Cornbread is a beloved comfort food that has been a staple in American and Mexican kitchens for centuries. When infused with bold, authentic Mexican flavors, cornbread transforms from a simple side dish into a hearty, spicy, and cheesy delight. Whether you’re looking for a traditional Mexican cornbread recipe, a spicy version, or a cheesy, meaty variation, this article will guide you through different ways to create the perfect Mexican cornbread.
The Origins of Mexican Cornbread
Cornbread traces its roots back to indigenous cultures in the Americas, where corn was a dietary staple. The combination of cornmeal, eggs, milk, and butter was a simple yet effective way to create a filling and nourishing bread. Over time, Mexican flavors such as jalapeños, cheese, and spices were incorporated to give it a unique, zesty flair.
Mexican cornbread is often moister and richer than traditional southern cornbread, thanks to ingredients like sour cream, creamed corn, and cheese. Whether baked in a skillet or a baking dish, this dish pairs perfectly with chili, soups, and grilled meats.
Traditional Mexican Cornbread Recipe
This traditional Mexican cornbread recipe brings together fresh ingredients to create a soft and flavorful bread. It’s perfect as a side dish or even on its own.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup yellow cornmeal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon cumin (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1 cup milk
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup canned cream-style corn
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup diced jalapeños (fresh or canned)
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish or a cast-iron skillet.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, salt, and cumin.
- Prepare Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the milk, melted butter, eggs, cream-style corn, and sour cream.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined.
- Fold in Cheese and Jalapeños: Gently stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and diced jalapeños.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the greased baking dish and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Allow to cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
This cornbread is perfect as a side for chili, barbecue, or Mexican stews like pozole.
Spicy Jalapeño and Cheese Mexican Cornbread
For those who love heat, this version of Mexican cornbread turns up the spice factor by incorporating fresh jalapeños and pepper jack cheese.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 cup buttermilk
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- ¾ cup canned cream-style corn
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
- 1 cup chopped fresh jalapeños (remove seeds for milder spice)
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Set oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish or skillet.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine cornmeal, flour, baking powder, salt, cayenne pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Prepare Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix buttermilk, melted butter, eggs, cream-style corn, and sour cream.
- Combine the Mixtures: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring gently.
- Add Cheese and Jalapeños: Fold in the pepper jack cheese and fresh jalapeños.
- Bake: Pour into a baking dish and bake for 30–35 minutes.
- Cool and Serve: Let cool for 10 minutes before slicing.
This cornbread is a great companion to spicy chili, tacos, or grilled meats.
Cheesy Mexican Cornbread with Ground Beef
For a more filling version, this cornbread includes seasoned ground beef, making it almost a meal on its own.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup yellow cornmeal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 cup buttermilk
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup canned cream-style corn
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- ½ cup diced jalapeños
- 1 small can diced green chilies
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Set oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish.
- Cook the Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine cornmeal, flour, baking powder, salt, and smoked paprika.
- Prepare Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, mix buttermilk, melted butter, eggs, cream-style corn, and sour cream.
- Combine Mixtures: Slowly mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients.
- Add Cheese, Jalapeños, and Chilies: Fold in the shredded cheese, diced jalapeños, and green chilies.
- Layer the Batter and Beef: Pour half the batter into the baking dish, layer the cooked ground beef over it, then top with the remaining batter.
- Bake: Bake for 35–40 minutes or until golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Allow to cool slightly before serving.
This cornbread pairs well with salsa, guacamole, or a dollop of sour cream.
Sweet and Savory Mexican Cornbread
If you enjoy a touch of sweetness in your cornbread, this recipe balances spicy and sweet flavors beautifully.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup honey or agave syrup
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- ¾ cup canned cream-style corn
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup cooked crumbled chorizo (optional)
- ½ cup diced jalapeños
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Set oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, combine cornmeal, flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
- Prepare Wet Ingredients: Mix buttermilk, melted butter, eggs, honey, cream-style corn, and sour cream.
- Combine Mixtures: Stir wet ingredients into the dry ingredients.
- Add Cheese and Jalapeños: Fold in cheddar cheese and jalapeños. If using chorizo, stir it in now.
- Bake: Pour batter into the baking dish and bake for 30–35 minutes.
- Cool and Serve: Allow to cool slightly before serving.
This version pairs well with honey butter or fruit preserves for a delicious contrast of flavors.
Conclusion
Mexican cornbread is a versatile dish that can be customized in countless ways, whether you prefer it spicy, cheesy, or even with a touch of sweetness. It’s a perfect side dish for any Mexican-inspired meal, from tacos and chili to grilled meats and stews. Try these recipes to bring a bold, flavorful twist to your traditional cornbread!
