a whisk.2 eggs, 1 ½ cups whole milk
- Stir the eggs and milk into the flour mixture. Stir in the melted ¾ cup unsalted butter.¾ cup unsalted butter
- Fold in the ½ cup sharp cheddar.½ cup sharp cheddar
- Pour the batter into a greased 9×9 pan. Top with slices of 1 jalapeno.1 jalapeno
- Bake for about 25 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
Other Recipes You Might Like:
