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Crispy Cheddar Jalapeño Cornbread Muffins

crispy cheddar jalapeño cornbread muffins - featured image

These cornbread muffins feature a crispy cheddar crust with a spicy kick from fresh jalapeños, delivering a perfect balance of crispy, cheesy, and spicy flavors.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup yellow cornmeal
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend)
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup milk + 1 tablespoon lemon juice, let sit 5 minutes)
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
  • 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (optional)
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 2 fresh jalapeños, seeded and finely chopped (leave seeds in for more heat)
  • 1 small onion, finely diced

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Position a rack in the middle.
  2. Lightly grease a standard 12-cup muffin tin with butter or non-stick spray, or line with paper liners.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, buttermilk, melted butter, and honey or maple syrup (if using) until smooth.
  5. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and gently fold with a spatula until just combined; do not overmix.
  6. Fold in the shredded cheddar, chopped jalapeños, and diced onion evenly through the batter.
  7. Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about ¾ full.
  8. Bake for 18-22 minutes until muffins are golden brown on top with crispy edges. Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
  9. Let the muffins cool in the tin for about 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  10. Optional: If muffins aren’t browning enough, broil for 1-2 minutes watching closely to avoid burning.

Notes

Do not overmix the batter to avoid gummy texture. Use freshly shredded cheddar for best melting and texture. Adjust jalapeño seeds to control heat level. Buttering the muffin tin helps create a crispier crust. Let muffins cool on a wire rack to prevent sogginess. For dairy-free, substitute butter and buttermilk accordingly.

Nutrition

Keywords: cornbread muffins, cheddar cornbread, jalapeño muffins, spicy cornbread, crispy muffins, easy cornbread recipe