This is the BEST Easy Mexican Cornbread Recipe on the web! So moist and delicious, filled with cornmeal, corn kernels, spice, a hint of sweet and so much flavor!
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The Perks and Highlights of the Best Mexican Cornbread
Cuisine Inspiration: Mexican
Primary Cooking Method: Baking
Dietary Info: Vegetarian-friendly (but always check your specific ingredients!)
Key Flavor: Savory with a spicy kick
Skill Level: Pretty easy
Sweet Highlights:
- Spice is Nice: The combination of jalapeños and cheddar brings a spicy and savory kick that’s just irresistible.
- Corn Galore: We’re not skimping on the corn here. It’s in the name, and it’s in the game, bringing that sweet, earthy flavor to every bite.
- Cheesy Bliss: The melted cheese in every slice is like a surprise hug for your taste buds.
- Crispy Edges: Thanks to our trusty oven, every piece has those perfectly golden and crispy edges.
- Versatile Vibes: Serve it up as a side or enjoy it as a snack.
What is Mexican Cornbread?
Traditional Mexican cornbread has a mixture of cheese, chiles for spice and actual corn. It adds texture, gooeyness and spice which adds a wealth of flavors galore. You can of course adapt this recipe the way you see fit but I personally love it as is.
Ingredients
I like to add an abundance of flavors. These are the most important elements:
- Cornmeal
- Cheese
- Corn
- Buttermilk
- Chile peppers
Scratch cornbread always starts with cornmeal. I like to use a mix of yellow cornmeal and all purpose flour to balance the grit and flavor. For the cheeses, I use two types here: sharp cheddar for that more intense flavor and pepper jack for an additional kick.
Creamed canned corn is perfect or if you want to use some of my mama’s fried corn recipe.
Buttermilk is my major liquid. It adds a wonderful tang but so much moistness to this cornbread. We want to avoid making a dry cornbread recipe.
Finally the chile peppers are what truly makes this Mexican cornbread. If you can’t handle spice, the pepper jack cheese should be enough to give you a tiny kick. If you can do both, add them and it is delicious!
How to Make Mexican Cornbread
You can easily throw all of the ingredients into one bowl to make this recipe. It could not get easier. You don’t need to dirty up a ton of dishes that you will be washing all night. The ease of this recipe is what is so key.
Regarding the cheeses, I think the mix of cheddar AND pepper jack lends a unique blend of goodness. I love both cheeses equally and especially when paired together (try them in your quesadillas!).
The creamed corn really moves this past your wildest dreams. Each bite of this Mexican cornbread gives you a nice creamy bite of corn that really creates this perfect texture. And if you love a little bit more spice, definitely add in the peppers.
My husband can’t take things too spicy so I usually just rely on the pepper jack cheese for a mild kick. But if you are like me and love spicy foods, add the peppers.
How to Serve
This recipe is so fantastic to enjoy with soups and stews like this Chicken Pozole and Taco Soup or even a delish casserole like this Frito pie.
A nice Mexican rice and also pinto beans are also great sides that would be fantastic for this recipe.
How to Store
To store, simply wrap it up tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep it fresh, and place it at room temperature for up to two days. If you’re looking to keep it around for a bit longer, you can pop it in the fridge, and it’ll stay good for about a week. Just make sure it’s in an airtight container to maintain its moisture and flavor. When you’re ready to dive back in, you can enjoy it cold, bring it back to room temperature, or give it a quick warm-up in the oven or microwave.
Other Cornbread Recipes to Try
If you love this cornbread, definitely try these as well:
- Southern Cornbread
- Hot Water Cornbread
- Fried Cornbread (Hoe Cakes)
- Sweet Potato Cornbread
- Pumpkin Cornbread
- Honey Butter Cornbread
Easy Mexican Cornbread Recipe (How to Make Mexican Cornbread)
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Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup corn meal
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese plus more to sprinkle on top
- 1/2 cup shredded pepper jack cheese plus more to sprinkle on top
- 2/3 cup buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 8 ounces cream-style corn 1 can
- 1/2 stick salted butter melted
Optional:
- 4 ounces diced green chiles 1 can
Instructions
- Preheat Oven to 400 degrees.
- In a large bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, corn meal, baking powder, sugar, cheddar cheese and pepper jack cheese until well mixed.
- In a separate medium sized bowl, whisk together buttermilk, eggs, cream-style corn, diced green chiles if using, and melted butter.
- Slowly add wet mixture to dry mixture and mix together until well combined.
- Coat cast iron skillet or baking pan with shortening or spray with non-stick baking spray until fully covered. Add cornbread mixture to skillet. Optional: Sprinkle additional shredded cheeses on top of cornbread batter.
- Place in oven for 23-26 minutes until cornbread is done. Remove from oven and serve.
I’ve read a few posts here and I can actually relate. I am in love with Marie Callender’s cornbread.
They are simple to make and super yummy, especially with honey butter. I’ve been a fan of MC’s ever since
I was a little girl, and have fond memories of eating it with my family back in San Jose, CA. Check out their
website http://www.mccornbread.com to order your cornbread mix. They also stock a variety of gourmet products I’m sure you will enjoy.
I have to try Marie Callender’s cornbread. It sounds delish with the honey butter!
I’m going to make this for Easter, I love how moist it looks.
Oh it is super moist!!
Un pan picante estupendo.
Un saludito
Mmmm, this paired with my white chicken chili… It would be magic 🙂
Totally and utterly agreed Jocelyn! Your chicken chili was magical alone!
This cornbread looks unbelievably moist! I love that, you are so right, there’s nothing worse than a dusty, dry cornbread. And yours is totally over the top with all the cheese and creamed corn!
Thanks so much Allie. Isn’t dry cornbread the worst? Its a nightmare!
Wow you’re so expert having several cornbread recipes around! I love that! I’m going to keep this to my recipe collection as my first cornbread recipe! 🙂
Yes this is a great recipe to try as your first!!!
I grew up on a recipe similar to this, green chiles and all! I love the bite of the green chile, the sweetness of the corn, and the creaminess of the cheese. I must give your recipe a try!
Hooray Renee! Then you know how good that combo is in cornbread. Delish right?
The only thing better than cornbread is cornbread with lots of cheese and corn! Your looks moist and delicious!
Thanks so much! And I totally agree that cornbread loaded with cheese and corn is the best thing ever!
We love cornbread but I have honestly never made it from scratch, so I am dying to try this!
Oh gosh Julianne it is so easy to make from scratch too. It is one of my favorite quick breads.
I love cornbread and also love how adaptable it can be to suit everyone’s tastes! This looks delicious 🙂
Thanks so much Gerry!