The Zippy Jalapeño Cornbread Recipe Everyone Craves

Crisp autumn winds carry memories of my grandmother’s jalapeño cornbread recipe that always sparked conversation around her worn wooden table.

Southern kitchens buzz with excitement when this spicy-sweet comfort dish emerges from the oven.

Rustic and bold, cornbread becomes something extraordinary with a pepper’s fiery kick.

Comfort meets adventure in this simple yet remarkable dish that surprises everyone who tastes it.

Cornmeal provides the perfect canvas for jalapeños to dance their spicy magic.

Each bite promises a warm embrace of traditional flavors with an unexpected twist.

You’ll want seconds before the first slice disappears from the plate.

Why Jalapeno Cornbread Brings Sweet Heat

• Kickstart Flavor Explosion: Jalapeno cornbread delivers a spicy, cheesy twist that transforms an ordinary side dish into a mouthwatering sensation, making every bite exciting and memorable.
• Whip Up in a Jiffy: This recipe is incredibly quick and easy, taking just 30 minutes from start to finish, perfect for busy home cooks who want delicious results without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Whether served at a summer barbecue, family dinner, or potluck gathering, this cornbread adapts beautifully to different meals and always receives rave reviews from both adults and kids.
• Customize with Ease: Home cooks can adjust the spice level by adding more or fewer jalapenos, swap cheese types, or even include additional mix-ins like corn kernels or bacon bits to suit personal taste preferences.

What You’ll Need For Jalapeno Cornbread

• Cornmeal: Provides the classic, hearty base for traditional Southern-style cornbread.
• All-Purpose Flour: Helps create a tender and soft texture in the bread.
• Sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness to balance the savory flavors.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Essential leavening agents that help the cornbread rise and become fluffy.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor profile of the cornbread.

• Buttermilk, Eggs: Contribute moisture, richness, and help bind the ingredients together.
• Melted Butter, Sour Cream: Add richness, tanginess, and a smooth, creamy texture to the cornbread.

• Cheddar Cheese, Jalapenos: Optional mix-ins that bring sharp, spicy, and cheesy notes to the classic cornbread. Choose fresh jalapenos for maximum heat and flavor.

How To Make Jalapeno Cornbread From Scratch

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 400F (200C). Grab a 9-inch cast-iron skillet or baking dish and give it a quick butter massage or spray with nonstick magic.

Step 2: Create Dry Ingredient Symphony

• Cornmeal
• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Baking soda

Step 3: Blend Liquid Goodness

• Buttermilk
• Eggs
• Melted butter
• Sour cream

Step 4: Marry the Mixtures

Gently pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients. Stir with a light touch – just until everything mingles. No aggressive mixing allowed!

Step 5: Spice Up the Party

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Diced jalapeños

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Pour the vibrant batter into your prepared skillet. Spread evenly and slide into the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the top turns golden and a toothpick comes out clean.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Let the cornbread chill for 5-10 minutes. Slice into beautiful wedges and serve warm. Slather with butter or drizzle with honey for extra joy.

Pro Tips For Moist Jalapeno Cornbread

• Customize Heat Level: Adjust jalapeno spiciness by removing seeds for milder flavor or keeping them for extra kick.
• Maximize Moisture: Add sour cream and buttermilk to ensure soft, tender cornbread that won't dry out during baking.
• Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheese types like pepper jack or monterey jack for unique flavor profiles.
• Prevent Overmixing: Stir batter gently until ingredients are just combined to maintain a light, fluffy texture.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Swap wheat flour with gluten-free alternatives like almond or rice flour for dietary needs.

How To Store Jalapeno Cornbread The Easy Way

• Wrap leftover cornbread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to preserve moisture and prevent drying out.
• Store at room temperature for up to 2 days, keeping it fresh and tasty.
• Refrigerate for extended freshness, where the cornbread will stay good for 4-5 days in an airtight container.
• Freeze individual slices by wrapping them separately in plastic wrap, then placing in a freezer bag – they'll maintain quality for up to 3 months.
• Thaw frozen cornbread at room temperature or gently reheat in the oven at 300F for a few minutes to restore its original soft texture and warm flavor.

Perfect Matches For Jalapeno Cornbread

• Pair with Spicy Chili: Complement the jalapeño cornbread's heat with a robust, hearty chili that matches its bold flavors. The cornbread's cheesy, peppery profile creates a perfect balance with a meaty, tomato-based chili.
• Sip Crisp Mexican Lager: Cool down the bread's spiciness with a refreshing Mexican beer like Corona or Modelo. The light, crisp beer cuts through the richness and provides a smooth counterpoint to the jalapeño's kick.
• Drizzle Honey Butter Spread: Enhance the cornbread's complexity by topping it with a homemade honey butter. The sweet, creamy spread softens the jalapeño's heat and adds a luxurious touch to each bite.
• Serve with Smoky BBQ Pulled Pork: Create a mouthwatering combination by pairing the cornbread with tender, smoky pulled pork. The bread's texture and flavor perfectly soak up the rich, tangy barbecue sauce.

Ways To Change Up Jalapeno Cornbread

• Southwestern Spice Blend: Enhance the cornbread by adding ground cumin, smoked paprika, and a pinch of chili powder to create a vibrant, southwestern-inspired flavor profile.
• Bacon and Green Onion Boost: Crisp up some bacon bits and mix them into the batter along with chopped green onions for a savory, smoky upgrade that adds depth and crunch.
• Honey Cornbread Fusion: Incorporate 1/4 cup of honey into the wet ingredients to introduce a subtle sweetness that balances the jalapeno's heat and creates a more complex taste experience.
• Herbed Cornbread Remix: Fold in fresh chopped cilantro or chopped fresh chives to bring a bright, herbal note that complements the cheese and peppers, elevating the overall cornbread texture and flavor.

Common Questions About Jalapeno Cornbread

• What gives this cornbread its spicy kick?

The diced jalapenos provide a zesty, spicy flavor that adds excitement to the traditional cornbread recipe. You can adjust the amount of jalapenos to control the heat level.

• Can I make this cornbread without dairy?

While the recipe relies on buttermilk, eggs, butter, and sour cream for moisture and richness, you could experiment with dairy-free alternatives like plant-based milk and vegan butter substitutes.

• Is this cornbread good for people who like cheesy flavors?

Absolutely! The optional shredded cheddar cheese adds a delicious, tangy flavor that complements the jalapenos and creates a more indulgent cornbread experience.

• How can I prevent my cornbread from becoming too dry?

The key is to avoid overmixing the batter. Stir the wet and dry ingredients just until combined, which helps maintain a moist and tender texture.

Jalapeno Cornbread Recipe

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4.8 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Spicy Jalapeño Cornbread delivers a southwestern kick that elevates comfort food with bold, zesty flavors. Southern charm meets fiery excitement in this irresistible side dish that you’ll crave alongside chili, barbecue, or as a standalone treat.

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Ingredients

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Main Dry Ingredients:

• 1 cup (120 g) yellow cornmeal
• 1 cup (120 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar

Liquid and Dairy Ingredients:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters) buttermilk
• 2 large eggs
• ¼ cup (60 milliliters) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) sour cream

Add-Ins and Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 cup (120 g) shredded cheddar cheese
• 12 jalapenos, deseeded and diced (or leave seeds for extra heat)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400F (200C), ensuring the rack is positioned in the center. Generously coat a 9-inch cast-iron skillet with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. In a spacious mixing bowl, thoroughly combine cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and baking soda using a whisk, creating a uniform dry mixture.
3. In a separate bowl, vigorously whisk buttermilk, eggs, melted butter, and sour cream until the liquid ingredients are completely integrated and smooth.
4. Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients and gradually pour the wet mixture into it. Gently fold the ingredients together using a spatula, mixing until just incorporated. Avoid overmixing to maintain the bread’s tender texture.
5. Carefully fold shredded cheddar cheese and finely diced jalapenos into the batter, distributing them evenly throughout the mixture.
6. Transfer the batter into the prepared skillet, using a spatula to spread it uniformly and create an even surface.
7. Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 22-27 minutes. The cornbread is ready when the top turns a rich golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center emerges clean.
8. Remove from the oven and let the cornbread rest for 8-12 minutes, allowing it to set and cool slightly. Slice into wedges and serve warm, accompanied by softened butter or a drizzle of honey.

Notes

• Customize heat levels by adjusting jalapeno quantity, removing seeds for milder flavor or adding more for extra spiciness.
• Consider roasting jalapenos beforehand to develop a deeper, smoky flavor profile that enhances the cornbread’s overall taste.
• Swap buttermilk with dairy-free alternatives like almond milk mixed with apple cider vinegar for lactose-intolerant or vegan dietary needs.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like pepper jack or gouda to create unique flavor combinations that complement the cornbread’s natural sweetness.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 246
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 230 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 63 mg