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Crispy Cast Iron Skillet Jalapeño Cheddar Cornbread Recipe with Honey Butter Glaze

crispy cast iron skillet jalapeño cheddar cornbread - featured image

A crispy, cheesy cornbread with a spicy kick of jalapeño and a sweet honey butter glaze, baked in a cast iron skillet for a perfect crust and tender center.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup yellow cornmeal
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend)
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 cup buttermilk (or dairy-free milk plus 1 tbsp vinegar)
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 23 jalapeños, seeded and finely chopped
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (for glaze)
  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • Pinch of sea salt (for glaze)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place your cast iron skillet in the oven while it’s heating for about 10 minutes to get it hot.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. In a separate bowl, beat eggs until frothy. Add buttermilk and melted butter, stirring gently to combine.
  4. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir just until combined; a few lumps are fine.
  5. Fold in shredded cheddar cheese and chopped jalapeños, mixing lightly.
  6. Carefully remove the hot skillet from the oven and brush the bottom and sides with melted butter or oil.
  7. Pour the batter into the hot skillet and smooth the top with a spatula.
  8. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  9. While baking, melt butter for the glaze in a small pan over low heat. Stir in honey and sea salt until warm and combined.
  10. Brush the warm honey butter glaze generously over the hot cornbread. Let it sit for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

Preheat the skillet for at least 10 minutes to achieve a crispy crust. Do not overmix the batter to avoid tough cornbread. Adjust jalapeño heat by removing seeds or adding more peppers. Let cornbread rest 5 minutes after glazing for best texture. If glaze hardens, warm slightly before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: cornbread, jalapeño, cheddar, cast iron skillet, honey butter glaze, spicy, cheesy, quick, easy, side dish