If you’re in the mood for something that combines comfort, a little spice, and a whole lot of flavor, look no further than this Mexican Cornbread. It’s everything you love about cornbread—moist, slightly sweet, and buttery—kicked up a notch with a zesty blend of jalapeños, cheese, and a touch of heat. Imagine slicing into it: golden edges, soft center, and those little pockets of melted cheese waiting to surprise you with every bite. Trust me, you’re going to want this on your dinner table tonight.
Whether you’re serving it as a side dish for a hearty chili, tacos, or BBQ, or just enjoying it on its own with a bit of butter, this Mexican Cornbread is about to become your new go-to recipe. Plus, it’s simple to make, so you can whip it up in no time and impress everyone around you.
Why You’ll Love Mexican Cornbread
Flavor-Packed
The classic cornbread flavor gets a delicious twist with the addition of spicy jalapeños, sharp cheddar, and a hint of Mexican-inspired spices. It’s comforting, yet exciting!
Easy to Make
This recipe is quick and straightforward, making it perfect for when you need a crowd-pleasing side dish in a flash. No need for fancy techniques—just mix, bake, and enjoy!
Versatile
Mexican cornbread is perfect for pairing with so many dishes. Whether it’s alongside chili, BBQ, or just a hearty soup, it complements so many different flavors. It’s also delicious served as a snack or appetizer.
Customizable
If you’re looking to make it even more unique, you can easily customize this cornbread to suit your taste. Add more jalapeños for extra heat, or sprinkle in some corn kernels for extra texture.

Ingredients
Let’s gather everything you need for this flavorful Mexican Cornbread:
Dry Ingredients:
- Cornmeal: The base of this cornbread, giving it that characteristic crumbly texture.
- All-Purpose Flour: Adds structure to the cornbread and helps it hold together.
- Sugar: A little bit of sugar adds just the right amount of sweetness to balance the savory flavors.
- Baking Powder: Helps the cornbread rise and gives it a light, fluffy texture.
- Salt: A pinch of salt brings out all the other flavors in the cornbread.
Wet Ingredients:
- Milk: Adds moisture to the batter, keeping the cornbread soft and tender.
- Eggs: Helps bind the ingredients together and adds richness to the texture.
- Butter: Melted butter ensures that the cornbread is moist and has a slightly rich, buttery flavor.
Flavor Additions:
- Jalapeños: Finely chopped fresh jalapeños provide a spicy kick (feel free to adjust the amount to your spice preference).
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar melts beautifully into the cornbread, giving it a savory flavor.
- Creamed Corn: Adds a touch of sweetness and moisture to the cornbread, plus a little extra corn flavor.
(Note: Full ingredient measurements are available in the recipe card below.)
Instructions
Ready to make some mouth-watering Mexican Cornbread? Follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish or cast-iron skillet to prevent sticking and help the cornbread get that golden, crispy edge.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until everything is well combined.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, and melted butter. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined—don’t overmix, as that can make the cornbread tough.
Step 4: Add the Flavor
Fold in the chopped jalapeños, shredded cheddar cheese, and creamed corn. You can add more cheese if you love it extra cheesy!
Step 5: Bake
Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The edges should be slightly crispy, and the middle will be soft and moist.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Allow the cornbread to cool for a few minutes before slicing it into squares. Serve warm, topped with a dollop of butter or your favorite chili, and get ready for some serious comfort food vibes.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 9
Calories per serving: 280
Total Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 55mg
Sodium: 400mg
Total Carbohydrates: 32g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 7g
Protein: 6g
Vitamin A: 8%
Vitamin C: 6%
Calcium: 10%
Iron: 6%
Potassium: 150mg
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: 35-40 minutes
How to Serve Mexican Cornbread
There are so many ways to enjoy this Mexican Cornbread! Here are some ideas:
- With Chili: Serve it alongside a bowl of hot chili for a classic pairing. The spiciness and cheese in the cornbread complement the hearty, savory chili perfectly.
- With BBQ: It’s an excellent side to BBQ pork or grilled chicken. The slightly sweet cornbread balances out the smoky flavors of the meat.
- Topped with Sour Cream: Add a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of honey to bring an extra layer of flavor to each bite.
- As a Snack: On its own, this cornbread is perfectly satisfying. Just slice and enjoy as a quick snack with a little butter.
Additional Tips
- Adjust the Spice: If you want a milder cornbread, you can omit the jalapeños or replace them with mild green chilies.
- Use Buttermilk: For an even richer, tangier flavor, you can substitute regular milk with buttermilk.
- Make It Vegetarian: This recipe is naturally vegetarian, but if you’re looking to make it vegan, simply substitute the eggs and butter with plant-based alternatives.
- Leftovers: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also freeze slices of cornbread for up to 3 months.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use frozen corn in place of creamed corn?
A1: Yes! You can substitute frozen corn, but you may want to add a bit of extra moisture, such as a tablespoon of milk, since creamed corn helps with the texture and moisture.
Q2: Can I make this cornbread ahead of time?
A2: Yes, you can bake it ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature and reheat in the oven before serving.
Q3: How do I make the cornbread spicier?
A3: If you like things extra spicy, add more chopped jalapeños, or even include some chopped serrano peppers for an added kick!
Q4: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A4: Definitely! Feel free to use a different cheese, like Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even a combination of cheeses for extra flavor.
Q5: How can I make this cornbread sweeter?
A5: You can increase the sugar to your liking or drizzle honey or agave syrup on top before serving for a sweeter finish.
Q6: Can I bake this cornbread in a different pan?
A6: Yes! You can use any oven-safe pan, but a cast-iron skillet works great if you want a crispy, golden edge.
Q7: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A7: Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, and make sure your baking powder is gluten-free.
Q8: What should I serve this cornbread with?
A8: It’s perfect with chili, BBQ, soups, or even as a side to grilled meats. It can also be enjoyed on its own as a snack!
Q9: Can I add other ingredients to the cornbread?
A9: Absolutely! You could add corn kernels, bell peppers, or even some crumbled bacon for extra flavor.
Q10: How do I store leftover cornbread?
A10: Store leftover cornbread in an airtight container for up to 2 days at room temperature. You can also freeze it for longer storage.
Conclusion
This Mexican Cornbread is the perfect balance of savory, spicy, and cheesy. It’s quick to make, easy to customize, and absolutely delicious with any meal. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish or enjoying it on its own, this cornbread is sure to win over anyone who takes a bite. Give it a try—your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Mexican Cornbread Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This Mexican Cornbread is a savory, moist, and slightly spicy take on the classic cornbread. Packed with corn kernels, jalapeños, and a hint of cheese, it’s the perfect side dish for any Mexican-inspired meal. With a tender crumb and a flavorful kick, this cornbread is sure to be a hit at your next gathering!
Ingredients
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1–2 jalapeño peppers (finely chopped)
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional)
Instructions
-
Preheat the oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease or line a 9×9-inch baking dish or an 8-inch round cake pan with parchment paper. -
Combine dry ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, salt, cumin, and cayenne pepper (if using). -
Mix wet ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, sour cream, eggs, and melted butter until smooth. -
Combine wet and dry ingredients:
Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. -
Add the fillings:
Fold in the shredded cheese, corn kernels, chopped jalapeños, and green onions (if using). -
Bake:
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, and the top is golden brown. -
Cool and serve:
Let the cornbread cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm as a side to your favorite Mexican dishes or enjoy it on its own with a dollop of butter.
Notes
- For an extra kick, add more jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the batter.
- If you prefer a sweeter cornbread, you can add a couple of tablespoons of sugar to the dry ingredients.
- This cornbread is delicious on its own or served with chili, tacos, or grilled meats.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 5
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 35mg