Zesty Jalapeno Cornbread Recipe: Fired-Up Southern Classic

Bursting with flavor and heat, this spicy jalapeño cornbread recipe delivers a mouthwatering twist on a classic comfort food.

Carefully selected jalapeños add a punchy kick to the traditional cornbread that will awaken your taste buds.

The combination of sweet cornmeal and fiery peppers creates a perfectly balanced side dish.

Golden-brown and crispy on the outside, tender and moist on the inside, this cornbread brings excitement to any meal.

Southern kitchens have long celebrated this zesty variation that turns an ordinary bread into something extraordinary.

Simple ingredients and easy preparation make this recipe accessible for cooks of all skill levels.

Serve this spicy jalapeño cornbread alongside chili, barbecue, or enjoy it as a standalone treat that packs a delicious punch.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 221 kcal

Servings: 8

Jalapeño Cornbread Ingredient Snapshot

• Cornmeal: Provides hearty texture and authentic corn flavor, look for stone-ground for richer taste.
• All-Purpose Flour: Helps bind ingredients and creates soft structure, choose unbleached for better nutrition.
• Sugar: Balances savory flavors, use organic for cleaner sweetness.
• Baking Powder: Ensures fluffy rise, check expiration date for maximum effectiveness.
• Baking Soda: Helps cornbread achieve light texture, store in cool dry place.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor profile, use fine sea salt for even distribution.

• Buttermilk: Adds tangy depth and tender crumb, choose full-fat version for richness.
• Eggs: Provide structure and binding, select fresh local eggs for best results.
• Melted Butter: Delivers rich flavor and moisture, use unsalted for better control.
• Sour Cream: Creates extra creamy texture, opt for full-fat variety.

• Cheddar Cheese: Adds sharp, savory notes, select sharp variety for intense flavor.
• Jalapenos: Brings spicy kick and vibrant color, remove seeds for milder heat.

Tools for Cornbread That’s Got a Kick

• Cast-iron skillet or baking dish: Essential for baking and giving the cornbread a crispy edge.
• Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining dry ingredients smoothly.
• Separate medium bowl: Needed for mixing wet ingredients before combining with dry mix.
• Whisk: Great for blending ingredients without lumps and creating a smooth batter.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient proportions.
• Knife: Handy for dicing jalapenos into small, even pieces.
• Spatula: Helps fold ingredients gently and transfer batter to the skillet.

Bake a Cornbread That’s Moist and Spicy

• Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 400F and grab your trusty cast-iron skillet. Give it a quick brush of butter or spray to prevent sticking.

• Create the Dry Base

Grab a big mixing bowl and dance your whisk through the cornmeal, flour, sugar, and other powdery friends. Make sure everything is blended smoothly with no lonely lumps.

• Bring the Wet Team Together

In another bowl, blend buttermilk, eggs, melted butter, and sour cream into a creamy symphony. Whisk them until they’re best friends.

• Marry the Ingredients

Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently – think of it like a soft dance, not a wrestling match. Stop mixing the moment everything looks combined.

• Add Some Spicy Excitement

Toss in those zesty jalapenos and sprinkle cheese throughout the batter. Give a quick, light stir to distribute the peppers and cheese evenly.

• Bake to Golden Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared skillet. Slide it into the hot oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top turns a beautiful golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean when poked in the center.

Tips for Even Heat and Perfect Texture

• Craft your perfect jalapeño cornbread with these pro tips!
• Remove jalapeño seeds for milder heat or keep them for a fiery kick that'll make taste buds dance.
• Experiment with pepper jack, monterey jack, or sharp white cheddar to create unique flavor profiles that elevate the classic recipe.
• Replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free for celiac-friendly cornbread.
• Prepare batter night before, refrigerate, and bake fresh in the morning for a time-saving breakfast or brunch side dish.
• Substitute buttermilk with almond milk, use coconut oil instead of butter, and replace sour cream with dairy-free yogurt to accommodate vegan and lactose-intolerant dietary needs.

Serve with Chili, Soup, or On Its Own

• Spicy Brunch Companion: Serve alongside scrambled eggs and crispy bacon for a zesty breakfast experience that wakes up your taste buds.
• Southwestern Side Kick: Pair with hearty chili, pulled pork, or grilled chicken to complement bold, robust flavors and add a kick of heat.
• Comfort Food Upgrade: Break into warm chunks and serve with whipped honey butter or cream cheese spread for a luxurious, indulgent touch that elevates the classic cornbread.
• Picnic Perfect Partner: Pack slices for outdoor gatherings, potlucks, or barbecues as a delicious handheld side that brings a spicy southwestern flair to any meal.

FAQs

• Can I use fresh or jarred jalapenos?

Both fresh and jarred jalapenos work great in this recipe. Fresh jalapenos provide a brighter flavor, while jarred ones are more convenient and offer consistent heat.

• How do I control the spiciness of the cornbread?

Remove the seeds and membranes from jalapenos to reduce heat. For less spice, use fewer peppers or substitute with mild green chiles. For more kick, keep the seeds or add extra jalapenos.

• Is buttermilk necessary for this recipe?

Buttermilk adds tanginess and helps create a tender texture. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a quick substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.

• Can I make this cornbread gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure your baking powder is also gluten-free to make the entire recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

Store Covered to Keep That Soft Crumb

• Store leftover jalapeno cornbread in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 4 days, ensuring maximum freshness and preventing moisture loss.
• Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags for convenient storage up to 3 months – perfect for future meal prep or unexpected guests.
• Keep cornbread at ambient temperature for 1-2 days maximum, covering loosely with a clean kitchen towel to maintain texture and prevent drying out.
• Warm refrigerated or frozen slices in a preheated oven at 350F for 5-7 minutes, restoring their delightful crispy edges and soft interior – tastes almost freshly baked.

Spicy Jalapeno Cornbread Recipe

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4.8 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Savory jalapeno cornbread brings Southern comfort to your table with a spicy kick. Cheesy, moist, and packed with flavor, this recipe delivers a delightful twist on classic cornbread you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 12 jalapenos
• 1 cup (120 g / 4.2 oz) shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup (240 ml / 8 fl oz) buttermilk
• ½ cup (120 ml / 4 fl oz) sour cream
• ¼ cup (60 ml / 2 fl oz) unsalted butter
• 1 cup (120 g / 4.2 oz) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (120 g / 4.2 oz) yellow cornmeal
• ¼ cup (50 g / 1.8 oz) granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt

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Instructions

1. Preheat Preparation: Calibrate oven to 400F (200C) and generously grease a 9-inch cast-iron skillet with butter or cooking spray to prevent adhesion.
2. Dry Ingredient Fusion: Combine cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and baking soda in a large bowl, whisking until completely homogeneous and free of lumps.
3. Liquid Component Amalgamation: Blend buttermilk, eggs, melted butter, and sour cream into a silky, uniform mixture that promises rich moisture and depth of flavor.
4. Batter Integration: Delicately fold dry and wet ingredients together, stirring minimally to maintain a slightly textured consistency that guarantees tender cornbread.
5. Flavor Enhancement: Gently fold in shredded cheddar cheese and precisely diced jalapenos, ensuring even distribution for consistent taste and subtle heat throughout the batter.
6. Baking Transformation: Pour batter into prepared skillet, smoothing the surface with a spatula, then slide into the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until achieving a golden-brown crust and a clean toothpick test indicates complete cooking.
7. Resting and Serving: Allow cornbread to settle for 10 minutes, enabling it to set and develop optimal texture before slicing and presenting this rustic, spicy-cheesy delight.

Notes

• Prevent Overmixing: Stir batter gently to avoid tough, dense cornbread. Stop mixing when ingredients are just combined, keeping a slightly lumpy texture for tender results.
• Control Spice Level: Adjust jalapeno quantity based on heat preference. Remove seeds for milder taste or add more for extra kick, ensuring balanced flavor for all palates.
• Check Moisture Balance: Use room temperature ingredients to create smoother batter and more consistent texture. Buttermilk and sour cream help maintain cornbread’s signature moistness.
• Optimize Baking Surface: Cast-iron skillet provides crispy edges and even heat distribution. Preheat skillet before adding batter to achieve golden-brown crust and perfect texture.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg