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Flavorful Jalapeno Cheddar Cornbread Skillet

jalapeno cheddar cornbread skillet recipe - featured image

A quick and easy jalapeno cheddar cornbread baked in a cast iron skillet, featuring a crispy crust, gooey cheese pockets, and a perfect balance of spicy and savory flavors.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (120g) medium grind cornmeal
  • 3/4 cup (90g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 cup (240ml) whole milk or 2% milk
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1/4 cup (57g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 medium jalapeno peppers, seeded and finely chopped (seeds optional for extra heat)
  • 1 cup (about 110g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • Optional: pinch of smoked paprika or cumin

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place your cast iron skillet inside to warm up for about 10 minutes.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together cornmeal, all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and granulated sugar.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk milk, egg, and melted unsalted butter until smooth.
  4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined; the batter should be slightly lumpy.
  5. Stir in the chopped jalapenos and shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Add smoked paprika or cumin if using. If batter is too thick, add a tablespoon of milk.
  6. Carefully remove the hot skillet from the oven using oven mitts. Add a small pat of butter or a drizzle of oil and swirl to coat the bottom and sides.
  7. Pour the batter into the skillet and spread evenly with a spatula.
  8. Bake for 20-25 minutes until edges are deep golden brown and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
  9. Let the cornbread cool in the skillet for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

Preheat the skillet to achieve a crispy crust. Avoid overmixing the batter to keep the cornbread tender. Freshly shred cheddar cheese for better melting. Adjust jalapeno seeds for desired heat level. Batter can be refrigerated up to 24 hours but may result in denser texture. For dairy-free, substitute milk and butter with almond milk and coconut oil.

Nutrition

Keywords: jalapeno, cheddar, cornbread, skillet, spicy, cheesy, quick, easy, comfort food