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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
Instructions
- 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.
- Dry Ingredient Blend: Whisk cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and smoked paprika in a large mixing bowl until completely uniform.
- Liquid Mixture: Vigorously combine buttermilk, eggs, melted butter, and vegetable oil in a separate bowl, creating a smooth, consistent liquid base.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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