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Crispy Cast Iron Cornbread with Jalapeño and Cheddar

crispy cast iron cornbread - featured image
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A quick and easy cornbread recipe featuring a crispy cast iron crust, spicy jalapeños, and melted sharp cheddar cheese for a perfect balance of heat and creaminess.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (120 g) yellow cornmeal (medium grind)
  • 3/4 cup (90 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 cup (240 ml) buttermilk (or milk plus 1 tbsp lemon juice)
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 4 tablespoons (60 g) unsalted butter, melted, plus extra for skillet
  • 2 jalapeños, diced (seeds removed for less heat)
  • 1 cup (120 g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • Optional: pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and place a 9-inch cast iron skillet inside to heat for 10 minutes.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar until evenly combined.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk buttermilk, egg, and melted butter until smooth and creamy.
  4. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and gently fold with a spatula until just combined; lumps are okay.
  5. Fold in diced jalapeños and shredded cheddar cheese evenly.
  6. Carefully remove hot skillet from oven, add 1 tablespoon melted butter, and swirl to coat bottom and sides.
  7. Pour batter into hot skillet and spread evenly with a spatula.
  8. Bake for 20-25 minutes until top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
  9. Let cornbread cool in skillet for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

Preheat the skillet to get a crispy crust. Do not overmix the batter to keep the cornbread tender. Remove jalapeño seeds to reduce heat or keep for more spice. Let cornbread rest before slicing for cleaner cuts. Optionally sprinkle extra cheddar halfway through baking for a bubbly topping. For gluten-free, substitute flour with gluten-free blend; for dairy-free, use coconut yogurt and plant-based cheese.

Nutrition

Keywords: cornbread, cast iron, jalapeño, cheddar, spicy bread, quick cornbread, easy recipe, skillet cornbread

Find it online: https://hungermind.com/crispy-cast-iron-cornbread-with-jalape-n-o-and-cheddar-easy-recipe-for-perfect-spicy-bread/