Sweet & Spicy Mexican Cornbread Recipe That Wows Every Time

Baking a delightful mexican cornbread can transport you straight to a cozy kitchen filled with warm, comforting aromas.

Memories of grandmother’s cooking often spark culinary adventures in unexpected ways.

Rich, golden ingredients blend together like a symphony of southwestern flavors.

Rustic and simple, this recipe celebrates the robust character of traditional corn-based dishes.

Each slice promises a journey through authentic taste experiences.

Crumbly textures and subtle spices invite you to create something truly memorable.

Prepare to be amazed by how a few straightforward ingredients can craft such a delectable masterpiece.

Why Mexican Cornbread Is a Flavorful Classic

• Boost Flavor Instantly: Green chilies and cheddar cheese transform ordinary cornbread into a zesty, mouthwatering dish that delivers a spicy kick and rich cheesy goodness.
• Quick Kitchen Magic: Prepare this Mexican-inspired cornbread with simple ingredients and minimal steps, making it perfect for busy home cooks who want delicious results without complicated techniques.
• Family-Friendly Comfort: Serve as a versatile side dish that appeals to both kids and adults, complementing main courses like chili, barbecue, or grilled meats with its hearty and satisfying texture.
• One-Bowl Wonder: Mix ingredients quickly in separate bowls, then combine for a stress-free cooking experience that requires minimal cleanup and delivers maximum flavor in every bite.

Ingredients for Mexican Cornbread

• Cornmeal: A coarse ground corn product that provides the signature texture and flavor of cornbread.
• Flour: Adds structure and helps bind the ingredients together.
• Baking Powder: Helps the cornbread rise and become light and fluffy.
• Salt, Sugar: Enhance the overall flavor profile of the cornbread.

• Milk: Adds moisture and helps create a tender crumb.
• Vegetable Oil: Provides richness and helps keep the cornbread moist.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients and contribute to the structure of the cornbread.

• Green Chilies, Cheddar Cheese: Add a spicy kick and sharp cheesy flavor to the traditional cornbread, giving it a Mexican-inspired twist.

How to Bake Mexican Cornbread

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to 400°F (200°C) and grab a 9-inch square baking pan. Give the pan a quick spray or brush with oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

• Cornmeal
• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Sugar

Whisk these ingredients together until they’re well combined and look like a smooth, light mixture.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

• Milk
• Vegetable oil
• Eggs

Beat these ingredients until they’re completely blended and look smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Create the Batter

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until everything just comes together. Don’t overmix – a few small lumps are perfectly fine.

Step 5: Add Flavor Boosters

• Chopped green chilies
• Shredded cheddar cheese

These ingredients will give your cornbread a delicious southwestern kick.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Transfer the batter to your prepared pan. Spread it evenly and slide into the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Let the cornbread rest for a few minutes after removing from the oven. This helps it set and makes cutting easier. Slice and enjoy warm!

Tips for Moist and Flavorful Mexican Cornbread

• Swap regular milk with buttermilk for a tangier, richer flavor profile that adds depth to the cornbread.
• Use cast-iron skillet instead of baking pan to create a crispy, golden-brown exterior with delightful crunchy edges.
• Add diced jalapeños or cayenne pepper for extra heat if you prefer spicier Mexican-style cornbread.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like pepper jack or queso fresco to enhance the traditional recipe's flavor.
• Store leftover cornbread in an airtight container and reheat in oven to maintain its original texture and prevent sogginess.

Variations on Mexican Cornbread to Enjoy

• Jalapeño Popper Cornbread: Add diced jalapeños, cream cheese, and crumbled bacon for a spicy, creamy version that mimics the popular appetizer.
• Southwest Cornbread: Mix in black beans, corn kernels, and diced bell peppers for a hearty, colorful southwestern-style bread.
• Cheesy Cornbread Muffins: Transform the recipe into individual muffins with extra sharp cheddar and a sprinkle of green onions for a portable snack.
• Cornbread with Chorizo: Incorporate crumbled chorizo sausage and replace some milk with beer for a rich, savory flavor profile that packs a punch.

Pairing Suggestions for Mexican Cornbread

• Pair Zesty Chili with Cornbread: A hearty beef or vegetarian chili complements the spicy, cheesy cornbread perfectly, creating a robust meal that warms from the inside out.
• Serve with Cold Mexican Lager: A crisp, light beer like Corona or Modelo cuts through the richness of the cornbread, refreshing the palate with its clean, hoppy finish.
• Match with Fresh Cilantro Lime Salad: A bright, tangy salad with mixed greens, cilantro, and a lime vinaigrette balances the cornbread's dense, savory profile, adding a fresh counterpoint to the dish.

Storage Advice for Mexican Cornbread

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
• Slice cornbread and place individual pieces in freezer-safe bags. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label the bag with the date to track freshness.
• Warm refrigerated or thawed cornbread at 350F for 10-15 minutes. Wrap in foil to maintain moisture and prevent edges from becoming too crispy.
• Reheat individual slices for 15-20 seconds. Place a damp paper towel over the cornbread to keep it soft and prevent rubbery texture.

FAQs Regarding Mexican Cornbread

• What are green chilies, and can I substitute them?

Green chilies are mild peppers with a slightly spicy flavor. You can substitute with jalapeños for more heat or use bell peppers for a milder taste.

• Can I make this cornbread gluten-free?

Yes, replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to use a blend designed for baking to maintain the right texture.

• How do I know when the cornbread is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the cornbread. If it comes out clean with no wet batter, the cornbread is fully baked. The top should also be golden brown.

Mexican Cornbread Recipe

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4.7 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 35-40 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Savor hearty Mexican cornbread, a spicy southwestern delight blending zesty jalapeños, sweet corn, and rich cheese into a golden, crumbly masterpiece. Comfort meets bold flavors in this simple skillet sensation you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 eggs

Leavening and Seasoning:

• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup sugar

Additional Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• 1 can (4 ounces / 113 grams) chopped green chilies, drained

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven at 400°F (200°C) and coat a 9-inch square baking dish with a thin layer of grease to prevent sticking.
2. In a spacious mixing bowl, thoroughly blend the dry ingredients, creating a uniform mixture that will provide the foundation for the cornbread.
3. Separately, whisk the liquid components until they are fully integrated, ensuring a smooth and consistent texture.
4. Gently incorporate the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring minimally to avoid overworking the batter, which could result in a tough texture.
5. Delicately introduce the vibrant green chilies and sharp cheddar cheese, distributing them evenly throughout the batter for maximum flavor distribution.
6. Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly to ensure uniform cooking and a consistent golden-brown surface.
7. Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, monitoring until a inserted toothpick emerges completely clean, indicating perfect doneness.
8. Remove from the oven and allow the cornbread to rest for a few minutes, enabling it to set and become more manageable for slicing and serving.

Notes

• Customize heat levels by adjusting green chili quantity for spice-sensitive diners.
• Swap regular milk with buttermilk for extra tangy, tender texture that enhances cornbread’s richness.
• Consider adding crispy bacon bits or jalapeños for additional flavor complexity and crunch.
• Use cast-iron skillet instead of baking pan for crispier, more golden-brown exterior with superior heat distribution.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 264 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 346 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 31 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 47 mg