Name: Cornbread Muffins with Jalapeño and Cheddar Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 28 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup yellow cornmeal; 1 cup all-purpose flour; ¼ cup granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 cup milk; 2 large eggs; ¼ cup vegetable oil or melted butter; 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese; 1–2 jalapeños, seeded and finely diced

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

If you’re craving a delightful twist on classic cornbread, you are going to adore this Cornbread Muffins with Jalapeño and Cheddar Recipe. These muffins are gloriously moist and tender with just the right amount of sweetness, complemented by sharp cheddar cheese’s savory richness and the lively kick from fresh jalapeños. They are the ultimate companion to a hearty bowl of chili, smoky barbecue, or even a comforting soup, bringing a burst of flavor and texture to every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows ingredients arranged on a white marbled surface, including two boxes of Jiffy corn muffin mix with blue and red text, a white bowl filled with shredded yellow and orange cheese on the right, a smaller white bowl with white creamy substance below the cheese, two white eggs placed side by side near the center, a small wooden bowl filled with white granulated sugar above two green jalapeños on the bottom left, and a white bowl filled with melted butter near the sugar. The items are neatly spaced and well lit, giving a clear view of all ingredients. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These simple, everyday ingredients come together beautifully to create a balance of flavors and textures in your cornbread muffins. Each one plays an essential role, whether it’s the cornmeal for that signature grainy texture or the fresh jalapeños for a touch of heat that wakes up your taste buds.

1 cup yellow cornmeal: Provides the hearty, crumbly base with that classic corn flavor.
1 cup all-purpose flour: Gives structure and softness to the muffins.
¼ cup granulated sugar: Adds just a hint of sweetness to balance the spice.
1 tablespoon baking powder: Ensures your muffins rise light and fluffy.
½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the other flavors without overpowering.
1 cup milk: Brings moisture and helps bind all ingredients smoothly.
2 large eggs: Adds richness and helps the muffins set perfectly.
¼ cup vegetable oil or melted butter: Keeps the muffins tender and adds flavor depth.
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Infuses the muffins with savory, melty goodness.
1–2 jalapeños, seeded and finely diced: Provides a fresh, zesty heat that’s perfectly balanced.

How to Make Cornbread Muffins with Jalapeño and Cheddar Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures it’s at just the right temperature to give your muffins a golden crust and soft crumb. Line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease it thoroughly to keep the muffins from sticking and make cleanup easy.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. This step is key because it evenly distributes the leavening and seasoning, making sure each muffin bakes up perfectly every time.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, beat the milk, eggs, and oil (or melted butter) until smooth and well combined. The wet ingredients add richness and moisture, which is essential for that tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Step 4: Bring Wet and Dry Together

Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently just until they come together. Avoid overmixing here to keep your muffins from turning tough — a few lumps are perfectly fine and actually desirable!

Step 5: Fold in Cheese and Jalapeños

Gently fold in the sharp cheddar cheese and diced jalapeños. The cheese melts into pockets of savory goodness, and the jalapeños add vibrant bursts of subtle or bold heat depending on how many seeds you left in.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling them about three-quarters full. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the tops are golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This is the moment when the kitchen fills with that irresistible aroma of cheesy, spicy cornbread.

Step 7: Cool Slightly and Serve

Allow the muffins to cool for a few minutes after baking so the cheddar has a chance to set just slightly and the muffins are easy to handle. Then, dig in and enjoy the perfect balance of flavors and textures!

How to Serve Cornbread Muffins with Jalapeño and Cheddar Recipe

Six golden brown muffins with a slightly rough texture sit in a blue-grey metal muffin tray on a white marbled surface. Each muffin has two or three slices of green jalapeño pepper embedded on top, adding a fresh, spicy touch. The muffins have small browned spots, showing a crispy crust, and their tops are rounded and slightly cracked. The tray has minor crumbs scattered around its cups, enhancing the freshly baked feel. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

The flavor of these cornbread muffins shines on their own, but a pat of melting butter or a drizzle of honey can elevate them even more. For an extra kick, try topping with a little sour cream or a sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro for a fresh contrast.

Side Dishes

These Cornbread Muffins with Jalapeño and Cheddar Recipe pair beautifully with comforting, bold dishes like chili, spicy stews, or a smoky barbecue spread. They act as a wonderful foil to rich, tomato-based dishes or creamy soups and are fabulous accompaniments for grilled meats.

Creative Ways to Present

Make your muffin presentation pop by serving them warm in a rustic basket lined with a colorful cloth napkin. For parties, cut the muffins in half and use them as mini sandwich buns with pulled pork or pimento cheese. You can also hollow out the center slightly and fill with a dollop of chili or salsa for a creative, crowd-pleasing snack.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool your corn muffins completely before storing to avoid sogginess. Place them in an airtight container at room temperature, and they’ll stay fresh for up to 2 days. For longer freshness, refrigeration for up to 5 days works well, but be sure to warm them slightly before serving.

Freezing

These muffins freeze beautifully. Wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap and then store them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months, making them a perfect make-ahead treat for busy days or unexpected guests.

Reheating

When you’re ready to enjoy frozen or refrigerated muffins, reheat them gently in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or microwave them for 20 to 30 seconds. This revives that fresh-baked warmth and melty cheddar goodness.

FAQs

Can I adjust the heat level in this Cornbread Muffins with Jalapeño and Cheddar Recipe?

Absolutely! Removing all jalapeño seeds will make these muffins mildly spicy, while including some or all seeds will add more heat. You can also reduce or increase the number of jalapeños depending on your spice preference.

What cheese works best if I don’t have sharp cheddar?

Sharp cheddar is ideal for its tangy flavor and good meltability, but you can substitute with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby, or even a mild cheddar. Just keep in mind these will change the flavor profile slightly.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that includes xanthan gum or a similar binder. The texture may vary slightly but it will still be delicious.

What is the best way to dice jalapeños for this recipe?

Use a sharp knife to finely dice the jalapeños, and wear gloves if you’re sensitive to spicy peppers. Removing the seeds will lessen the heat, so dice accordingly based on your taste.

Are these muffins good for breakfast or snacks?

Definitely! These Cornbread Muffins with Jalapeño and Cheddar Recipe are versatile and perfect any time of day. Enjoy them as a savory breakfast treat, a hearty snack, or as a side dish with lunch or dinner.

Final Thoughts

If you want a recipe that’s equal parts comforting, flavorful, and simple to make, you simply must give this Cornbread Muffins with Jalapeño and Cheddar Recipe a try. It’s a joy to bake and an even bigger joy to eat — each bite is packed with cheesy, spicy goodness that feels like a warm hug. These muffins are sure to become a favorite in your household just like they have in mine, so grab your ingredients and start baking today!