Homemade Zesty Mexican Cornbread Recipe for Taco Night

Warm, golden mexican cornbread whispers comfort from southern kitchens with its irresistible aroma.

Cheesy kernels of sweet corn nestle between tender crumbs that melt on your tongue.

Jalapeños dance through each slice, adding a playful spark of heat.

Skillet-baked traditions tell stories of grandmother’s kitchen and weekend gatherings.

Cast iron creates a crispy exterior that cradles soft, rich interior layers.

Crumbly yet moist, this recipe promises a delectable journey through flavor and texture.

Savor each bite and let the magic of mexican cornbread transport you home.

What to Serve with Mexican Cornbread

• Pair with Zesty Chili: Create a hearty meal by serving this Mexican cornbread alongside a spicy beef or vegetarian chili that complements its bold flavors and adds warmth to the dish.
• Refresh with Mexican Cerveza: Choose a crisp, light Mexican beer like Modelo Especial or Corona to balance the cornbread's richness and cut through its spicy jalapeño kick.
• Match with Tangy Salsa Verde: Add a bright, acidic salsa verde as a side condiment to enhance the cornbread's complex flavors and provide a cool, fresh contrast to its warm, cheesy texture.
• Complement with Creamy Guacamole: Serve a smooth, creamy guacamole alongside the cornbread to add a rich, buttery element that smooths out the bread's spicy and cheesy notes.

Mexican Cornbread Flavor Twists

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or a gluten-free cornmeal blend for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Vegan Adaptation: Swap eggs with flax eggs, use plant-based milk, and substitute dairy cheese with nutritional yeast or vegan cheese alternatives.
• Low-Spice Option: Remove jalapeños and reduce red bell pepper for a milder cornbread that's kid-friendly and less heat-intense.
• Protein-Packed Variation: Add cooked ground turkey or black beans to increase protein content and create a more substantial meal-ready cornbread.

FAQs

• Can I make this recipe without cheese?

Yes, you can omit the cheese or substitute with a dairy-free alternative like nutritional yeast for a similar flavor profile.

• How spicy will this cornbread be?

The jalapeños provide moderate heat. For less spice, remove the seeds and membranes, or use fewer peppers. For more heat, keep the seeds or add extra jalapeños.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

No, the recipe contains wheat flour. To make it gluten-free, replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour.

• Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Thaw and drain frozen corn completely before adding to the batter to prevent excess moisture.

Why Mexican Cornbread Recipe Packs a Tasty Punch

• Burst with Flavor: Packed with zesty jalapeños, sweet corn, and sharp cheese, this cornbread delivers an explosion of Mexican-inspired tastes that will make your taste buds dance.
• Super Easy to Whip Up: Perfect for beginner cooks, this recipe requires simple mixing techniques and basic ingredients, ensuring anyone can create a delicious side dish without stress.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Suitable for potlucks, barbecues, weeknight dinners, and game day gatherings, this cornbread adapts to any casual or festive occasion with its vibrant ingredients and comforting texture.
• Quick Weeknight Comfort: Ready in just a few simple steps, this cornbread brings homemade warmth to your dinner table without demanding hours of preparation or complicated cooking skills.

Mexican Cornbread Ingredient Guide

• Cornmeal: A key base for the classic Mexican-style bread.
• Flour: Provides structure to the cornbread.
• Sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness.
• Baking Powder: Helps the bread rise and become fluffy.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor.

• Milk: Creates moisture in the cornbread.
• Eggs: Binds ingredients together.
• Butter: Adds rich flavor and helps with texture.

• Corn, Red Bell Pepper: Adds color and sweet crunch.
• Jalapeños: Brings a spicy kick to the bread.
• Cheese: Provides creamy and tangy flavor.
• Cilantro: Offers fresh herbal notes.

• Honey, Butter, Sour Cream: Enhances the cornbread's taste and richness.

Mexican Cornbread Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 400°F and grab an 8-inch square baking dish or cast iron skillet. Give it a quick spray or brush of oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Blend Dry Ingredients

• Cornmeal
• Flour
• Sugar
• Baking powder
• Salt

Whisk these dry ingredients until they’re perfectly mixed and smooth.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

• Milk
• Eggs
• Melted butter

Blend until everything looks smooth and well incorporated.

Step 4: Create the Batter

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture. Stir gently with a light touch – you want the batter just combined, not beaten to death. Lumps are totally okay!

Step 5: Add Flavor Boosters

• Corn kernels
• Chopped jalapeños
• Shredded cheese
• Diced red bell pepper
• Fresh cilantro

Make sure these goodies are evenly spread throughout the batter.

Step 6: Prepare for Baking

Transfer the batter into your prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly with a spatula, creating a smooth surface.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the top turns a beautiful golden brown. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Let the cornbread rest for 5-10 minutes. Slice and serve warm. Feel free to add a pat of butter, drizzle of honey, or dollop of sour cream for extra deliciousness.

Cornbread Tips That Mix Mexican Flavors into Every Crumb

Boost Flavor Intensity: Add an extra handful of shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese for a more robust and melty texture.

Customize Spice Level: Adjust jalapeño quantity to control heat – remove seeds for milder version or add more for extra kick.

Perfect Moisture Balance: Avoid overmixing batter to ensure a tender, soft cornbread that doesn’t become tough or dry.

Enhance Texture Trick: Use cast iron skillet for crispy golden edges and a more authentic southern-style cornbread experience.

Versatile Serving Suggestion: Pair with chili, barbecue, or as a standalone breakfast item with a drizzle of honey or butter.

Make Mexican Cornbread Last Longer

• Store leftover cornbread in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or place in a sealed container to prevent drying out.
• Slice cornbread and wrap individual portions in aluminum foil, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months for maximum freshness and flavor preservation.
• Warm individual slices for 15-20 seconds on medium power. Cover with a damp paper towel to maintain moisture and prevent hardening.
• Restore crispy edges by wrapping cornbread in foil and heating at 350°F for 10-15 minutes. Unwrap the last 2-3 minutes to crisp the top and bring back its original texture.

Mexican Cornbread Recipe

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4.7 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Mouthwatering Mexican Cornbread delivers a spicy symphony of flavors that dance across your palate with southwestern charm. Cheesy, golden, and packed with jalapeños, this hearty dish brings authentic Mexican comfort straight to your dinner table.

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Ingredients

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Primary Ingredients:

• 1 cup yellow cornmeal
• 1 cup all-purpose flour

Leavening and Seasoning:

• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/4 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven environment by heating to 400°F and generously coating an 8-inch square baking vessel or cast iron skillet with cooking lubricant.
2. Combine dry ingredients in a spacious mixing bowl, whisking cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt into a uniform powder.
3. Create a separate mixture by thoroughly blending milk, eggs, and liquefied butter until the components integrate smoothly.
4. Gently merge wet and dry ingredients, using delicate stirring motions to prevent excessive agitation of the batter.
5. Introduce vibrant elements like corn kernels, diced jalapeños, shredded cheese, chopped red bell pepper, and fresh cilantro, folding them evenly throughout the mixture.
6. Transfer the textured batter into the prepared cooking vessel, ensuring an equal distribution across the surface.
7. Position the dish in the preheated oven and monitor for 20–25 minutes, watching for a golden-brown exterior and checking doneness with a clean toothpick test.
8. Allow the cornbread to rest and settle for 5–10 minutes post-baking, enabling structured cooling and easier cutting.
9. Slice and serve while still warm, offering optional accompaniments like creamy butter, sweet honey, or tangy sour cream for enhanced enjoyment.

Notes

• Adjust spice levels by reducing or removing jalapeños for a milder version, perfect for those with sensitive palates.
• Replace dairy milk with almond or oat milk to create a delicious dairy-free alternative that maintains the cornbread’s rich texture.
• Swap cheese with nutritional yeast for a vegan-friendly option that still delivers incredible flavor and depth.
• Add extra moisture by incorporating sour cream or Greek yogurt into the wet ingredients, ensuring a more tender and soft cornbread texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 3.5 g
• Sodium: 0.2 g
• Fat: 1 g
• Saturated Fat: 0.2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0.8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg