Mexican Cornbread

Mexican Cornbread is a flavorful twist on the classic cornbread, featuring a savory combination of jalapeños, sweet corn, and two types of cheese. This moist, slightly spicy cornbread makes an excellent side dish for a variety of meals, especially those with Mexican or southwestern flavors. The balance of creamy corn, spicy jalapeños, and melty cheese creates a perfect bite every time. Whether served alongside chili, tacos, or grilled meats, this cornbread is sure to elevate your meal and impress your guests. It’s easy to make and can be enjoyed warm, topped with sour cream or a dollop of plain Greek yogurt for extra richness. Garnish with fresh cilantro for a vibrant finish, and you’ve got a delicious, crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Mexican Cornbread is a comforting, flavorful, and easy-to-make side dish. It offers a perfect balance of savory, slightly sweet, and spicy notes, thanks to the combination of sweet corn, jalapeños, and two types of cheese. The addition of buttermilk gives the cornbread a moist, tender crumb, while the melted butter adds richness. The jalapeños provide just the right amount of heat, complementing the creamy, cheesy base of the cornbread. It’s incredibly versatile and pairs perfectly with hearty stews, chili, or grilled meats. This cornbread can be served warm for a comforting side dish or cold for an easy snack the next day. It’s a great way to add a unique twist to any meal, making it a go-to recipe for family dinners or special occasions.

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Ingredients

• Yellow cornmeal
• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Unsalted butter, melted and cooled
• Granulated sugar
• Large eggs
• Buttermilk
• Canned cream-style sweet corn
• Jalapeños, deseeded and diced
• Shredded pepper jack cheese
• Shredded cheddar cheese

Optional Garnish:

• Cilantro
• Sour cream or plain Greek yogurt

Variations

• Spicy Cornbread: Increase the number of jalapeños or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
• Cheese Lovers: Use all pepper jack cheese or add some queso fresco for a more authentic flavor.
• Vegan Version: Replace the eggs with flax eggs and use a plant-based butter and dairy-free milk in place of buttermilk.
• Sweet Cornbread: If you prefer a sweeter cornbread, increase the amount of sugar or add a touch of honey to the batter.
• Add Protein: Mix in cooked and crumbled chorizo or ground beef for a heartier version of this cornbread.
• Vegetarian Option: Add diced bell peppers or onions for extra flavor and texture.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan or a similar-sized dish with butter or cooking spray.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the yellow cornmeal, all-purpose flour, baking powder, and baking soda. Set aside.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk the melted butter, granulated sugar, and eggs together until smooth. Add the buttermilk and canned sweet corn (with liquid) to the mixture and stir until fully combined.

Step 4: Add the Wet Ingredients to the Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until the batter is just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Step 5: Stir in the Jalapeños and Cheese

Fold in the diced jalapeños, shredded pepper jack cheese, and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until evenly distributed.

Step 6: Bake the Cornbread

Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly. Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Allow the cornbread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with sour cream or Greek yogurt, if desired.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your eggs and buttermilk are at room temperature before mixing. This ensures a smoother batter and helps the ingredients combine more easily.
• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter can lead to dense cornbread. Mix just until the ingredients are combined for a light, fluffy texture.
• Check for Doneness: Oven temperatures can vary, so check the cornbread a few minutes before the suggested baking time by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, it’s ready.
• Spice Level: Adjust the number of jalapeños based on your desired spice level. If you prefer milder heat, remove the seeds from the peppers or use a less spicy variety.
• Use Fresh Corn: If you prefer, you can substitute the canned cream-style corn with fresh corn kernels for a fresher flavor.
• Let it Rest: Let the cornbread rest for a few minutes after baking to ensure it holds its shape when slicing.

How to Serve

Mexican Cornbread is a versatile side dish that pairs perfectly with a wide range of meals. Serve it alongside chili, taco night, or any Mexican-inspired meal for an extra kick. It also works well with roasted meats, grilled vegetables, or a hearty stew. For a more casual approach, slice it into squares and serve with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top. Garnish with fresh cilantro to add a burst of color and a refreshing flavor. It’s also delicious when served cold, making it a great make-ahead dish for potlucks or picnics.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover cornbread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate it to keep it fresh for up to a week.

Freezing

Mexican Cornbread freezes well! Allow it to cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature or reheat in the oven.

Reheating

To reheat, simply wrap the cornbread in foil and heat it in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual slices for 20–30 seconds.

FAQs

1. Can I make this cornbread gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure that the other ingredients, like baking powder and baking soda, are also gluten-free.

2. How can I make this recipe spicier?

Increase the number of jalapeños or add some chopped fresh chili peppers to the batter. You can also mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper for added heat.

3. Can I use frozen corn instead of canned?

Yes, frozen corn can be used in place of canned corn. Be sure to thaw and drain it before adding it to the batter.

4. Can I make this cornbread without buttermilk?

If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can substitute it with regular milk and add 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to mimic the tangy flavor of buttermilk.

5. Can I add other vegetables to the cornbread?

Absolutely! You can add ingredients like diced bell peppers, onions, or even corn kernels for extra flavor and texture.

6. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can use different types of cheese based on your preference. Monterey Jack, queso fresco, or even a sharp cheddar would all work well in this recipe.

7. How can I make the cornbread fluffier?

For a fluffier cornbread, ensure you’re not overmixing the batter and allow the eggs and buttermilk to come to room temperature before mixing.

8. Can I make this cornbread without jalapeños?

Yes, you can omit the jalapeños for a milder version, or substitute them with another mild pepper, such as poblano.

9. Can I add some sweetness to this cornbread?

If you prefer a sweeter cornbread, you can increase the amount of sugar or add a spoonful of honey to the batter.

10. How long does this cornbread keep?

Mexican Cornbread will keep for up to 3 days at room temperature or up to 1 week in the refrigerator if stored in an airtight container.

Conclusion

Mexican Cornbread is a flavorful, cheesy, and slightly spicy side dish that adds a delicious twist to any meal. With a combination of jalapeños, sweet corn, and two types of cheese, this cornbread is the perfect balance of savory and sweet. It’s easy to make, incredibly versatile, and pairs well with a variety of main dishes. Whether you’re serving it at a family dinner or bringing it to a potluck, this cornbread is sure to be a hit with everyone. Try it with your favorite chili, tacos, or grilled meats for a complete and satisfying meal.

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