How to Make Cheesy Jalapeño Cheddar Cornbread Muffins
If you’re looking for a fun, flavorful twist on regular cornbread, cheesy jalapeño cheddar cornbread muffins are the perfect choice! They’re moist, savory, a little spicy, and filled with cheesy goodness. These muffins make a tasty side dish for soups, chili, barbecue, or even as a snack on their own. The best part? They’re super easy to make! In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the simple steps to create these delicious muffins in your own kitchen.
What You’ll Need (Ingredients)
Here’s what you’ll need to make about 12 muffins:
Dry Ingredients:
– 1 cup (150g) yellow cornmeal
– 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
– 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, for a hint of sweetness)
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
– 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk (or regular milk with 1 tablespoon lemon juice/vinegar added for tanginess)
– 1/4 cup (60ml) vegetable oil or melted butter
– 2 large eggs
Flavor Add-Ins:
– 1 cup (120g) shredded cheddar cheese
– 1–2 jalapeños, finely chopped (remove the seeds for less spice, keep them for more heat)
– 1/4 cup (40g) canned corn kernels or fresh corn (optional, for extra texture)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat the Oven
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s heating, prepare your muffin pan by greasing it lightly with oil or butter. You can also use paper liners if you want an easier cleanup later.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients: cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Use a whisk to make sure everything is evenly mixed. This is an important step because you don’t want clumps of baking powder or uneven sweetness in your muffins!
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, crack the eggs and whisk them lightly. Add the buttermilk and vegetable oil (or melted butter). Stir until everything is combined well.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently with a wooden spoon or spatula just until all the flour is mixed in. Don’t overmix — your batter should look moist and slightly lumpy, not smooth.
Step 5: Add the Cheesy and Spicy Goodness
This is the fun part! Fold in the shredded cheddar cheese, chopped jalapeños, and corn kernels (if using). The cheese will make the muffins gooey and rich, while the jalapeños add a little heat. Adjust the amount of jalapeños based on your spice tolerance.
Step 6: Fill the Muffin Pan
Spoon the batter into your prepared muffin pan, filling each cup about 3/4 full. If you want extra cheesy goodness, sprinkle a little more shredded cheddar on top of each muffin before baking.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Place the muffin pan in the preheated oven and bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the muffins are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Ovens can vary, so keep an eye on them after the 18-minute mark.
Step 8: Let Them Cool (If You Can Wait!)
Once baked, remove the muffins from the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. These muffins are best served warm, but you can enjoy them at room temperature as well.
Tips and Substitutions
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For Less Spice: Remove the seeds and ribs from the jalapeños or use fewer jalapeños altogether. You can also substitute them with diced bell peppers for a milder flavor.
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Cheese Options: While cheddar is classic, you can experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, pepper jack (for extra spice), or even a smoky gouda.
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Make It Sweeter: If you like sweeter cornbread, add more sugar to your batter, up to 3 tablespoons.
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Storage: Store leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days. To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for a few minutes.
Why You’ll Love These Muffins
Cheesy jalapeño cheddar cornbread muffins combine all the best flavors into one bite: the earthiness of cornmeal, the creaminess of cheese, and the bold kick from jalapeños. They’re great for any occasion — from casual family dinners to potlucks with friends.
The recipe is simple enough that even beginner bakers can whip up a batch with ease. Plus, you can customize the muffins to suit your preferences by adjusting the sweetness, spice level, or add-ins.
So next time you’re craving something savory, spicy, and cheesy, give these muffins a try! You’ll be glad you did.
Have fun baking and enjoy your delicious cheesy jalapeño cheddar cornbread muffins! Let us know in the comments how they turn out or if you have your own creative twist on the recipe.
