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.
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. 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.
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!
KK's Cheezy Cornbread
KK’s Cheezy Cornbread is the perfect blend of corn, cheese and heat. If you like cornbread with a kick, this is for you.
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
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Line bottom and sides of square glass baking dish (8x8 or 9x9) with parchment paper.
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Preheat oven to 425°
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Mix dry ingredients.
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Heat buttermilk and jalapenos in microwave on high for 1 minute. Let cool for 5 minutes.
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Combine buttermilk/jalapenpo mixture with eggs, cheese and corn, add to dry ingredients.
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Mix only until blended.
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Add lemon juice and melted butter.
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Pour into pan.
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Bake 40-50 minutes until golden brown and cake tester comes out clean.
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ENJOY!!
Recipe Notes
The choice of cheese will alter the flavours. The heat all comes down to the amount of peppers (black, cayenne and jalapeno) you decide to use.
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.
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!
The cheese and heat really make this bread exciting. Playing with different cheeses, and heat levels is always an option too.
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!
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.
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!
YES…it is NOT sweet…and that is what I love about it.
I LOVE cornbread- Although I have never made my own. This looks fantastic!
Cornbread is so easy and delicious. Hope you give this recipe a try soon.
My fiancee absolutely loves cornbread! I’m bookmarking this to make for her soon. Thanks for sharing the recipe!
Hope you enjoy it as much as we do. It is the only cornbread I EVER make!!
This looks outrageously tasty! Love that you have the whole corn kernels in there as well. I can’t wait to make this one 🙂
This is a fun and delicious recipe. Experiment with different cheeses and the level of heat.
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…
Love having this in the freezer. Perfect to bring out to add to a bowl of chili or soup.
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.
It sure is a hit in this house.
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.
The corn kernels are so great in this bread.
I am so ready for the warm soups and cornbread that fall brings!
HAHAH…not me…we had the WORST summer weather ever!!
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!
This is the only one I ever make….and it is not sweet!!
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!
You can play with the heat level in this recipe…and try different cheeses too.
I love a nice spicy corn bead. I can’t wait to chop up some jalapenos and try this!
You can spice this up as much as you like.
Love making cornbread!
It really is delicious.
I gotta try this cornbread. It looks so tasty!!!
Yes it is a winner in this house.
My skillets are all rusty and gross right now… I need to fix that so I can start using them again. This cornbread looks great!
Yes get those skillets cleaned…I love using my cast irons for so many things.
Man, I love cornbread. This spicy version looks amazing! I bet it would even be great turned into some hushpuppies! I’ll have to give this cornbread a whirl on our next chili night! THanks for sharing!
You can spice this up as much as you like.
I love the texture of this delicious cornbread and certainly the spicy kick!! A must-try indeed!!
This is so easy and delicious…hopw you give it a try.
Just wanted to let you know that we’re having the family together for an old-fashioned soup and sides — your cornbread will be going along with it. Sounds so yummy — we’re adding hatch chili to it.
Oh so happy you are going to give this a try. Let me know how you liked it.
Ohh I love cornbread, yours looks incredibly good!
It is the only one I make…EVER!!
Loving this recipe. I am always intimidated in trying to make a corn bread. But this recipe is simple to follow, I think I can manage this one.
No don’t be intimidated…this is SOOO easy….and really delicious.
I love corn bread – it’s so good! I’ve never actually had corn in my corn bread, but it sounds like it would be a tasty addition. I really love the idea of cheese and heat! Yum!!
The corn kernels really add some great texture….and natural sweetness.
OooooH!! I love cornbread and I think a hearty soup like ham and beans or chili absolutely demands cornbread along with it. I like the addition of the cheese to it. I bet it tastes out of this world. I’ll be sure to make this recipe the next time I have a hearty bowl of soup. Have a great weekend.
It is a fun recipe to experiment with….try different cheese…and adjust the heat level too.
Wow, I absolutely love this! What a great side to add to any meal, and I think it’s great you can freeze it afterwards. I always love having some proportioned ‘extras’ in the freezer when you want to add a little something extra to a meal.
Yes it is a great one to make and have extra to throw in the freezer. Fun to experiment with different cheeses too.
I can’t wait to try this Gloria. My kids love corn!! I make my mom old recipe often but I’m going to try this soon.
Hope you give it a try…we love it here.
Cheesy, spicy, savoury skillet cornbread! What could be better in the fall with a bowl of soup! Love it!
Yup…a must with chili too!!
Love the recipe and love that you added cheese to this corn bread! Definitely would like to try it!
Yes the cheese is so good in this recipe. Hope you give it a try.
I like my cornbread any way I can get it! I love mixing it up and adding different things to it. Pimentos one day, jalapenos another… corn and cheese.. YUM!
Cornbread is so good….hope you give this recipe a try.
I’ve never made cornbread, but this looks lovely. I like the idea of salty cheese against sweet corn!
It is so delicious…you really need to give it a try.
I have heard of cornbread but I have not had the chance to taste it yet. I would love to taste yours to see what it is like.
Hope you give it a try…it is SOOOOO delicious.
This sounds like a cornbread that you might find in a restaurant. I like how nice and easy it is to make.
Well you sure find it in this restaurant LOL.
This cornbread looks so good. I love all of the cheese in this.
I happen to think the more cheese the better!!
Cheese and corn. Awesome!
Yup it is a winner for sure.
This cornbread looks so delicious!! Love how easy it is!
Yes it is SOOOO easy and SOOOO delicious!!
I love the edition of cheese and jalapenos into this bread! I swear, I’m always looking for things to be spicier – and this pillowy cornbread looks like the perfect accompaniment to a fall chili.
You can make this as spicy as you like….hope you give it a try.
this looks so traditional and comforting! Love the idea of whole corn kernels inside the cornbread. I bet they add the most amazing texture. Yum!
Yes…it is full of texture and flavour.
I will take cornbread any way and anytime and there’s nothing better than little sweet bites of corn kernels,
This is the only cornbread I make…it is that good.
Nothing better than cast iron skillet cornbread! Love adding jalapenos too 😉
We love this recipe…the only one I make.
Loving the kernels in this easy cheesy cornbread!!!
It is such a great cornbread recipe…and you can make it as spicy as you like.
I’ve only ever had a sweet cornbread, but knowing me, I think I’ll like your spicy version better. The hotter the better!
See…now I am the opposite…I only eat savoury cornbread. Hope you give it a try.
I was looking for this type of recipe and just came across your page, thanks
Great… hope you give it at try.
I love cornbread! It’s so tasty!
Yes….and you can make this as spicy as you like.
Now this looks like a good recipe for the weather we have been having. So up and down. I could use some cheesy comfort food. MMMM
Well enjoy…we are having terrible weather too.
this looks amazing and something that could easily iinto our chili nights. It would be the perfect combo.
Perfect with chili.
This looks amazing! I love adding jalapeño to cornbread… it adds so much flavor!
Sure does…and heat!!
Would you believe no one in our family likes jalapenos??! Craziness I know! I’d definitely make this but leave out those pesky peppers. 😉
It is still awesome with them!!
I love a good cornbread and this looks delicious! I can’t wait to try it.
Thanks…hope you give it a try!!
I have cornbread with a meal at least once a week. Cheezy cornbread looks so delicious and worth trying.
Thanks…hope you give it a try!!
Oh yum! This sounds so good. I can’t wait to try it.
Hope you do…and ENJOY!!
Oh how I love cornbread and you’ve taken it up a notch with cheese and corn.! Sounds simply yummy!!
We love it!!
This looks delicious! My nephew made some one time and I just loved it with the jalapeños. Can’t wait to try this!
You can easily adjust the heat level…more or less spices and you are good to go!!
Oh my I love cornbread and I love peppers! I have saved this recipe. Thanks for the post.
The Old Fat Guy
Well you are going to enjoy the heat levels you can get with this recipe. Have fun…let me know how you like it!!
I have never made cornbread before. I used to think it’s hard to make but after looking at this recipe, t it seems really easy! Can’t wait to give it a shot soon 🙂
It really is easy….and like I said you can decide on how spicy you want it to be. The different cheeses also make it unique each time. Hope you enjoy it.