Mexican Cornbread Recipe

Sizzling Mexican Cornbread Recipe: A Fiesta for Your Taste Buds

Crafting a delightful mexican cornbread sparks joy in home kitchens everywhere.

Warm aromas drift through rooms, promising comfort and deliciousness.

Southern traditions blend with zesty ingredients to create something magical.

Peppers and cheese add unexpected excitement to classic bread.

Corn kernels bring sweet crunch and texture that surprises.

Simple ingredients come together with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Mexican Cornbread with Authentic Flavor

  • Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients to match your taste preferences, adding personal flair to this classic cornbread with minimal effort.
  • Family-Friendly Feast: Perfect for gathering loved ones around the table, this hearty dish brings comfort and warmth to any meal.
  • Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Minimal prep time means you can serve a delicious side dish that impresses everyone without spending hours in the kitchen.
  • Versatile Serving Option: Enjoy as a standalone snack, accompaniment to chili, or alongside your favorite main course, making it a flexible recipe for any occasion.

Ingredients for Mexican Cornbread

For the Base:
  • Cornmeal: A hearty ground corn product that provides the signature texture and flavor of this classic bread.
  • Flour: Adds structure and helps bind the ingredients together for a soft, tender crumb.
For the Wet Ingredients:
  • Eggs: Help bind the ingredients and provide richness to the cornbread.
  • Milk: Adds moisture and helps create a smooth, cohesive batter.
  • Vegetable Oil: Ensures the cornbread stays moist and tender.
For the Flavor Enhancers and Add-Ins:
  • Cheddar Cheese, Jalapeños: Bring a spicy and sharp kick that gives this cornbread its Mexican-inspired character.
  • Corn Kernels: Add bursts of sweet corn flavor and extra texture throughout the bread.
  • Green Onions: Provide a fresh, mild onion flavor that complements the other ingredients.
  • Baking Powder, Salt: Help the cornbread rise and enhance the overall seasoning.

How to Bake Mexican Cornbread

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Warm up your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit and grab a 9×13 inch baking dish.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine cornmeal, flour, baking powder, and salt.

Whisk these ingredients together until they’re well blended and free of lumps.

Step 3: Prepare Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, crack the eggs and whisk them.

Add milk, creamed corn, and vegetable oil. Stir everything until the mixture looks smooth and consistent.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Gently fold everything together until just combined.

Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cornbread tough.

Step 5: Add Flavor Boosters

Fold in these delicious extras:
  • Diced jalapeños
  • Shredded cheddar cheese
  • Chopped green onions

Step 6: Prepare the Baking Dish

Lightly grease the baking dish with butter or cooking spray.

This helps prevent sticking and creates a crispy edge.

Step 7: Pour and Spread Batter

Transfer the cornbread batter into the prepared baking dish.

Use a spatula to spread it evenly across the surface.

Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection

Place the dish in the preheated oven.

Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 9: Cool and Serve

Remove the cornbread from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes.

Cut into squares and serve warm as a side dish or snack.

Tips to Perfect Mexican Cornbread Texture

  • Add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt to keep the cornbread extra moist and tender.
  • Experiment with different cheese varieties like sharp cheddar, pepper jack, or queso fresco for enhanced flavor profiles.
  • Fold in diced jalapeños or green chiles to give your cornbread a zesty southwestern kick.
  • Substitute regular flour with gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make the recipe celiac-friendly.
  • Warm the cornbread slightly and serve with butter or honey for a delightful complementary treat.

Variations on Mexican Cornbread

  • Jalapeño Popper Cornbread: Blend cream cheese, diced jalapeños, and shredded cheddar into the batter for a spicy, creamy kick.
  • Southwestern Skillet Cornbread: Add black beans, corn kernels, and diced green chiles to create a hearty, zesty version with Tex-Mex flair.
  • Bacon and Cheddar Cornbread: Mix crispy bacon bits and sharp cheddar cheese throughout the batter for a rich, savory upgrade.
  • Honey Herb Cornbread: Incorporate fresh chopped herbs like rosemary and thyme, then drizzle with honey for a sweet and aromatic variation.

Pairings to Serve with Mexican Cornbread

  • Craft Spicy Margarita Pairing: Balance the hearty, slightly spicy cornbread with a zesty margarita that complements its bold flavors. Tequila's sharpness cuts through the bread's richness while lime adds a refreshing contrast.
  • Select Bold Red Wine Match: Reach for a robust Zinfandel or Tempranillo that stands up to the cornbread's robust character. These wines offer peppery notes that harmonize with the dish's Mexican-inspired seasoning.
  • Cool Down with Mexican Beer: Grab a crisp Modelo Especial or Corona Extra to provide a light, refreshing counterpoint to the dense, flavorful cornbread. The beer's clean finish cleanses the palate between bites.

Proper Storage for Mexican Cornbread

  • Store leftover cornbread in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
  • Place cooled cornbread slices in a freezer-safe bag or container. Properly sealed, it can last up to 2 months. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Wrap cornbread in aluminum foil to retain moisture. Warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through. Unwrap for the last 2-3 minutes to crisp the edges.

FAQs

  • What makes Mexican cornbread different from regular cornbread?

Mexican cornbread stands out with added ingredients like jalapeños, cheese, and corn kernels, giving it a spicier and more complex flavor profile compared to traditional Southern-style cornbread.

  • Is Mexican cornbread considered a side dish or main course?

It’s typically served as a side dish but can be hearty enough to function as a light main course, especially when loaded with additional ingredients like ground beef or extra cheese.

  • Do I need special equipment to make Mexican cornbread?

No special equipment is required – a standard 9-inch cast iron skillet or baking pan works perfectly for preparing this delicious bread.

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Mexican Cornbread Recipe

Mexican Cornbread Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 8 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Savor spicy warmth with Mexican Cornbread, a zesty Southern classic blending cornmeal, jalapeños, and cheese. Hearty slices promise comfort and bold flavors that connect regional traditions deliciously.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 cup cornmeal
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 large eggs

Protein and Vegetable Additions:

  • 1/2 cup creamed corn
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup diced green chilies

Seasoning and Binding Ingredients:

  • 1/3 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure smooth release of the cornbread.
  2. Combine cornmeal, flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar in a large mixing bowl, creating a uniform dry mixture.
  3. Whisk together eggs, milk, and melted butter in a separate bowl until thoroughly blended and smooth.
  4. Fold chopped green chilies, creamed corn, and shredded cheddar cheese into the wet ingredients, distributing evenly throughout the mixture.
  5. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined without overmixing to maintain a tender texture.
  6. Transfer the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly to create a consistent thickness across the pan.
  7. Sprinkle additional shredded cheese on top of the batter for an extra layer of flavor and golden-brown crispiness.
  8. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown.
  9. Remove from oven and allow the cornbread to cool for 10 minutes before cutting into squares for serving.
  10. Serve warm as a delightful side dish or standalone snack, perfect for complementing Mexican-inspired meals.

Notes

  • Swap buttermilk for regular milk if unavailable, maintaining the same moisture and tangy flavor profile.
  • Add diced jalapeños or green chiles for extra heat and authentic Mexican-style kick.
  • Use cast iron skillet for crispy, golden-brown edges that elevate the bread’s texture and visual appeal.
  • Consider gluten-free cornmeal and alternative flour for those with wheat sensitivities, ensuring everyone can enjoy this delicious side dish.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 210 kcal
  • Sugar: 8 g
  • Sodium: 320 mg
  • Fat: 9 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5.5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Nate Harper

Nate Harper

Founder & Recipe Curator

Expertise

Single-Recipe Development, Farm-to-Table Cooking, Seasonal Menu Planning, Culinary Storytelling, Home Kitchen Innovation

Education

Cascade Culinary Institute – Central Oregon Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Focus: Farm-to-table cuisine, sustainable cooking practices, and seasonal recipe creation.

Nate studied under experienced chefs who emphasized local sourcing, minimal waste, and building recipes from fresh, simple ingredients.


Nate Harper is the founder and creative force behind Make, Take, Bake. Raised in the wild beauty of Oregon’s high desert, Nate grew up surrounded by family gardens, farmers’ markets, and home kitchens that celebrated the seasons.
His early love for simple, honest food evolved into a professional passion when he attended Cascade Culinary Institute, where he sharpened his skills in creating recipes that are sustainable, satisfying, and made for everyday life.
Nate’s goal is to make cooking feel accessible, free of fuss, and full of flavor. He believes a single, thoughtfully built dish can stand alone, and sometimes even steal the show.

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