Jalapeno Cornbread

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Jalapeno Cornbread is wonderfully light, moist, and rich with flavor. It’s filled with bold ingredients like sharp cheddar cheese and bits of spicy jalapenos that are perfectly baked in a cast iron skillet. It’s the best spicy addition to any meal!

Cast iron skillet filled with spicy cornbread.

Jalapeno Cornbread

Growing up in the south, cornbread is a family table staple. However, not all cornbread is alike. Not to worry though, while some cornbread recipes come out thin and dried out, ours is amazingly moist and full of extra surprises. Sharp cheddar cheese and chunks of jalapenos give this recipe a mouthwatering spin on an old family favorite.

Serve jalapeno cornbread alongside chili, a big pot of pinto beans, ham and collard greens, ham hock and beans, and whatever else your southern or southwestern heart desires! 

Key Ingredients

  • Butter: One whole stick of unsalted butter.
  • Flour: All-purpose is what we use for this recipe. No need for self-rising.
  • Cornmeal: The base of any good cornbread.
  • Baking powder: This will ensure the cornbread comes out light and fluffy.
  • Egg: One large egg is just perfect. It’s great for binding the ingredients together.
  • Salt: To taste.
  • Milk: We suggest using whole milk and make sure it is cold when adding to the recipe.
  • Buttermilk: Buttermilk will really give your cornbread that classic flavor you know and love.
  • Jalapenos: You can use pickled or fresh, whatever you have on hand. Whichever you go with, they do need to be chopped.
  • Cheddar cheese: We like it sharp and freshly shredded.

How To Make Jalapeno Cornbread

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
  2. In an 8 inch cast iron skillet, melt your butter over low heat. Keep an eye on the melting butter so it doesn’t overcook and become clarified butter.
  3. In a large bowl, mix together flour, cornmeal, baking powder, and salt. Use a whisk to break up any lumps. Set aside.
  4. Now, in another large mixing bowl, combine the egg, milk, and buttermilk. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir to combine.
  5. Stir in the melted butter, and fold in the chopped jalapenos and shredded cheddar cheese.
  6. Carefully pour the batter into the hot skillet. The preheated skillet will help create a crispy crust on the finished jalapeno cornbread.
  7. Place the skillet in the preheated oven. Bake for 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  8. Serve jalapeno cornbread immediately while hot with extra butter or honey.
Collage showing how to make jalapeno cornbread.

Tips and Variations

  • If you don’t have fresh jalapenos, it’s okay to use pickled ones instead.
  • Feel free to experiment with the cheese, try using Pepper Jack or Monterey Jack instead of cheddar cheese.
  • Toss in some corn kernels or diced bell peppers and onions for some extra flavor and texture.
  • Make this Jalapeno Cornbread in an 8×8-inch baking dish instead of a cast iron pan.
Slice of jalapeno cornbread on a plate.

Storage and Reheating

Room Temperature: Wrap leftover Jalapeno Cornbread in plastic wrap or an airtight container. It will stay fresh on the counter for up to 3 days.

Refrigerator: For longer freshness and sealed in flavor, store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for about 5-7 days.

Freezer: This spicy cornbread can be frozen! Let cool completely before placing in your preferred storage container, then place in the freezer. It will stay fresh for up to 3 months.

Reheating: If frozen, let thaw before reheating. To reheat the cornbread, pop it in the microwave or oven until heated through.

Slice of cornbread on 2 white plates.

Jalapeno Cornbread

4.4 from 10 votes
Print Pin
Author: Kimberly
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 10 Servings

Ingredients

  • ½ cup unsalted butter
  • 1 cup cornmeal
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 large egg
  • ½ cup milk
  • ½ cup buttermilk
  • 1 tablespoon jalapeños, pickled or fresh (chopped)
  • 4 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350°F, and place butter into an 8-inch cast iron or oven-proof skillet.
    ½ cup unsalted butter
  • Place the skillet in the preheated oven, and allow the butter to melt while you prepare the remaining ingredients.
  • In a large bowl, mix together flour, cornmeal, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
    1 cup cornmeal
    ½ cup all-purpose flour
    1 tablespoon baking powder
    1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • In a separate medium bowl, combine egg, milk, and buttermilk.
    1 large egg
    ½ cup milk
    ½ cup buttermilk
  • Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir to combine. Carefully stir in the melted butter, then fold in jalapenos and cheese.
    1 tablespoon jalapeños
    4 ounces sharp cheddar cheese
  • Scoop the batter into the hot skillet. Bake for 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  • Serve immediately with extra butter or honey. See post for storage options.

Suggested Equipment

Nutrition

Serving: 1slice | Calories: 234kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.4g | Cholesterol: 55mg | Sodium: 405mg | Potassium: 235mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 477IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 168mg | Iron: 1mg

Notes

*The calories listed are an approximation based on the ingredients in the recipe card and a serving size of 1 slice of cornbread. Actual calories will vary.
 
*For more information, tips, and answers to frequently asked questions, please refer to the post.
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24 Comments

  1. I love cornbread, but I’ve never had a recipe for jalapeno cornbread! I can’t wait to try this one out!

    Molly // Miss Molly Moon

    1. Thank you, Molly! I am glad you like the cornbread and hope you get the chance to try a jalapeno version 🙂

    1. Thank you, Anvita! Me too, I am a jalapeno fiend lol! I am glad you have everything on hand and I hope the recipe turns out great for you 🙂

    1. Thank you, Rachel! I am glad you liked the recipe 🙂 Garlic is a great idea, I will have to try that the next time I make it. Thanks!

  2. I love jalapeños and fresh cheddar cheese in my corn bread! I also like to add garlic, but thing ever!

    1. Thank you, Rachel! I am glad you like it and hopefully, the spices don’t turn you away from it. You can always reduce the jalapenos or exchange them for a different pepper if you like 🙂

  3. You are singing to my southern heart with this cornbread. I’ve always loved spicy cornbread, but I’ve never made it before. I am going to use this recipe asap!

    1. Thank you, Krysten! I hope you love it when you make it. I love cornbread too, but sometimes the Southern versions are a little sweet. So I tried to make a dish that was savory and spicy instead of spicy and sweet. Glad you liked it! Thanks again for commenting, Krysten 🙂

  4. yum, yum, yum. I love cornbread. Add cheese and jalapenos, and you’ve got the perfect dish! I’ve made a dish similar to this with diced green chilies instead of jalapenos, but did not use cheese. I think I’ll try it your way next time. Thanks!

    1. Thank you, Danielle! Green chiles sounds awesome in cornbread. I might do that too and add queso fresco or Monterey jack cheese to the mix. Thank you for sharing 🙂

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