Elevate your cornbread game with this Spicy Jalapeño Cheddar Cornbread, a mouthwatering twist on a classic favorite. This recipe combines the rich, comforting taste of traditional cornbread with the sharpness of cheddar cheese and the spicy kick of fresh jalapeños. Finished with a drizzle of hot honey, it's a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more. Whether served as a side dish or enjoyed on its own, this cornbread is sure to be a hit.
Why You'll Love This: This cornbread recipe is for those who love to add a little spice to their life. The addition of jalapeños and cheddar cheese not only infuses the bread with layers of flavor but also adds a delightful texture contrast with the creamy cheese and the bite of the peppers. Drizzling hot honey over the top just before serving introduces a subtle sweetness that complements the spiciness beautifully, creating a harmonious blend of flavors that's hard to resist.
Perfect Occasion: Ideal for BBQs, potlucks, or any casual gathering, this Jalapeño Cheddar Cornbread serves as a fantastic side dish that pairs wonderfully with a variety of mains, from grilled meats to hearty stews. It's also perfect for adding a special touch to holiday meals or simply spicing up a weeknight dinner. The unique flavor profile makes it a memorable dish that's sure to impress guests and satisfy even the most discerning palates.
Decoration Tips: For an extra visually appealing presentation, garnish the cornbread with thin jalapeño slices or a sprinkle of cheddar cheese before baking. Once baked and drizzled with hot honey, a few fresh cilantro leaves can add a pop of color and a fresh flavor contrast that enhances the overall dish.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter (melted)
- 2 Eggs (room temperature)
- 1 cup Buttermilk
- 1 cup Cornmeal
- 1 cup All-Purpose Flour
- 2 tbsp White Granulated Sugar
- 2 tsp Baking Powder
- 1/2 tsp Baking Soda
- 1 tsp Salt
- 8 oz Sharp Cheddar Cheese (shredded)
- 2-3 large Jalapeño Peppers (diced)
- 2 tbsp Butter (for greasing the pan)
- Optional: Hot Honey (for drizzling)
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease an 8x8 inch baking dish with butter, covering the bottom and sides.
- In a bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt for the dry mix.
- In another bowl, combine melted butter, eggs, and buttermilk, whisking until smooth for the wet mix.
- Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet, mixing after each addition until just combined.
- Fold in the shredded cheddar and diced jalapeños, ensuring an even distribution throughout the batter.
- Allow the batter to rest for 10 minutes, then spread it into the prepared baking dish.
- Bake for 33-38 minutes. If necessary, cover with aluminum foil during the final minutes to prevent excessive browning.
- Let cool slightly before drizzling with hot honey for a touch of sweetness against the spicy, savory flavors.
Dive into the delightful combination of flavors with this Spicy Jalapeño Cheddar Cornbread, a dish that brings a kick to traditional cornbread and turns it into a memorable culinary experience. Enjoy!