Zesty Jalapeño Pepper Jack Cornbread Recipe That Sizzles

Spicy aromas from jalapeno pepper jack cornbread promise a delightful twist on classic comfort food.

Southern kitchens buzz with excitement over this zesty recipe.

Crisp golden edges hint at the magic waiting inside each slice.

Cheese melts beautifully through tender cornmeal, creating pockets of tangy goodness.

Sharp pepper jack adds a playful kick that dances across your palate.

Warm skillet-baked goodness calls you closer with its irresistible scent.

What Goes in Jalapeno Pepper Jack Cornbread

Main Ingredients:

• Cornmeal: The base of cornbread, providing a classic southern texture and rich corn flavor. Yellow or white cornmeal works well.
• All-Purpose Flour: Helps bind the ingredients and creates a softer texture. Standard unbleached flour is perfect.
• Baking Powder: Essential for helping the cornbread rise and become light and fluffy.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances the sweetness.
• Smoked Paprika: Adds a subtle smoky depth to the cornbread's flavor profile.

• Buttermilk: Provides tanginess and helps create a tender crumb. Whole milk can be substituted if needed.
• Eggs: Act as a binding agent and contribute to the cornbread's structure.
• Melted Butter: Adds rich flavor and moistness to the bread.
• Vegetable Oil: Helps keep the cornbread moist and prevents dryness.

• Pepper Jack Cheese, Jalapeno Peppers: Bring spicy kick and cheesy richness to the traditional cornbread. Fresh jalapenos offer more heat than pickled ones. Remove seeds for milder spice.
• Sugar: Balances the savory elements and adds a touch of sweetness.

Easy Steps for Jalapeno Pepper Jack Cornbread

Step 1: Fire Up The Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 375F (190C). Grab a 9×9-inch baking dish or trusty cast-iron skillet and give it a quick spray or butter rub to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Blend Dry Ingredients

• Cornmeal
• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar
• Baking powder
• Kosher salt
• Smoky paprika

Step 3: Whisk Wet Ingredients

• Tangy buttermilk
• Fresh eggs
• Melted butter
• Vegetable oil

Step 4: Create Magical Batter

• Shredded Pepper Jack cheese
• Diced jalapeno peppers

Step 5: Bake To Golden Perfection

Transfer batter to your prepared dish. Spread evenly and slide into the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the top turns a beautiful golden brown. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean.

Step 6: Rest And Serve

Allow cornbread to chill for 10 minutes. Slice into delectable squares. Serve warm with a dollop of butter or drizzle of honey for extra yumminess.

Tips That Work for Jalapeno Pepper Jack Cornbread

• Customize Heat Levels: Adjust jalapeno quantity to control spiciness. Remove seeds for milder flavor or add more for extra kick.
• Cheese Swap Trick: Substitute Pepper Jack with cheddar or monterey jack if preferred. Explore different cheese varieties for unique taste profiles.
• Moisture Magic: Use room temperature buttermilk and eggs to ensure smooth, even batter. Prevents potential lumps and promotes better texture.
• Make-Ahead Strategy: Prepare cornbread batter night before and refrigerate. Bake fresh in the morning for convenient, quick breakfast option.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Replace wheat flour with gluten-free flour blend to make recipe celiac-friendly. Ensure all ingredients meet dietary requirements.

Keeping Jalapeno Pepper Jack Cornbread Fresh

• Refrigerate: Store leftover cornbread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
• Freeze: Slice cornbread and place individual pieces between parchment paper. Pack in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag. Freeze for up to 3 months for maximum freshness.
• Reheat Oven Method: Warm refrigerated cornbread at 350F for 10-15 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent excessive browning and maintain moisture.
• Microwave Quick Option: Reheat individual slices for 15-20 seconds. Add a small pat of butter on top to restore softness and enhance flavor.

Best Matches for Jalapeno Pepper Jack Cornbread

• Pair with Hearty Chili: This spicy cornbread craves a rich, meaty chili that matches its bold flavors. A classic beef chili with kidney beans creates the perfect complementary dish that balances the bread's heat and cheesy texture.
• Complement with Cool Beverage: Reach for a crisp Mexican lager like Modelo Especial or a hoppy IPA to cool down the jalapeno's kick. The beer's refreshing nature will cut through the cornbread's richness while enhancing its spicy notes.
• Serve with Tangy Dipping Sauce: Whip up a quick cilantro-lime sour cream or a zesty ranch dressing. These creamy dips will provide a cooling contrast to the bread's spicy pepper jack cheese and jalapeno punch.
• Match with Southwestern Salad: Create a light side salad with mixed greens, black beans, corn, and a lime vinaigrette. The fresh, bright flavors will perfectly balance the cornbread's hearty and spicy profile.

New Twists for Jalapeno Pepper Jack Cornbread

• Southwestern Fiesta Cornbread: Add black beans, corn kernels, and diced green chiles for a vibrant Mexican-inspired version that bursts with southwestern flavors.
• Bacon Cheddar Ranch Cornbread: Incorporate crispy bacon bits, sharp cheddar cheese, and a sprinkle of ranch seasoning for a savory, hearty variation that meat lovers will devour.
• Mediterranean Herb Cornbread: Mix in crumbled feta cheese, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh herbs like oregano and thyme to create a Mediterranean-style cornbread with bright, tangy notes.
• Caramelized Onion and Gruyere Cornbread: Fold in sweet caramelized onions and nutty Gruyere cheese for an elegant, rich cornbread that elevates the classic recipe with sophisticated ingredients.

FAQs for Jalapeno Pepper Jack Cornbread

• What makes this cornbread different from traditional recipes?

This cornbread combines spicy jalapenos and melted Pepper Jack cheese, giving it a bold, zesty flavor that elevates the classic cornbread to a more exciting dish. The addition of smoked paprika also adds a subtle smoky undertone.

• Can I make this recipe less spicy?

Absolutely! You can reduce the heat by removing the jalapeno seeds and membranes before chopping, or use fewer jalapenos. If you’re sensitive to spice, you can even replace jalapenos with mild green chiles or skip them entirely.

• Is Pepper Jack cheese necessary for this recipe?

While Pepper Jack cheese adds great flavor and heat, you can substitute it with other cheeses like cheddar or monterey jack if you prefer. Just keep in mind that changing the cheese will alter the overall taste profile of the cornbread.

• How do I know when the cornbread is perfectly baked?

Look for a golden brown top and use the toothpick test – insert a toothpick into the center of the cornbread. If it comes out clean with no wet batter, your cornbread is ready to be taken out of the oven.

Why You’ll Love Jalapeno Pepper Jack Cornbread

• Spice Up Your Comfort Food: This cornbread transforms the classic recipe with zesty jalapenos and bold Pepper Jack cheese, delivering a kick that elevates traditional comfort eating.
• Quick and Easy Weeknight Wonder: Prepared in under 45 minutes, this recipe offers a hassle-free side dish that requires minimal cooking skills and delivers maximum flavor with simple ingredients.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for barbecues, potlucks, or family dinners, this cornbread bridges the gap between classic Southern cooking and modern spicy preferences, appealing to both traditional and adventurous eaters.
• Texture Sensation: Combining crispy edges, a tender crumb, and melted cheese pockets, this cornbread provides a delightful contrast of textures that makes every bite interesting and satisfying.

Jalapeno Pepper Jack Cornbread Recipe

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4.8 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Spicy jalapeño pepper jack cornbread delivers a zesty twist on classic southern comfort. Warm, cheesy slices promise comfort with a kick that satisfies hungry souls craving bold flavors and hearty hospitality.

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Ingredients

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Main Dry Ingredients:

• 1 cup (120 g / 4.2 ounces) yellow cornmeal
• 1 cup (125 g / 4.4 ounces) all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
• ¼ cup (50 g / 1.8 ounces) granulated sugar

Wet Ingredients:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters / 8 fluid ounces) buttermilk
• 2 large eggs
• ¼ cup (60 milliliters / 2 fluid ounces) unsalted butter, melted
• ½ cup (120 milliliters / 4 fluid ounces) vegetable oil

Cheese and Pepper:

• 1 cup (100 g / 3.5 ounces) shredded Pepper Jack cheese
• 12 jalapenos, finely chopped (seeds removed for less heat)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the baking environment by warming the oven to 375F (190C) and generously coating a 9×9-inch baking dish or cast-iron skillet with cooking spray or butter.
2. Create a dry ingredient foundation by thoroughly whisking cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and smoked paprika in a spacious mixing bowl until perfectly integrated.
3. In a separate vessel, vigorously combine buttermilk, eggs, melted butter, and vegetable oil, ensuring a smooth, well-blended liquid mixture.
4. Gently merge the wet and dry ingredients, stirring with minimal agitation to prevent toughening the batter. Carefully fold in vibrant Pepper Jack cheese and zesty chopped jalapenos, distributing them evenly throughout the mixture.
5. Transfer the dynamic batter into the prepared baking vessel, smoothing the surface to create an even layer that promises consistent baking.
6. Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, watching for a golden-brown crust and checking doneness by inserting a toothpick near the center – it should emerge clean and dry.
7. Remove from the oven and allow the cornbread to rest and settle for 10 minutes, which helps it maintain structural integrity when slicing. Serve warm, optionally accompanied by a pat of butter or drizzle of honey for enhanced flavor.

Notes

• Customize heat levels by removing jalapeno seeds for milder cornbread or adding extra peppers for more spice.
• Swap buttermilk with Greek yogurt or regular milk mixed with vinegar for a tangy alternative if buttermilk is unavailable.
• Enhance texture by using a combination of fine and coarse cornmeal for a more complex, rustic mouthfeel.
• Store leftover cornbread wrapped tightly in foil at room temperature for 2-3 days, or freeze for up to a month to maintain freshness.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 360 mg
• Fat: 17 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 29 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg