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Savory Jalapeño Cheddar Cornbread

jalapeño cheddar cornbread - featured image

A quick and easy savory cornbread with sharp cheddar and jalapeños, featuring a crispy crust perfect for parties and family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (120g) yellow cornmeal
  • 3/4 cup (90g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 4 tablespoons (57g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk, room temperature (or 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice, let sit 5 minutes)
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 cup (120g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 2 medium fresh jalapeños, seeded and finely chopped (keep seeds for more heat)
  • Optional: 1/4 cup chopped green onions or substitute cheddar with pepper jack cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place a 9-inch cast-iron skillet inside while it heats for 10-15 minutes.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk eggs with buttermilk and melted butter (ensure butter is not too hot).
  4. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and gently fold with a spatula until just combined; do not overmix.
  5. Fold in shredded cheddar cheese and chopped jalapeños.
  6. Carefully remove the hot skillet from the oven, grease lightly with butter or oil, and pour batter into skillet. Smooth the top.
  7. Bake for 20-25 minutes until crust is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  8. Let cool for 10 minutes to set before slicing.
  9. Slice and serve warm, optionally with butter or honey.

Notes

Do not overmix the batter to avoid tough cornbread. Use room temperature eggs and buttermilk for better rise. Preheat the skillet for a crispy crust. Adjust jalapeño seeds to control heat. Test doneness with a toothpick. Let cornbread rest before slicing to prevent crumbling. If cornbread is pale after baking, broil 1-2 minutes watching closely.

Nutrition

Keywords: jalapeño cornbread, cheddar cornbread, savory cornbread, spicy cornbread, party cornbread, cast iron cornbread