These Cheddar Jalapeño Cornbread Muffins strike the perfect balance between comfort and bold flavor.
The combination of sharp cheddar and spicy jalapeño gives each bite a savory kick, while the tender, slightly crumbly texture makes them incredibly satisfying.
Flavorful Cheddar Jalapeno Cornbread Muffins
Equipment
- 1 × 12-cup muffin tin
- 3 × medium mixing bowls
- 1 × whisk
- 1 × set measuring cups and spoons
- 1 × Wire cooling rack
Ingredients
- 1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2/3 cup cornmeal
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese divided
- 1/4 cup melted and cooled butter
- 1 cup milk or buttermilk
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 green jalapeño thinly sliced
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Muffin Tin: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures even cooking from the moment the muffins go in. While the oven is warming, prepare your muffin tin: lightly grease each cup with butter or nonstick cooking spray, or line with paper muffin cups for easy removal and cleanup. Ensuring the tin is ready ahead of time prevents sticking and keeps the muffins’ bottoms golden and intact.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, cornmeal, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Use a whisk or fork to blend the ingredients thoroughly, ensuring even distribution of the leavening agent and seasoning. Stir in ¼ cup of the grated cheddar cheese, folding gently to incorporate. This step helps the cheese integrate into the batter, providing pockets of melty, flavorful goodness in every bite.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl or a large measuring jug, whisk together melted butter, milk (or buttermilk), and vegetable oil. The combination of these fats adds moisture and tenderness. Next, slightly beat the eggs and add them to the wet mixture, whisking until fully incorporated.A smooth, cohesive mixture ensures your muffins rise evenly and maintain a tender texture.
- Fold Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Using a spatula or fork, gently fold the mixtures together until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the muffins dense and tough. The batter should be slightly sticky and airy, with small pockets of flour still visible. This gentle folding creates a light texture while ensuring even distribution of all ingredients.
- Fill Muffin Cups: Using a spoon or ice cream scoop, portion the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about two-thirds full. This leaves enough room for the muffins to rise without overflowing, while maintaining a uniform shape.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup of grated cheddar cheese evenly over the tops of the muffins. Add a few jalapeño slices to each muffin, adjusting the quantity to your preferred spice level. This not only enhances flavor but creates an appealing, visually inviting presentation.
- Bake to Golden Perfection: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18–20 minutes. The muffins are done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs attached. Keep an eye on them toward the end of baking to avoid overcooking, which can dry out the muffins.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for 5–10 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire cooling rack to cool completely. Cooling prevents soggy bottoms and helps the muffins maintain their structure. Once cooled slightly, they’re ready to enjoy as a savory snack, breakfast side, or paired with soups and salads.
- Optional Serving and Storage Tips: For a warm, fresh-from-the-oven experience, reheat muffins briefly in the microwave or oven. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days, or frozen for up to a month. To reheat frozen muffins, thaw overnight and warm in a 325°F oven for 5–7 minutes to restore freshness.
Notes
- Adjust the spiciness by removing seeds from the jalapeño for a milder flavor.
- Use buttermilk instead of regular milk for a slightly tangy, richer taste.
- A sharp cheddar adds more depth; mild cheddar will produce a gentler flavor.
- Avoid overmixing the batter to ensure tender, fluffy muffins.
- Muffins are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container or frozen for future use.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of garlic powder.
Beyond taste, this recipe offers nutritional benefits: it provides a moderate amount of protein from eggs and cheese, dietary fiber from cornmeal and flour, and heart-healthy fats from butter and vegetable oil.
With a calorie count around 260 per muffin and balanced macronutrients, these muffins make an excellent addition to breakfasts, snacks, or sides.
Quick to prepare, they’re a practical option for everyday cooking, meal prepping, or even last-minute entertaining.
Their versatile flavor pairs beautifully with soups, chili, or a simple salad, making them a consistently crowd-pleasing choice.
Must-Have Tools for Perfect Results
Muffin Tin (12-cup)
Essential for shaping evenly baked muffins. Its nonstick surface ensures effortless removal and consistent browning. Beyond this recipe, it’s perfect for cupcakes, mini quiches, or egg muffins.
Mixing Bowls (Set of 3)
Use separate bowls for wet and dry ingredients to ensure proper mixing. These versatile bowls are indispensable for salads, batters, and doughs.
Whisk
Key for thoroughly blending wet ingredients and creating a light, airy batter. Its usefulness extends to sauces, dressings, and emulsifying liquids.
Measuring Cups and Spoons
Precision is crucial in baking. Accurate measurement guarantees consistent flavor and texture. These tools are a kitchen essential for both baking and cooking.
Wire Cooling Rack
Allows muffins to cool evenly, preventing sogginess. It also doubles as a tool for cooling cookies, roasted vegetables, and baked goods.
Chef’s Secrets for Flavorful Muffins
The key to these Cheddar Jalapeño Cornbread Muffins lies in layering flavor and texture.
Gently folding the wet and dry ingredients ensures the muffins stay light and airy while the cheese melts into gooey pockets.
Using both butter and oil adds richness and moisture without weighing down the batter.
Fresh jalapeño provides a bright, natural heat, but removing the seeds can tame the spice without losing flavor.
For extra flavor impact, toast the cornmeal lightly before mixing—it brings out a subtle, nutty aroma.
These tips make every bite perfectly balanced between spicy, cheesy, and tender.
Serving Suggestions for Maximum Enjoyment
These muffins shine as a savory snack or versatile side. Pair them with soups, chili, or creamy salads for a complete meal.
They also make a satisfying breakfast option when served with scrambled eggs or avocado slices.
For entertaining, cut them in halves and top with a dollop of sour cream or a slice of smoked ham for bite-sized appetizers.
Their bold flavor and soft texture make them a crowd-pleasing option for brunches, picnics, or casual family dinners.
Storage Tips for Freshness and Flavor
To maintain optimal freshness, store leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days.
For longer storage, freeze them individually in parchment paper and place in a zip-top bag for up to one month.
When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight and reheat in a 325°F oven for 5–7 minutes to restore their soft, warm texture.
Avoid microwaving frozen muffins directly, as this can make them slightly rubbery.
Proper storage ensures your muffins retain their flavor, moisture, and visual appeal.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make these muffins vegan?
Yes, you can substitute eggs with flax or chia eggs and use plant-based milk and vegan cheese. Keep in mind the texture will be slightly different but still flavorful.
2. Can I prepare the batter ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the batter the night before and refrigerate it. Bring to room temperature before baking for even cooking.
3. Can I use frozen jalapeños?
Yes, but thaw and drain them first to avoid excess moisture affecting the muffin texture.
4. Are these muffins suitable for meal prep?
Yes! They store well at room temperature or frozen and make a convenient snack or breakfast option throughout the week.
5. How can I reduce calories or fat?
Use a reduced-fat cheese, substitute part of the butter with applesauce, or reduce the oil slightly. The muffins may be a bit lighter in texture but remain delicious.
