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Savory Jalapeño Cheddar Cornbread Skillet

jalapeño cheddar cornbread skillet - featured image

A quick and easy cornbread recipe with a spicy kick from jalapeños and rich melted sharp cheddar, baked in a cast-iron skillet for a crispy golden crust and tender inside.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup cornmeal (120g), preferably stone-ground
  • 3/4 cup all-purpose flour (90g)
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 cup buttermilk (240ml) or milk + 1 tablespoon vinegar/lemon juice
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter (60g), melted
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese (110g), freshly grated
  • 2 medium fresh jalapeños, finely chopped (seeded for less heat)
  • 1/2 cup yellow corn kernels (optional, fresh or frozen)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place your cast-iron skillet inside to heat up while you prepare the batter.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together cornmeal, all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar until no lumps remain.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk buttermilk with eggs until smooth. Slowly pour in melted butter while whisking to blend fully.
  4. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined; some lumps are fine.
  5. Fold in grated sharp cheddar, chopped jalapeños, and optional corn kernels evenly but gently.
  6. Carefully remove the hot skillet from the oven using oven mitts. Add a tablespoon of butter or oil to coat the bottom and sides.
  7. Pour batter evenly into the skillet; it should sizzle slightly on contact.
  8. Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes. Check at 20 minutes by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
  9. Let the cornbread rest in the skillet for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

Use a hot skillet to achieve a crispy crust. Avoid overmixing the batter to keep the cornbread tender. Remove jalapeño seeds to reduce heat. Buttermilk can be substituted with milk plus vinegar or lemon juice. For dairy-free or gluten-free options, substitute ingredients accordingly.

Nutrition

Keywords: cornbread, jalapeño, cheddar, skillet, spicy, easy, quick, savory, comfort food