Name: Jalapeno Cheddar Cornbread Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 large eggs, whisked; ¼ cup vegetable oil; 1 cup buttermilk; 1 cup cornmeal; ½ cup all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons baking powder; ½ teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; 1½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded; 1 cup corn kernels; ½ white onion, diced; 2 medium jalapeno peppers, seeded and diced (approximately ½ cup)

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 52 reviews

If you’ve ever wondered how to take classic cornbread up a notch, this Jalapeno Cheddar Cornbread Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s that perfect balance of cozy comfort and bold flavors: the sharpness of cheddar cheese meets the friendly heat of jalapenos, all wrapped up in a tender, golden crumb. Whether you’re serving it alongside a hearty stew or just craving a snack with a little kick, this recipe brings warmth, color, and a deliciously satisfying texture to your table every time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl on a white marbled surface contains four separate layers of ingredients. There is a large amount of shredded orange cheddar cheese covering almost half of the bowl, bright yellow corn kernels filling the right upper section, chopped white onions in the top left section, and small pieces of green bell pepper in the lower left part. The ingredients sit on a pale creamy base, visible between the colorful layers, and the bowl is viewed from above. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting the ingredients right is the foundation of any great dish, and this Jalapeno Cheddar Cornbread Recipe is no exception. Each ingredient plays a key role—from the tangy buttermilk that keeps the bread moist, to the cheddar that adds sharp, melty goodness, and the jalapenos that give it an inviting hint of spice.

2 large eggs: Whisked for a fluffy, rich base that helps bind everything together.
¼ cup vegetable oil: Adds moisture and ensures a tender crumb.
1 cup buttermilk: Brings a subtle tang and reacts with baking soda for lift.
1 cup cornmeal: The heart of cornbread, providing that classic grainy texture and golden hue.
½ cup all-purpose flour: Balances the cornmeal, giving structure and a soft crumb.
2 teaspoons baking powder: Helps the cornbread rise perfectly.
½ teaspoon baking soda: Works with buttermilk to lighten the batter.
1 teaspoon salt: Enhances every flavor in the bread.
½ teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a gentle savory depth.
1½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded: Melts into pockets of cheesy delight throughout the bread.
1 cup corn kernels: For bursts of juicy sweetness and extra texture.
½ white onion, diced: Brings a mild sweetness and slight crunch.
2 medium jalapeno peppers, seeded and diced (about ½ cup): Delivers that signature spicy zing that wakes up every bite.

How to Make Jalapeno Cheddar Cornbread Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Skillet

Start by placing your cast-iron skillet into a cold oven and set the temperature to 350°F. This method warms the skillet gradually as the oven heats, ensuring a perfect crust once the batter is poured in later. A hot skillet is key to giving your cornbread that inviting crispy edge.

Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, vegetable oil, buttermilk, and cornmeal. This mixture forms the moist base of your cornbread, combining creamy richness with the grainy texture of cornmeal, setting the stage for a tender crumb and delightful flavor.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and garlic powder. These ingredients will help your cornbread rise evenly and develop a subtle savory undertone to enhance the cheesy and spicy components.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Pour the wet egg and cornmeal mixture into the bowl with your dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want everything integrated while keeping the batter light.

Step 5: Fold in the Cheese, Corn, Onion, and Jalapenos

Carefully fold in the shredded cheddar, corn kernels, diced onion, and jalapenos. This is where your Jalapeno Cheddar Cornbread Recipe really comes alive, with layers of savory cheese and spicy pepper balanced by the sweetness of corn and mild bite of onion.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Remove the hot skillet from the oven using oven mitts and pour the batter into the sizzling pan. Place it back in the oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The hot skillet creates a beautiful crust that contrasts wonderfully with the moist interior.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Once baked, let the cornbread sit for about 20 minutes before cutting. This resting time allows the flavors to settle and makes slicing easier, ensuring every piece stays intact and melts in your mouth.

How to Serve Jalapeno Cheddar Cornbread Recipe

The image shows a thick slice of cornbread placed on a round silver plate over a white marbled surface. The cornbread has one visible layer, which is yellow with a crumbly texture and is speckled with whole corn kernels and bits of green herbs distributed throughout. The top is slightly golden and has a few small green herb pieces, giving it a fresh look. Next to the slice is a fork with a small portion of the cornbread on it. In the background, a black dish filled with more cornbread is blurred but visible. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro or snip a few green onions on top of warm slices for a fresh, herbal contrast. A pat of butter melting over a hot piece adds a glossy finish and an extra touch of indulgence.

Side Dishes

This cornbread pairs beautifully with rich chili, smoky barbecued meats, or a hearty soup. Serving alongside creamy coleslaw or a crisp green salad balances the richness and adds freshness.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut the cornbread into cubes and serve as croutons on a spicy roasted tomato soup, or crumble over salads for texture. Another fun idea is to use it as a base for mini open-faced sandwiches topped with pulled pork or smoked turkey for a flavorful twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap any leftover cornbread tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps the bread moist and prevents it from drying out while maintaining its flavors.

Freezing

Jalapeno Cheddar Cornbread Recipe leftovers freeze beautifully. Slice or cube the cornbread first, then wrap pieces individually in plastic wrap and place in a zip-top freezer bag. They will keep for up to three months and thaw quickly when needed.

Reheating

To reheat, pop a slice or two in the toaster oven or warm in the oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the crisp crust; reheating slowly maintains the cornbread’s delightful texture and flavor.

FAQs

Can I make this Jalapeno Cheddar Cornbread Recipe without jalapenos?

Absolutely! If you prefer a milder flavor, you can omit the jalapenos or substitute them with mild green bell peppers. The cornbread will still be delicious and cheesy without the heat.

What type of cheese works best for this recipe?

Sharp cheddar provides the perfect balance of tanginess and meltability, but feel free to experiment with varieties like pepper jack for extra spice or a milder cheddar for a creamier finish.

Is it necessary to use a cast-iron skillet?

While a cast-iron skillet gives the best crust and even heat, you can also bake the cornbread in a well-greased 8-inch baking dish. Just keep an eye on the baking time as it may cook slightly differently.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Simply replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking mix suitable for breads. The texture may vary slightly, but the flavors will remain just as delightful.

How spicy is the cornbread with the jalapenos?

The heat is noticeable but not overpowering, especially since the jalapenos are seeded and balanced by the cheese and sweetness of the corn. You can adjust the amount or leave the seeds in for more kick!

Final Thoughts

This Jalapeno Cheddar Cornbread Recipe is truly a crowd-pleaser, bursting with flavor and texture in every bite. It’s a fantastic way to elevate traditional cornbread with a little spice and plenty of cheese, and I can’t wait for you to try it at your next meal. Trust me, once you make it, it’s going to become one of your go-to favorites as well!