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- 1 cup cornmeal - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1 tablespoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon baking soda - 1 cup buttermilk (or milk with vinegar) - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted - 2 large eggs - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese - 2-3 jalapeños, finely chopped (remove seeds for milder flavor) - 1/4 cup honey (optional) This mix of ingredients makes the cornbread rich and tasty. You start with the dry items. Cornmeal gives a nice texture. The all-purpose flour helps it rise. The baking powder is key for fluffiness. Salt enhances all the flavors, while baking soda balances the acidity of buttermilk. Next, we have the wet ingredients. Buttermilk adds moisture and tang. If you can't find buttermilk, you can mix milk with a bit of vinegar. The melted butter adds richness. Eggs bind everything together, making the cornbread soft. Now for the flavor boosters! Sharp cheddar cheese gives a bold taste. Jalapeños add a kick. If you want less heat, just remove the seeds. Honey is optional, but it adds a touch of sweetness that balances the spice. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions to create this delightful dish. - Preheat the Oven: Set to 400°F (200°C). This step ensures even cooking. - Prepare Baking Dish: Grease an 8x8-inch dish or cast-iron skillet. A well-greased pan helps prevent sticking. - Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix cornmeal, flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda. Use a whisk to blend them well. This mix forms the base of your cornbread. - Whisk Together: In another bowl, whisk buttermilk, melted butter, and eggs. If you like sweetness, add honey now and mix. This adds moisture and flavor. - Mix Together: Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined; some lumps are okay. Overmixing could make your cornbread dense. - Add Cheese and Jalapeños: Carefully fold in cheese and jalapeños. This step adds delicious flavor and spice. - Pour Batter: Transfer the mixture into the greased dish. Use a spatula to smooth the top. This helps it bake evenly. - Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. It's ready when the top is golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean. - Cool Before Slicing: Let the cornbread cool for about 10 minutes. This makes slicing easier and lets the flavors settle. Enjoy your warm, spicy treat! For the full recipe, refer to the earlier section. To get light and fluffy cornbread, avoid overmixing. When you combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until you see no dry flour. A few lumps are okay. Overmixing makes the cornbread dense and tough. You want it to rise nicely and stay soft. You can switch up the cheese for more flavor. Try using pepper jack cheese for a spicy kick. If you prefer less heat, adjust the jalapeño quantity. Start with one jalapeño and taste the batter. You can always add more if you want extra spice. This way, you control the heat level in your cornbread. Serve the cornbread warm for the best taste. A pat of butter on top makes it rich and creamy. You can also add toppings like honey or jam for sweetness. This adds a nice contrast to the spicy jalapeños. Enjoy your cornbread as a side with chili or soup for a great meal. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe section. {{image_4}} You can modify this recipe to fit your needs. For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free flour blend. This will keep the texture nice while making it safe for those with gluten issues. If you're looking for a vegan option, you can substitute the eggs with flaxseed meal mixed with water. Replace buttermilk with almond milk mixed with a bit of vinegar. These swaps keep the cornbread tasty and friendly for various diets. Want to boost the flavor? Add corn kernels to the batter for a sweet crunch. You might also like to include chopped herbs like cilantro or green onions. These herbs add freshness to each bite. Feel free to experiment with flavors that you love. For a heartier version, mix in cooked chorizo or crispy bacon. This adds a savory kick and extra protein to your cornbread. The rich flavors of these meats pair well with the cheese and jalapeños. You can also try adding a blend of spices, like cumin or smoked paprika, for even more depth. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe. You can store leftover jalapeño cheddar cornbread in an airtight container. Keep it at room temperature for up to three days. This way, it stays fresh and ready to enjoy. For longer storage, you can refrigerate the cornbread. It lasts up to a week in the fridge. If you want to keep it even longer, freeze the cornbread. Wrap it well in plastic wrap or foil before placing it in a freezer bag. This method ensures it stays tasty for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy your cornbread again, reheat it for the best flavor. You can use the oven or microwave. For the oven, set it to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 10-15 minutes. If using the microwave, heat each slice for about 20-30 seconds. This way, your cornbread stays warm and delicious. For the full recipe, check out the complete guide! You can serve this cornbread with many dishes. Best pairings include chili, soups, or grilled meats. The cornbread's spice and cheese make it a great side. It balances well with savory flavors. Yes, you can make this cornbread ahead of time. Bake it, then cool it completely. Store it in an airtight container. It stays fresh for a few days. You can also freeze it for longer storage. Just reheat it when you're ready to serve. Absolutely! You can make this recipe spicier. Add more jalapeños to the batter. You can also use spicier peppers, like serranos. This will enhance the heat without losing flavor. Adjust it to your taste for a fun twist. You now have a simple and tasty cornbread recipe. We explored dry and wet ingredients, and how to mix and bake them. Don't forget to try different flavors and toppings to make your cornbread unique. Whether you want it sweet or spicy, this recipe is flexible. Enjoy it fresh or store some for later. Keep experimenting to find what you love. Happy baking!

Jalapeño Cheddar Cornbread

Looking for a spicy twist on classic cornbread? Discover this delicious Spicy Cheddar Jalapeño Cornbread recipe that combines sweet and savory flavors for a perfect side dish or snack. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up this fluffy cornbread, bursting with sharp cheddar and jalapeños.
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Ingredients
  

1 cup cornmeal

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 tablespoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon baking soda

1 cup buttermilk (or substitute 1 cup milk with 1 tablespoon vinegar)

1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

2 large eggs

1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

2-3 jalapeños, finely chopped (remove seeds for milder flavor)

1/4 cup honey (optional, for added sweetness)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare an 8x8-inch baking dish or cast-iron skillet by greasing it with butter or a cooking spray of your choice.

    Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cornmeal, all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda. Use a whisk to ensure they are blended evenly.

      Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, melted butter, and eggs until the mixture is smooth. If you’re opting for sweetness, add the honey at this stage and mix well.

        Combine Mixtures: Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir gently until the two mixtures are just combined; it’s perfectly fine to have a few lumps. Avoid overmixing to keep the cornbread light and fluffy.

          Add Cheese and Jalapeños: Carefully fold in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese and the finely chopped jalapeños until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

            Transfer Batter to Dish: Pour the cornbread batter into the greased baking dish or skillet. Use a spatula to smooth out the top for an even bake.

              Bake the Cornbread: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. The cornbread is done when the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

                Cool Before Serving: Allow the cornbread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This makes it easier to slice and enhances the flavor as it sets slightly.

                  Prep Time: 10 mins | Total Time: 35 mins | Servings: 9 slices

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve the warm cornbread with a generous dollop of butter melting on top. For an extra touch of flavor and elegance, sprinkle additional shredded cheddar and garnish with thinly sliced jalapeños or fresh herbs like cilantro for a pop of color!