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Easy Jalapeño Cheddar Cornbread Recipe

Easy Jalapeño Cheddar Cornbread

This tender, buttery cornbread combines sharp cheddar and fresh jalapeños in a golden bake that is ready in about 40 minutes. It makes approximately nine servings in a 9-inch square pan.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 9 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 cup Yellow cornmeal
  • 1 cup All-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup Granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon Baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon Baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon Fine salt
Wet Ingredients
  • 2 Large eggs
  • 1 cup Buttermilk
  • 1/2 cup Unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
Add-Ins
  • 1 cup Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 2 Fresh jalapeño peppers, finely diced
Optional Ingredients
  • 1 Extra jalapeño, thinly sliced for topping
  • 1/4 cup Honey for a sweeter, softer cornbread

Method
 

Step-by-Step
  1. Heat the oven to 400°F. Grease a 9-inch square baking pan or a 9- to 10-inch cast-iron skillet.
  2. Whisk the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together in a large bowl.
  3. In a second bowl, whisk the eggs, buttermilk, and melted butter. Make sure the butter has cooled slightly before adding it.
  4. Pour the wet mixture into the dry mixture and stir just until combined. A few small lumps are acceptable.
  5. Fold in about 3/4 cup of the shredded cheddar and the finely diced jalapeños.
  6. Spread the batter into the prepared pan. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and optional sliced jalapeño over the top.
  7. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the center is set, the top is golden, and a toothpick comes out with only a few moist crumbs.
  8. Cool the cornbread for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

Do not overmix, because excessive stirring can make cornbread dense or tough. For a crisp browned bottom, preheat a greased cast-iron skillet before adding the batter. Seed the jalapeños for less heat, and let melted butter cool slightly so it does not curdle the dairy or partially cook the eggs.