Description
These Jalapeño Cornbread Muffins are tender, flavorful, and pack a subtle kick of heat. A creamy cream cheese filling in the center takes them to the next level. Perfect as a side for chili, soups, or a stand-alone snack.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the Cornbread Muffins:
- 1 cup (130 g) yellow cornmeal
- 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 cup (240 ml) buttermilk
- 1/3 cup (80 ml) vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 2 jalapeños, finely diced (remove seeds for less heat)
- 1/2 cup (60 g) shredded cheddar cheese
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 4 oz (113 g) cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon lime juice (optional, for a tangy twist)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Filling:
- In a small bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and lime juice until smooth. Cover and refrigerate while you prepare the muffin batter.
2. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease with cooking spray.
3. Make the Muffin Batter:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and baking soda.
- In another bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, vegetable oil, and eggs. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Fold in the diced jalapeños and shredded cheddar cheese.
4. Assemble the Muffins:
- Spoon about 1 tablespoon of batter into each muffin cup, spreading it to cover the bottom.
- Add a dollop (about 1 teaspoon) of the cream cheese filling to the center of each cup. Cover with another tablespoon of muffin batter, ensuring the cream cheese is fully enclosed.
5. Bake the Muffins:
- Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the muffin (avoiding the cream cheese center) comes out clean.
- Let the muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool slightly.
6. Serve:
- Serve warm with a drizzle of honey or alongside your favorite chili or soup.
Notes
- For a spicier muffin, leave the seeds in the jalapeños or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the batter.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the microwave.
- Substitute the cheddar cheese with pepper jack for extra flavor.