This Jalapeño Cornbread is a delicious twist on a classic favorite, combining the sweetness of honey, the heat of jalapeños, and the creamy tang of a cream cheese filling. Perfect for brunch, dinner, or even as a snack, this cornbread is moist, flavorful, and topped with a stunning honey jalapeño glaze that makes it irresistible. Get ready to wow your taste buds with this sweet, spicy, and savory creation!
Prep Time
- 20 minutes
Cook Time
- 40–45 minutes
Total Time
- 1 hour
Servings
- 9 servings
Ingredients
For the Cornbread:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup yellow cornmeal
- ⅔ cup granulated sugar
- 1½ tablespoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 1¼ cups whole milk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
For the Jalapeño Popper Filling:
- 1 jalapeño pepper , diced and deseeded (leave seeds for extra heat if desired)
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup sharp cheddar cheese , shredded
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon liquid smoke (optional, for a smoky flavor)
For the Honey Jalapeño Glaze:
- 1–2 jalapeño peppers , thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) .
- Spray an 8-inch or 9-inch square baking pan with nonstick cooking spray and line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Make the Cornbread Batter
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, milk, vegetable oil, and eggs until smooth.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. Set the batter aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Jalapeño Popper Filling
- Dice and deseed the jalapeño (leave some seeds if you prefer extra heat).
- In a small bowl, mix the diced jalapeño, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, and liquid smoke (if using) until well blended. Set aside.
Step 4: Assemble the Honey Jalapeño Glaze Base
- Thinly slice 1–2 jalapeños and arrange them in an even layer on the bottom of the prepared baking pan.
- Drizzle the honey and melted butter evenly over the jalapeño slices.
Step 5: Layer the Cornbread
- Pour half of the cornbread batter over the honey and jalapeño slices in the pan, spreading it gently to cover the base.
- Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture evenly over the batter. Use a knife or spatula to gently swirl the cream cheese into the batter for a marbled effect.
- Cover the cream cheese layer with the remaining cornbread batter, spreading it evenly to seal everything in.
Step 6: Bake
- Bake the cornbread in the preheated oven for 40–45 minutes , or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 7: Serve
- Let the cornbread cool in the pan for 5–10 minutes.
- Place a plate upside-down over the pan, then carefully flip the pan over to release the cornbread onto the plate. The honey jalapeño glaze will now be on top.
- Slice the cornbread into squares and serve warm. Enjoy the sweet, spicy, and creamy flavors in every bite!
Pro Tips
- Adjust Spice Level: Control the heat by leaving in or removing the jalapeño seeds and membranes.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days . Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.
- Freezing: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months . Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.
- Serving Suggestion: Pair with chili, soup, or enjoy it on its own as a snack or dessert!
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, based on 9 servings)
- Calories: ~350 kcal
- Protein: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fat: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 20g
Note: Nutrition values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Jalapeño Cornbread is a show-stopping dish that combines sweet, spicy, and savory flavors in one irresistible package. The honey jalapeño glaze adds a glossy, flavorful topping, while the creamy jalapeño popper filling creates a delightful surprise in every bite. Whether you’re serving it alongside a hearty meal or enjoying it as a standalone treat, this cornbread is sure to impress.
Ready to spice up your cornbread game? Grab your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a dish that’s sweet, spicy, and utterly unforgettable—it’s comfort food with a kick!
