Spicy Jalapeño Pepper Jack Cornbread Recipe: Zesty Comfort Joy!

Warm, golden cornbread meets a spicy kick with this pepper jack cornbread that brings unexpected excitement to your dinner table.

The zesty jalapeno pepper jack cheese creates a bold flavor profile that transforms ordinary cornbread into a mouthwatering sensation.

Southern comfort food gets an electrifying upgrade with these cheesy, fiery slices.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of sweet cornmeal and sharp, spicy cheese notes.

The recipe blends traditional cornbread techniques with a contemporary twist that will surprise your taste buds.

Serve this cornbread alongside chili, soups, or as a standalone snack that packs serious flavor punch.

You won’t be able to resist cutting another slice of this irresistible bread.

Baking Gear For Jalapeno Pepper Jack Cornbread

• Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining dry and wet ingredients smoothly.
• Whisk: Perfect for blending ingredients without lumps and creating a smooth batter.
• 9×9-inch baking dish or cast-iron skillet: Needed for baking and giving the cornbread its shape.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient measurements.
• Cutting board: Used for chopping jalapenos into small pieces.
• Sharp knife: Required for precise jalapeno chopping.
• Toothpick: Helps check if the cornbread is fully baked.
• Spatula: Useful for folding cheese and jalapenos into the batter and spreading batter evenly.

How To Make Jalapeno Pepper Jack Cornbread Easily

• Oven Preparation

Warm up the kitchen by setting the oven to a cozy 375F. Grab your favorite baking dish or trusty cast-iron skillet and give it a quick spray or butter rub to prevent sticking.

• Dry Ingredient Blend

Grab a large mixing bowl and toss in cornmeal, flour, and other dry companions. Whisk them together until they’re best friends, creating a smooth, even mixture that promises delicious results.

• Wet Ingredient Magic

In a separate bowl, wake up your buttermilk, eggs, and melted butter. Gently mix them until they create a silky, inviting liquid that’ll bring your cornbread to life.

• Flavor Explosion

Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir just enough to make them mingle – don’t go crazy with mixing. Sprinkle in fiery jalapenos and melty Pepper Jack cheese for a flavor punch that’ll make taste buds dance.

• Baking Brilliance

Transfer the batter to your prepared dish, spreading it out evenly. Slide it into the preheated oven and let the magic happen. After 25-30 minutes, you’ll have a golden-brown masterpiece that smells like comfort and excitement.

• Serving Celebration

Give your cornbread a quick 10-minute rest. Slice into this spicy, cheesy wonder and serve it up. A pat of butter or drizzle of honey takes it from amazing to absolutely irresistible.

Flavor Tips For Jalapeno Pepper Jack Cornbread

• Spice Mastery Tips: Adjust jalapeno heat by removing seeds for milder flavor or keeping them for extra kick. Fresh peppers deliver more vibrant flavor compared to pickled versions.
• Cheese Swap Strategy: Replace Pepper Jack with cheddar, monterey jack, or gouda for different flavor profiles. Smoked cheese varieties add incredible depth to the cornbread's overall taste.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare batter night before and refrigerate, allowing flavors to develop overnight. Cornbread stays fresh for 3-4 days when stored in airtight container at room temperature.
• Dietary Flexibility: Create gluten-free version by substituting all-purpose flour with almond or gluten-free flour blend. Dairy-free option includes using plant-based milk and vegan butter alternatives.
• Texture Perfection Trick: Ensure room temperature ingredients blend smoothly. Avoid overmixing batter to maintain tender, light cornbread texture. Gently fold add-ins to prevent dense, tough result.

Serving Jalapeno Pepper Jack Cornbread With A Kick

• Spicy Sidekick Pairing: Serve this zesty cornbread alongside smoky barbecue pulled pork or grilled chicken for a flavor-packed meal that brings serious Southern comfort to your table.
• Breakfast Bliss Boost: Transform morning meals by topping warm slices with scrambled eggs, crispy bacon bits, and a drizzle of maple syrup for a hearty breakfast experience.
• Soup and Stew Companion: Break up pieces of this cheesy jalapeno cornbread into hearty chili, tomato soup, or creamy corn chowder to add a spicy, textural crunch that elevates your comfort food.
• Appetizer Twist: Cut into small squares, top with a dollop of sour cream and fresh chives for an irresistible party snack that will have guests asking for the recipe.

How To Store Jalapeno Pepper Jack Cornbread The Right Way

• Quick Refrigeration: Store leftover cornbread in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Wrap slices individually to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
• Smart Freezing Technique: Slice cornbread into portions before freezing. Place parchment paper between layers in a freezer-safe container to prevent sticking. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or gently warm in the oven.
• Perfect Reheating Method: Restore cornbread's fresh-from-the-oven texture by warming slices in a preheated oven at 350F for 5-7 minutes. Avoid microwave reheating to prevent rubbery texture. Brush with melted butter for extra moisture.
• Flavor Enhancement Tip: Revive day-old cornbread by toasting lightly and serving with whipped honey butter or a sprinkle of fresh herbs. Crumble cold cornbread into salads or use as a crispy topping for soups for creative meal transformations.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 210 kcal

Servings: 7

What You’ll Need For Jalapeno Pepper Jack Cornbread

• Cornmeal: Provides the classic hearty base with a rustic, slightly grainy texture that defines authentic cornbread.
• All-Purpose Flour: Adds structure and helps create a tender, soft crumb in the final bread.
• Sugar: Balances the savory elements and enhances the natural sweetness of the cornbread.
• Baking Powder: Creates a light, airy rise and ensures the cornbread is fluffy and soft.
• Salt: Amplifies the overall flavor profile and brings out the nuanced tastes of other ingredients.
• Smoked Paprika: Introduces a subtle, smoky depth that complements the spicy jalapenos.

• Buttermilk: Adds tangy richness and helps tenderize the bread, creating a moist, delicate texture.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the cornbread's structure and richness.
• Melted Butter: Provides a luxurious, rich flavor and helps create a golden, crisp exterior.
• Vegetable Oil: Ensures the cornbread stays moist and prevents it from becoming dry or crumbly.

• Pepper Jack Cheese: Delivers a spicy, melty kick that weaves heat throughout the cornbread.
• Jalapeno Peppers: Adds fresh, vibrant heat and a zesty punch to each delicious bite.

Spicy Jalapeno Pepper Jack Cornbread Recipe

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4.6 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Pepper jack cornbread delivers a spicy twist on classic southern comfort cuisine. Jalapeños and melted cheese create a zesty companion for hearty meals you’ll savor with delight.

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Ingredients

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• 1 cup (4.2 oz / 120 g) yellow cornmeal
• 1 cup (4.4 oz / 125 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (3.5 oz / 100 g) shredded pepper jack cheese
• 12 jalapenos, finely chopped (seeds removed for less heat)
• 1 cup (8 fl oz / 240 ml) buttermilk
• ¼ cup (2 fl oz / 60 ml) unsalted butter, melted
• ½ cup (4 fl oz / 120 ml) vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• ¼ cup (1.8 oz / 50 g) granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)

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Instructions

1. Oven Preparation: Preheat the oven to 375F (190C) and thoroughly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish or cast-iron skillet with cooking spray or butter.
2. Dry Ingredient Blend: Whisk cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and smoked paprika in a large mixing bowl until completely uniform.
3. Liquid Mixture: Vigorously combine buttermilk, eggs, melted butter, and vegetable oil in a separate bowl, creating a smooth, consistent liquid base.
4. Batter Assembly: Merge wet and dry ingredients with minimal stirring, then gently incorporate Pepper Jack cheese and chopped jalapenos, ensuring even distribution throughout the mixture.
5. Baking Process: Pour the batter into the prepared dish, leveling the surface, and bake for 25-30 minutes until a golden-brown crust forms and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Serving Preparation: Allow the cornbread to rest for 10 minutes after removing from the oven, then slice and serve warm. Optionally accompany with butter or honey for an extra flavor dimension.

Notes

• Cheese Distribution Technique: Gently fold cheese and jalapenos to prevent clumping, ensuring even flavor throughout the cornbread.
• Batter Mixing Caution: Minimize stirring to keep the texture tender and prevent developing tough, dense bread.
• Moisture Balance Control: Use buttermilk for richness and tenderness, helping create a soft, moist cornbread with delicate crumb.
• Spice Level Adjustment: Reduce or remove jalapeno seeds for milder heat, or add more for intense spiciness depending on personal preference.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 220 mg
• Fat: 11 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg