Hello, fellow food enthusiasts! If you’re craving a snack that’s both spicy and cheesy, you’re in for a treat. Jalapeño Cheddar Cornbread Muffins are the perfect fusion of comfort and flavor, with a kick of jalapeño heat and gooey cheddar cheese. Whether you’re serving them as a side to your favorite soup or enjoying them as a standalone snack, these muffins are sure to impress. Let’s dive into this irresistible recipe!
Introduction
Cornbread is a staple in many Southern households, and for good reason. The rich, grainy texture of cornmeal combines beautifully with butter, eggs, and buttermilk to create a mouthwatering bread that pairs well with almost any dish. But today, we’re taking it up a notch by adding jalapeños and cheddar cheese to create something truly special: Jalapeño Cheddar Cornbread Muffins. These muffins are the perfect balance of savory, spicy, and cheesy, making them an excellent accompaniment to hearty meals or as a flavorful snack on their own.
If you love a little heat in your food, this recipe will quickly become one of your favorites. Let’s get baking!
Ingredients
To prepare these comforting Jalapeño Cheddar Cornbread Muffins, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup diced jalapeños (plus extra for topping)
This combination of ingredients is simple, but it packs a powerful punch of flavor. You can also easily adjust the level of heat by adding more or fewer jalapeños, or even by swapping them out for a milder pepper if desired.
How to Make Jalapeño Cheddar Cornbread Muffins
Follow these steps to create your own delicious Jalapeño Cheddar Cornbread Muffins:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners.
- In a large bowl, combine the dry ingredients: cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and baking soda.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients: buttermilk, melted butter, and egg.
- Mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring just until everything is combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in dense muffins.
- Fold in the shredded cheddar cheese and diced jalapeños, ensuring that they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each one about two-thirds full. For an extra kick, top each muffin with a few slices of jalapeño.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
- Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Enjoy these cheesy, spicy muffins fresh out of the oven for the best texture and flavor!
Helpful Tips
Here are a few helpful tips to ensure your Jalapeño Cheddar Cornbread Muffins turn out perfectly every time:
- Use fresh jalapeños: Fresh jalapeños provide the best flavor and texture. If you want to reduce the heat, remove the seeds and veins before dicing.
- Don’t overmix the batter: Overmixing can make your muffins dense and tough. Stir until the ingredients are just combined.
- Add extra cheese on top: For an extra cheesy crust, sprinkle a bit more cheddar cheese on top of each muffin before baking.
Cooking Tips
- Equipment matters: Using a muffin tin with paper liners helps the muffins retain their shape and prevents them from sticking.
- Cheese variations: If you want to mix things up, try using a sharp cheddar cheese for a more intense flavor, or swap it for another cheese like Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack to add a different dimension to the muffins.
These muffins are incredibly versatile and customizable to suit your taste preferences.
Serving Suggestions
These Jalapeño Cheddar Cornbread Muffins are perfect on their own, but they also make a great side for:
- Chili: The slight sweetness of the cornbread contrasts beautifully with the richness and spice of chili.
- BBQ: Serve them alongside your favorite barbecue dishes like ribs or pulled pork for a complete Southern-inspired meal.
- Soups and stews: These muffins are perfect for dunking into hearty soups and stews, adding a bit of texture and flavor to each bite.
You can also serve them with a dollop of honey butter for a delightful sweet-savory combination.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the nutritional information for these delicious muffins:
- Calories: 200
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Protein: 6g
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
- Sodium: 300mg
- Potassium: 70mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 5g
- Vitamin A: 250 IU
- Vitamin C: 2mg
- Calcium: 150mg
- Iron: 1mg
Storage and Leftovers
- Refrigerate: Store any leftover muffins in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Reheat: To reheat, simply microwave for 15-20 seconds or place in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5 minutes until warmed through.
These muffins also freeze well. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm in the oven before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make these muffins gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure it’s a 1:1 ratio for baking to maintain the same texture.
Can I reduce the heat level?
Absolutely! To reduce the heat, remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeños, or use a milder pepper like Anaheim or poblano.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, feel free to experiment with different cheeses. Pepper Jack, Monterey Jack, or even Gouda would all work well in this recipe.
Related Recipes
Looking for more savory baked goods? Check out these recipes from our site:
Conclusion
I hope you enjoy making (and eating!) these Jalapeño Cheddar Cornbread Muffins as much as I do. They’re an easy, crowd-pleasing recipe that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Don’t forget to share your own variations or tips with us in the comments! Happy baking!
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Jalapeño Cheddar Cornbread Muffins | Easy Recipe
Description
Hello, fellow food enthusiasts! If you’re craving a snack that’s both spicy and cheesy, you’re in for a treat. Jalapeño Cheddar Cornbread Muffins are the perfect fusion of comfort and flavor, with a kick of jalapeño heat and gooey cheddar cheese. Whether you’re serving them as a side to your favorite soup or enjoying them as a standalone snack, these muffins are sure to impress. Let’s dive into this irresistible recipe!
Ingredients
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup diced jalapeños (plus extra for topping)
This combination of ingredients is simple, but it packs a powerful punch of flavor. You can also easily adjust the level of heat by adding more or fewer jalapeños, or even by swapping them out for a milder pepper if desired.
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners.
- In a large bowl, combine the dry ingredients: cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and baking soda.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients: buttermilk, melted butter, and egg.
- Mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring just until everything is combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in dense muffins.
- Fold in the shredded cheddar cheese and diced jalapeños, ensuring that they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each one about two-thirds full. For an extra kick, top each muffin with a few slices of jalapeño.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
- Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Equipment
2Pcs Heart Shape Cake Pans, Aluminum Heart Cake Mold, Reusable 10 inch
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Kids Chill Leak-Proof Lunch Box – Included Reusable Ice Pack Keeps Food Cold
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- Use fresh jalapeños: Fresh jalapeños provide the best flavor and texture. If you want to reduce the heat, remove the seeds and veins before dicing.
- Don’t overmix the batter: Overmixing can make your muffins dense and tough. Stir until the ingredients are just combined.
- Add extra cheese on top: For an extra cheesy crust, sprinkle a bit more cheddar cheese on top of each muffin before baking.
