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Jalapeño Cornbread

Jalapeño Cornbread
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Quick and spicy Jalapeño Cornbread combining the comforting sweetness of cornbread with the vibrant heat of fresh jalapeños. Perfectly balanced, easy to prepare in under 30 minutes, customizable heat levels, and ideal as a flavorful side for chili, BBQ, or soups.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 1 cup cornmeal
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free option)
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 cup milk (or plant-based milk for dairy-free option)
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/4 cup (4 tablespoons) unsalted butter, melted (or vegan butter)

Main Flavorings

  • 2 fresh jalapeños, finely chopped (seeds removed for milder heat or kept for spicier)
  • Optional: 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, pepper jack, or Monterey jack)

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease an 8-inch square baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal and cleanup.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt until evenly combined to create a balanced base for the batter.
  3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, beat the egg with the milk and melted butter to provide moisture and richness, ensuring tender cornbread.
  4. Add Jalapeños: Fold the finely chopped jalapeños into the wet ingredients. Remove seeds for milder heat or keep them for an extra kick for evenly distributed spice.
  5. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and gently stir everything together just until combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the cornbread light and fluffy.
  6. Bake: Transfer the batter to the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Notes

  • Use fresh, firm jalapeños for best flavor and heat.
  • Do not overmix the batter to prevent dense cornbread.
  • Room temperature ingredients blend more smoothly for even baking.
  • Grease the pan well to prevent sticking and to get a crisp edge.
  • Check doneness with a toothpick at the minimum baking time to avoid overbaking.

Nutrition

Keywords: jalapeño cornbread, spicy cornbread, quick side dish, gluten-free cornbread, jalapeño recipe, baking, spicy bread

Find it online: https://mealsbylina.com/jalapeo-cornbread/