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Savory Jalapeño Cornbread with Cheddar Cheese Crunch

jalapeño cornbread with cheddar cheese crunch - featured image

A quick and easy savory cornbread featuring fresh jalapeños and sharp cheddar cheese, delivering a perfect balance of spicy heat and cheesy crunch. Ideal for snacks, potlucks, or cozy dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup yellow cornmeal
  • 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 fresh jalapeños, finely diced (seeds removed for milder heat)
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (for topping)
  • Optional: a pinch of smoked paprika or chili powder

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Grease your 9-inch square baking pan generously with butter or non-stick spray.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together buttermilk, eggs, and melted butter until smooth.
  5. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined, leaving some lumps.
  6. Fold in diced jalapeños and 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese.
  7. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
  8. Evenly sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup cheddar cheese on top. Add a pinch of smoked paprika or chili powder if desired.
  9. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the top is bubbly, golden, and crisp, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  10. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack or serve warm.

Notes

Use freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese for best melting and crispiness. Avoid overmixing the batter to keep the cornbread tender. Remove jalapeño seeds for milder heat or leave some for more spice. Baking at 400°F ensures a crispy cheese crust. Let cornbread rest before slicing for cleaner cuts.

Nutrition

Keywords: jalapeño cornbread, cheddar cheese cornbread, spicy cornbread, savory snack, easy cornbread recipe