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Cornbread is one of those timeless dishes that has made its way into kitchens across the world, cherished for its comforting texture and slightly sweet, rustic flavor. Whether served alongside a hearty bowl of chili, as a side for a Southern-style barbecue, or simply enjoyed on its own, cornbread holds a special place in many people’s hearts. While traditional cornbread is undeniably delicious, there are ways to elevate it into something even more exciting. Enter this flavorful, cheesy, and slightly spicy cornbread with jalapeños.
The Appeal of Cornbread
One of the reasons cornbread remains so popular is its incredible versatility. It pairs well with both savory and sweet dishes, making it a staple in many households. Depending on the recipe, it can be light and fluffy or dense and hearty. While some prefer it slightly crumbly, others enjoy a moist, cake-like texture. No matter the preference, cornbread offers something for everyone.
This particular version stands out because of its combination of ingredients. By incorporating cheese and jalapeños, the cornbread gains a new depth of flavor, making it even more irresistible. The cheese adds a creamy richness, while the jalapeños bring a mild heat that complements the natural sweetness of the cornmeal. However, if you want to make a more traditional version, feel free to omit the cheese and jalapeños.
Choosing the Right Cornmeal
Cornmeal is the foundation of any good cornbread, and the type you choose can significantly impact the final result. Yellow cornmeal is a popular choice, not just for its slightly stronger flavor but also for the beautiful golden hue it lends to the bread. The texture of the cornmeal also plays a role. A fine grind will give a smoother texture, while a coarser grind will add more bite. Ultimately, the best choice is the one that suits your personal preference.
The Secret to a Crispy Crust
If there’s one thing that sets this cornbread apart, it’s the crispy, golden crust. Achieving this perfect crust requires a simple yet crucial step: preheating an oven-safe frying pan before adding the batter. This method ensures that the bottom of the cornbread begins cooking immediately, forming a deliciously crisp layer that contrasts beautifully with the soft interior.
Lard is an excellent choice for greasing the pan, as it adds a subtle richness to the crust. However, if lard isn’t available, cooking oil works as well. The key is to let the pan heat up in the oven for about 10 minutes before pouring in the batter. This little trick makes all the difference in creating that perfect crust. If you want to level up your cornbread game and make your own lard, check out the video below.
Enhancing Flavor with Cheese and Jalapeños
While classic cornbread is delicious on its own, adding cheese and jalapeños takes it to the next level. The cheese melts into the bread, creating a wonderfully gooey texture that balances the crumbly nature of cornbread. Sharp cheeses, such as cheddar, work particularly well, but feel free to experiment with different types to find your favorite.
Jalapeños bring a subtle heat that enhances the overall flavor without being overpowering. If you love spice, you can add more chopped jalapeños, or even include a few seeds for extra kick. On the other hand, if you prefer a milder taste, removing the seeds before chopping the jalapeños will tone down the heat.
The Final Touch: Butter
Once the cornbread is out of the oven, there’s one final step that makes it even more irresistible: brushing the top with butter. As the butter melts, it seeps into the bread, adding extra moisture and richness. This simple step enhances both the texture and flavor, making each bite even more satisfying.
Letting the cornbread cool on a rack before serving helps preserve the crispiness of the crust. However, if you love the taste of warm, freshly baked cornbread, enjoy a slice while it’s still slightly warm, allowing the butter to melt beautifully into the bread.
The Perfect Side or Standalone Snack
This cornbread is versatile enough to be served in many ways. It makes a fantastic side for stews, soups, and grilled meats, but it’s also delicious on its own. The combination of cheese and jalapeños adds enough depth to make this a satisfying snack or even a quick breakfast option.
Whether you’re a longtime cornbread lover or new to making it from scratch, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. With its crispy crust, cheesy goodness, and hint of spice, this cornbread is anything but ordinary. Give it a try, and you’ll find yourself coming back for more!
This is not your everyday cornbread. And don’t get me wrong, regular cornbread can be delicious. However, if you want to spice it up with some incredible flavors, you should try this recipe with jalapeños and cheese. Believe me, you’ll love it. Not only is it great with food, but this one is so good that you can just eat it as is.
Total Time:40 minutes
Yield:8 servings (1 cornbread) 1x
Ingredients
Scale
300 g (2 cups) yellow cornmeal
120 g (1 cup) all-purpose flour
1 ½ tbsp sugar
2 tsp salt
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
500 ml (2 cups) warm milk
75 g (5 tbsp) melted butter
2 eggs
1 ½ tbsp honey
120 g (1 cup) grated cheese
Jalapeños, roughly chopped (as much as you like)
Lard or cooking oil
2 tbsp butter
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 220°C (425°F).
Mix the cornmeal, flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, and baking soda in a bowl.
In a separate bowl, combine the warm milk, melted butter, eggs, and honey.
Grease an oven-safe frying pan with lard or cooking oil and place it in the oven for 10 minutes.
Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing gently until just combined.
Fold in the grated cheese and chopped jalapeños.
Carefully remove the hot pan from the oven and pour in the batter. Return the pan to the oven immediately.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, testing with a skewer—if it comes out clean, the cornbread is done.
Allow the cornbread to cool on a rack to preserve its crispy crust. For extra flavor, spread butter on top while it’s warm and let it melt.
Serve the cornbread slightly warm, either on its own or alongside your favorite meal. Enjoy!
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