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Easy Jalapeno Cheddar Cornbread Recipe

Easy Jalapeno Cheddar Cornbread Recipe - Quick Delicious Meals

Let’s dive into the delightful world of easy jalapeno cheddar cornbread. This isn’t just cornbread; it’s a flavorful hug in edible form. 
You might wonder, what’s the deal with this cornbread? Why put jalapenos and cheddar into the mix? Simple. It transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary.
As a registered dietitian and food enthusiast, I’ve spent plenty of time in the kitchen experimenting with flavors. I can confidently say that this cornbread is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for gatherings, barbecues, or a cozy night in. 
You don’t need to be a kitchen wizard to whip this up—my step-by-step guide will have you baking like a pro in no time!
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Snacks
Cuisine: American
Calories: 197
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Dry Mix:
  • 1 1/2 cups sharp shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup yellow cornmeal
  • 1 teaspoon kosher sea salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/3 cup packed dark brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 fresh jalapeños, seeds removed and finely chopped
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
Wet Mix:
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 3 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 1/2 cup neutral-flavored oil
  • 1 1/3 cup buttermilk, well shaken
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
Scallion Butter:
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • 2 scallions, ends trimmed and thinly sliced
  • 1/4 teaspoon flaky sea salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper

Method
 

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
  1. Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that your cornbread bakes evenly, giving you that perfect texture.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish
  1. While the oven warms up, grease an 8-inch square baking dish or a cast-iron skillet. This is going to give your cornbread a nice crust. I always use butter or oil for greasing—who doesn’t love a buttery flavor?
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
  1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients. This includes the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, baking soda, sea salt, brown sugar, smoked paprika, jalapenos, and cheddar cheese. The smoked paprika adds a nice depth of flavor, enhancing the overall profile.
Step 4: Mix the Wet Ingredients
  1. In another bowl, combine the wet ingredients. This includes the eggs, buttermilk, melted butter, and honey. Make sure everything is well mixed. You want those flavors intertwined, bringing out the best in your cornbread.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
  1. Gently pour the wet mix into the dry ingredients. Stir just until combined. Don't overdo it—lumps are okay. If you overmix, you might end up with dense cornbread.
Step 6: Bake
  1. Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish. Smooth the top for even baking. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 7: Prepare Scallion Butter
  1. While your cornbread is baking, make the scallion butter. In a small bowl, combine softened butter, scallions, olive oil, flaky sea salt, and black pepper. This mixture adds a burst of freshness to your cornbread.
Step 8: Enjoy!
  1. Once the cornbread is baked, allow it to cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm with your scallion butter spread generously on top.

Notes

  • Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh jalapenos and quality cheddar cheese can significantly elevate the taste.
  • Don’t Overmix: A few lumps in the batter are perfectly fine. Overmixing can lead to a dense cornbread.
  • Experiment with Cheese: Feel free to swap the cheddar for Monterey Jack or pepper jack for an extra kick.
  • Add Others Ingredients: Consider tossing in some canned corn or cooked bacon bits for additional flavor.
  • Test for Doneness: Always check your cornbread a few minutes before the timer goes off. Ovens can vary in temperature.