How do you like your cornbread? KK’s Cheezy Cornbread is packed with corn kernels and HEAT!! Time for a revisit of a great “oldie but goodie” recipe.
If you love warm cheesy goodness, you also need to try these Cheddar Cheese Muffins.
I love cornbread, but not the sweet version. For me, it is all about the spice. I relate it to southern flavours, you know cayenne and jalapeño. Shrimp and grits are iconic for sure.
Although the south does have their fair share of “sweet” recipes, I’m a stickler for cornbread to be savoury and full of tongue-tingling heat.
Several years ago, my daughter brought some leftover cornbread home from a party she attended. I still remember her saying, “Mom, you are going to LOVE this”. She was right, it was the most delicious cornbread I had ever tasted.
Thank goodness it was made by her good friend Kris, and she has kindly let me replicate it for you. This is the ONLY cornbread I make, EVER!
LIVELY and SPICY
If you have watched my videos, the music I use is from a band called Loco Zydeco. This is a high energy, Canadian band and it just so happens that Kris is the female member of the 6 person group.
Just like you would expect the Zydeco music from Louisiana to be, it is lively and a little spicy. KK’s Cheezy Cornbread fits perfectly here, guess that is why it is a hit every time she takes it to a party. Packed with corn kernels, cheese, cayenne and a good amount of jalapeño. If you like cornbread with a kick, this is for you.
CAST IRON SKILLET
Another thing I totally relate to southern cooking is using cast iron skillets. I have a huge selection of sizes and I use them ALL the time. From Crispy Cast Iron Potatoes to Greek Nachos, my skillets get lots of use. Hubby uses them on the BBQ too. Bacon and eggs on a Saturday morning, or sautéing some mushrooms to go with that awesome steak for dinner, cast iron works wonders whether you are cooking indoors or at the campfire.
How about Irish Soda Bread baked in a cast-iron skillet. So good. I have a few sizes in my kitchen and use them all the time.
You can even make Onion Bread in cast iron if you like. The perfect side to comfort foods like soup, chili and stew.
This recipe is simple to make, yet really packs a punch. You can tailor it to your liking by using your favourite cheese, and easily adjust the heat by using more or less cayenne, black pepper and jalapeño. I have even tried making it without the added sugar, and it was still fantastic.
It is one of those mix, pour and bake recipes. If you don’t have a cast iron skillet that is ok. Kris uses a glass baking dish (and I have too). **TIP** This recipe freezes well, so you can always have some on hand ready to heat and eat. Simply pop in the microwave, or wrap in foil and warm in the oven or even on the BBQ.
We love this recipe as an appetizer, but it pairs well with chili and soup. Add a little heat to your next party. KK’s Cheezy Cornbread will have your guests asking for the recipe too!
If you want to try your hands on making homemade bread from scratch, I have just the recipe for you. This Sun-dried Tomato and Olive Artisan bread recipe is so delicious. Follow the steps in the post for perfect results.
KK's Cheezy Cornbread
Ingredients
- 1/2 - 1 cup chopped jalapeno peppers seeds and ribs removed
- 1 1/2 cups buttermilk
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 cup flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 2 tsp salt
- 1/2 - 2 tsp cayenne pepper depending on desired heat level
- 1/2 - 2 tsp black pepper depending on desired heat level
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 2 beaten eggs
- 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
- 1 cup whole kernel corn (fresh, frozen or canned)
- 3 tbsp melted butter
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Line bottom and sides of square glass baking dish (8x8 or 9x9) with parchment paper.
- Preheat oven to 425°
- Mix dry ingredients.
- Heat buttermilk and jalapenos in microwave on high for 1 minute. Let cool for 5 minutes.
- Combine buttermilk/jalapenpo mixture with eggs, cheese and corn, add to dry ingredients.
- Mix only until blended.
- Add lemon juice and melted butter.
- Pour into pan.
- Bake 40-50 minutes until golden brown and cake tester comes out clean.
- ENJOY!!
Nutrition Information
Notes
This goes GREAT with chili!! I baked mine in a casts iron skillet, so actual cooking time will be a little less. **TIP** This recipe freezes well, so you can always have some on hand, ready to heat and eat. Warm in the microwave, oven or even the BBQ.
Amanda
I’m so with you on the spicy cornbread. The flavor of jalapeno is one of my favorites, and I can never get enough cheese, so this is pretty much my perfect cornbread recipe. Thanks for sharing!
Gloria | Homemade & Yummy
This is one fantastic cornbread. So glad she let me share the recipe.
Lisa
I grew up in the South and cornbread was always a staple at my grandmother’s table. Like you, she made it in a cast iron skillet to give it that wonderful crusty texture. You’re recipe goes way beyond hers, though and I think it would be great at our next summer barbecue (likely tomorrow night). The corn addition really takes this cornbread to another level and I love the spice. Thanks for the inspiration!
Homemade & Yummy
I wish I could take the credit for this recipe….but KRIS is the expert here. She makes hers much spicier than I do….the more jalapenos you add…the hotter it will be.
Veena Azmanov
I’m going to try this soon. My Kids love cornbread and I love cheezy.. Got to be a winning recipe. Looks so easy too!
Homemade & Yummy
Yup this is a winner for sure.
Renee Gardner
I’ve always been a fan of sweet cornbread, but with cheese and jalapenos I would happily give this one a try. It would be great with a big bowl of corn chowder!
Homemade & Yummy
The cheese and heat really make this bread exciting. Playing with different cheeses, and heat levels is always an option too.
Carol Borchardt
This looks and sounds delicious! I’m always on the lookout for a GOOD cornbread recipe. I mean, I DO live in the South! Going to give this a try when it cools down and I can pair it with a good spicy chili!
Homemade & Yummy
Well I’m sure you have some awesome recipes too….but I hope you give it a try. It is perfect with chili for sure.
Michelle | The Last Food Blog
I’ve seen a lot of corn bread recipes, but your’s looks the best! I’ve never tried it but will definitely try it now that I’ve seen your recipe and that it’s not sweet. Thank you!
Homemade & Yummy
YES…it is NOT sweet…and that is what I love about it.
Jessica
I LOVE cornbread- Although I have never made my own. This looks fantastic!
Homemade & Yummy
Cornbread is so easy and delicious. Hope you give this recipe a try soon.
Jessica Pinney
My fiancee absolutely loves cornbread! I’m bookmarking this to make for her soon. Thanks for sharing the recipe!
Homemade & Yummy
Hope you enjoy it as much as we do. It is the only cornbread I EVER make!!
Ashley @ Big Flavors from a Tiny Kitchen
This looks outrageously tasty! Love that you have the whole corn kernels in there as well. I can’t wait to make this one 🙂
Homemade & Yummy
This is a fun and delicious recipe. Experiment with different cheeses and the level of heat.
Anne Murphy
I never liked my cornbread sweet, either. For some reason I never put cheese in it, though! This sounds delicious.
And I like your suggestion of freezing it – I never tried that, and with just two of us, there are times it would be really helpful…
Homemade & Yummy
Love having this in the freezer. Perfect to bring out to add to a bowl of chili or soup.
Erin @ The Speckled Palate
The crust on this cornbread is unreal! And I have no doubt it’s going to be a hit at my house because we love things with a little bit of spice (and cheese!) YUM.
Homemade & Yummy
It sure is a hit in this house.
Çitra Kale @Çitra's Home Diary
My husband lloovvesss cornbread. A lot. And I am bit boring of plain cornbread that İ usually make. The kernel and the spice should bring new flavor in our dinner table. Looking forward to try your recipe. Thx for sharing.
Homemade & Yummy
The corn kernels are so great in this bread.
Art from My Table
I am so ready for the warm soups and cornbread that fall brings!
Homemade & Yummy
HAHAH…not me…we had the WORST summer weather ever!!
Christine
Believe it or not I didn’t start enjoying cornbread until earlier this year when my husband and I visited Kansas City. We stayed with a lady who made this spicy version with honey and butter. Now I crave it. And after looking at your photos I’m craving cornbread even more!
Homemade & Yummy
This is the only one I ever make….and it is not sweet!!
Elaine @ Dishes Delish
Alas, hubby doesn’t like spice of any kind, but if maybe I sneak a little in…..then he can say, “this is spicy”, and I can say, “oh, no, more for me!!” This cheesy cornbread looks fabulous!
Homemade & Yummy
You can play with the heat level in this recipe…and try different cheeses too.