Jalapeno Cheddar Cornbread

Slice of jalapeno cheddar cornbread on a blue and white striped cloth napkin with cast iron skillet of cornbread in background.

Spice up dinner with this delicious and easy Jalapeno Cheddar Cornbread. It comes together in a snap with just a handful of ingredients.

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Looking for something a little different to go with your dinner tonight? This Jalapeno Cheddar Cornbread is incredibly easy to throw together and packed with spicy flavor.

We’re stepping things up from traditional cornbread and tossing in handfuls of fresh spicy jalapenos and sharp cheddar cheese. Great for weeknights and holidays alike.

Slice of jalapeno cornbread turned on its side in the cast iron skillet.

Ingredients for Cheesy Jalapeno Cornbread

Thanks to a shortcut ingredient, the grocery list is short for this recipe. Here’s what you will need:

  • Butter: Gives it lots of flavor and ensures it’s not dry.
  • Jiffy cornbread mix: You’ll need two boxes. I tried it with the honey variety and it was sooo good. The original would be perfect too.
  • Fresh jalapenos: You’ll need two for this recipe. One is diced and mixed into the batter and the other is sliced and placed on top.
  • Milk: Whole milk is best as it will provide richness and bake up better.
  • Eggs: To bring the batter together and add more richness.
  • Sour cream: Brings a bit of tang to the cornbread which is really great with the spice.
  • Cheddar: I like using sharp cheddar since it provides the most flavor. Shred it yourself for the best melt and texture.
Close up photo of jalapeno cheddar cornbread with a fresh jalapeno beside it.

How to Make Jalapeno Cheddar Cornbread

Heat your cast iron skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the butter and allow it to melt. Once melted, pour into a mixing bowl and set aside. A little butter will remain in the cast iron which will prevent it from melting.

Now prepare the jalapenos. You’ll need two large jalapenos. Slice one of them into thin rings. Mince the rest of them finely.

Add the milk, eggs and sour cream to the melted butter and whisk well. Set aside.

In a second bowl, stir together the cornbread mixes, sharp cheddar cheese (reserve some for topping the cornbread) and the diced jalapenos.

Add wet ingredients to the cornbread mixture and stir until just combined. Swirl the butter around the skillet and brush up the edges. Pour the prepared cornbread batter into the skillet.

Top the cornbread with the remaining shredded cheddar and the sliced jalapenos then bake.

Slice of jalapeno cheddar cornbread on a small white plate with a bite on a fork to the side of the plate.

Let’s Bake

I love baking cornbread in a cast iron skillet. It gives the cornbread a nice crust and always turns out perfectly.

That said, if you don’t have a cast iron skillet you could definitely bake this cornbread recipe in an 8×8 or 9×9 baking dish instead. If you’re using a square dish instead, check at 20 minutes then continue baking until a toothpick comes out dry.

Two slices of cornbread on small white round plates with skillet of cornbread in background.

Favorite Ways to Serve

My family loves drizzling honey over this cornbread before eating it. I’m more of a slathered in butter while it’s still hot kind of gal.

This cornbread goes amazingly well with chipotle chili and 5 bean vegetarian chili.

It would also be perfection alongside your beer can turkey breast this Thanksgiving.

Cast iron skillet of cornbread with a slice of cornbread on top.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this into muffins? You sure can! Scoop into greased or paper lined muffin tins. Bake for 15 minutes then check to see if they are done.

Is this cornbread spicy? Yes, it has a nice kick to it. If you don’t like things spicy, make sure to to remove the seeds and ribs from the jalapenos before slicing and dicing.

How do I store the cornbread? Allow it to cool completely then store in an airtight container at room temperature. It will be good for about 4 days.

Can I freeze this cornbread? Yes, you can. Allow it to cool completely then wrap tightly with foil. Then place in a freezer ziplock bag. When you seal it, press as much air out of the bag as possible. Keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. Allow to thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to eat it.

Slice of cornbread with a bite taken out to show close up texture.

More Bread Recipes

Slice of jalapeno cheddar cornbread on a blue and white striped cloth napkin with cast iron skillet of cornbread in background.
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Jalapeno Cheddar Cornbread

Spice up dinner with this delicious and easy Jalapeno Cheddar Cornbread. It comes together in a snap with just a handful of ingredients.
Prep Time10 minutes
Active Time30 minutes
Total Time40 minutes
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: jalapeno cheddar cornbread
Yield: 8 servings
Author: Meghan Payne-Hensley

Ingredients

  • 3 Tablespoons butter
  • 2 large jalapenos
  • 2 8.5 ounce boxes cornbread mix
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
  • 2/3 cup whole milk
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/4 cup sour cream

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Heat a 10.25-inch cast iron skillet over medium heat. Add butter and melt. Pour butter into a medium bowl and set aside. Swirl the butte that remains in the skillet around the bottom and sides of the skillet. Set aside.
  • Slice one jalapeno into thin rings. Finely mince the second jalapeno.
  • In a large mixing bowl, add cornbread mix, minced jalapeno and 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese. Stir.
  • In the bowl with butter, add milk, eggs and sour cream. Whisk well then pour into the dry mixture. Mix until it just comes together. Pour the batter into the cast iron skillet.
  • Top the cornbread batter with the remaining 1/2 cup shredded cheddar and jalapeno slices.
  • Bake for 28 to 30 minutes, until a toothpick comes out dry.

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