Cheese Stuffed Jalapeno Cornbread
Welcome in the cooler weather with a batch of this Cheese Stuffed Jalapeno Cornbread!
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Last weekend, a couple of us were sitting around with some beers on the back porch, and someone brought up the “2 truths and a lie” game. Are you guys familiar with this one? It’s a good ice breaker, and it works particularly well when you know the other people in the group decently well (but not too well). Each person mentions 3 things about themselves. 2 of them should be true. 1 should be false. The goal is to see the other people in the group can pick out the lie.
My statements: (1) I am a huge fan of Broadway musicals. (2) I played competitive disc Frisbee in college. (3) I once spent an evening chauffeuring a rapper around town. Depending on the crowd, you can change up the facts. For instance, I could say something about being a competitive curler. You guys know that I curl since I mention it quite often during the cold weather months. Curling is an odd sport, and I always get a bunch of questions (and a few raised eyebrows) when I bring it up in a group setting. Most people think I’m lying about that…but I’m not!
For the record, #2 above is a lie. I didn’t play competitive Frisbee. I did indeed chauffeur a rapper around town one evening back when I worked at LSU. And I am a huge fan of Broadway musicals. I know. I know. This boy who typically listens to Journey, Europe, Cheap Trick and the Styx also likes Broadway show tunes. It doesn’t make much sense, but I credit my parents with my love of theater. I can’t sing at all, but my parents would take me and my sister to see Broadway shows occasionally back when we were in high school. Les Mis, Rent and Phantom of the Opera are among my all-time favorites, and Laura and I try to see at least one Broadway show each year when they come through our town.
So there’s something you might not have known about me. But something that I couldn’t even pretend to lie about is my love for cheese. I love all types of cheese, and I firmly believe that cheese makes (almost) everything taste better. I say “almost” only because cheddar doesn’t go well with chocolate cake. Even before I made this Cheese Stuffed Jalapeno Cornbread, I knew I would love it. I used my standard cornbread base, added some jalapenos and then cubes of pepperjack cheese. I mean how can you go wrong here?
Cheese goes well in baked breads. You might recall that I love to include shredded mozzarella in my focaccia bread. And now I can add Cheese Stuffed Jalapeno Cornbread to the list of yummy, cheesy breads! Cornbread is a must-have now that we’re heading into cooler weather. A good bowl of chili + a hunk of this Cheese Stuffed Jalapeno Cornbread would pretty much be the ideal comfort food meal! I used pepperjack cheese and seeded jalapenos for this batch of cornbread, but you could totally tone down the spice and just use a nice sharp cheddar instead. Enjoy!
Cheese Stuffed Jalapeno Cornbread
Ingredients
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 Tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs lightly beaten
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 jalapenos ribbed and seeded, diced
- 1 jalapeno ribbed and seeded, sliced
- 3 Tbsp unsalted butter divided
- 6 oz. pepperjack cheese cut into ½” cubes
Instructions
- Using a medium bowl, add buttermilk, oil, cornmeal, and flour; stir until well combined. Let sit for 15-20 minutes.
- Meanwhile, preheat oven to 425°F with 9-10” cast iron pan in the oven.
- Once the cornmeal mixture has rested, add eggs, baking powder, baking soda, salt, diced jalapenos, and 2 Tbsp of melted butter. Stir until well combined.
- Carefully remove the cast iron pan from the oven and grease the bottom and sides with remaining 1 Tbsp of butter.
- Reduce oven temperature to 375°F.
- Pour half of batter into skillet. Sprinkle cubed pepperjack cheese on top of batter. Pour remaining batter on top of cheese. Lay sliced jalapenos on top.
- Bake at 375°F for 20-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let cool for 5 minutes before slicing.
I’m not a curling fan at all, but now when travelling across Canada (mostly Ontario), I’ve been noticing different curling clubs. I guess I need to start a list of curling clubs in Canada for you – maybe one day you have a trip hah. But you know, it’s surprising how many clubs I’ve already seen. Looks like every second tiny town has its own team! But nothing (almost) can beat cheese. Although I love sweets, sometimes cheese is the best dessert to me. I always stir in some cheese in my polenta, and this cornbread is another delicious way. But say what? Cheddar doesn’t go well with chocolate cake? David, this is a challenge, and I’m going to accept it!
There are hundreds of curling clubs up there in Canada! If you start making a list, you might need extra sheets of paper. 🙂 Actually, our team’s goal is to head up to Canada for a tournament this year. Not sure if we’ll make it, but we’ll see!
So I’ve gotta say the cheese in this cornbread is one heck of an awesome addition! I like pepperjack as it melts quite well and it brings a punch of flavor, but other cheeses could work here, too. But, Ben, please don’t take me up on the cheddar and chocolate cake mission. That is NOT a challenge! 🙂
The truth or lie games sounds like a lot of fun. I will have to try it out. I agree that cheese makes almost everything better. Love this cheese stuffed jalapeno cornbread. I would love it with a bowl of chili.
Definitely try that 2 truths and a lie game out, Dawn. It’s a lot of fun with a group of people that you kinda know, but don’t know too well. And it certainly leads to fun conversations! Now that chili season is here, that means cornbread season is here…and this cheese-stuffed version is definitely worthy of an appearance next to a nice hot bowl of chili! 🙂
Hi David! As you said, perfect with a bowl of chili and it is getting to be that time of year. I’ve made cornbread with green chiles and Cheddar which is also pretty tasty. I’m saving this one for my first batch of chili (which is not far off).
I guess it’s not quite chili season down South yet, but it’s coming! We’re hitting the 40s at night up here, so the evenings are quite cool…and I’m actually a little excited about chili and comfort food season. (Of course, I’ll be craving the grill come late January…haha!) Definitely try this cornbread out when you get a chance, Dorothy. It’s delicious!! And it also sounds pretty similar to the cheddar + chilies one you’ve got in your recipe box. Either way, enjoy, my friend!
I love two truths and a lie! One of my truths is always that I was bitten by a wild monkey. No one ever believes me but it’s true! I have pics :). As for the cornbread, I’ll take the whole batch please. Cornbread is easily one of my favorite sides. Add some cheese and I’ll just make a meal out of it!
Wait. You were bitten by a wild monkey? Say what!? I need the story and maybe a pic. What did you do to make the monkey so mad?? Perhaps next time you should pack some of your delicious cheesecake in your pocket…because we all know cheesecake is a legit method for fending off wild animal attacks. 🙂
I know it’s probably not chili season out there in Arizona yet, but it’s coming! Chili + cornbread is one of my favorite Autumn meals. Hope you’re doing well, my friend!
Oh gosh, and just when I thought cornbread couldn’t get even better…chunks of pepper jack?! Yes, please. I’m always amused by how many things we have in common – I love cheese (duh), musicals, and a lot of those same bands you mentioned. I was SO excited when Styx came to Michigan a few summers ago!
Pepper jack is such an underrated cheese! It melts well, and it packs a serious punch of flavor. Of course, it’s a bit spicy so you have to like spicy foods…but it is SO good! 🙂 And as far as the music similarities, why am I not surprised? I mean we both appreciate the classics, and that puts us in select company to begin with. Speaking of that, how’s the dissertation going? You know I want to read it when you’re done! Thanks, Mara. Hope the Fall semester is off to a good start so far!
I went to a wedding this weekend and per usual there wasn’t a pescetarin option so I was suck eating sides, which I actually kind of enjoy. The had some tasty cornbread with a few specs of bell pepper in them and all I could think about was how yummy jalapeño cornbread would be. Then you post this cheese stuffed jalapeño cornbread and all seems right with the world. I love 2 truths and a lie, it is a great ice breaker game. OMG I thought number 3 was a lie, I love this game. Cheese is the main reason I’m not vegan, cheese and eggs.
You know, you’re right. Fish rarely makes appearances at banquets. I suspect that’s because seafood just doesn’t hold well like other meats…but still, it’s not fair to pescetarians! But I’m glad they had some cornbread for you to nom-nom on. 🙂 And we must have been on the same wave length this past weekend with the diced jalapenos in cornbread. So good! And then add in some cheese? Even better! And as far as #3, I did indeed chauffeur a rapper around town…in one of those big vans. Totally not as glamorous as a limo or anything, but still kinda fun. In fact, I’ve got a photo somewhere. I should dig that one out!
I rarely use cornmeal in my dishes so this would be a perfect recipe to include it more. Excellent job, David!
Cornmeal is totally underrated, Agness! I agree with you on that one for sure. But cornbread is SO good…especially next to a bowl of chili on a cold Autumn day. Those days aren’t here yet, but they’re coming. And I’m gonna be ready with some comfort food at least…haha! Thanks so much, my friend!
no wonder people think you are lying when you say you are a curler..I had not even heard of this sport before 😐 This bread though looks super delicious! love the addition of jalapenos!
Haha! Curling is indeed a strange sport, Manali. I sometimes can’t believe I’m a curler myself..but here we are about to start my 4th season of it. And I love the sport! I also love chili season, and we all know a good bowl of chili needs a hunk of cornbread next to it. The jalapenos and cheese in this one take it to a whole new level of delicious! Thanks so much, my friend! 🙂
What a fun game – never played it but it made me seriously think about ‘three’ facts about myself and what the lie could be 🙂 Who doesn’t love cheese, it makes everything taste extra special (except chocolate cake of course ;-)) Great idea to add jalapenos, they will definitely warm you up from inside out. Have a fantastic weekend, David!
So that ‘2 Truths and a Lie’ game really is fun with a group of people that you kinda know, but don’t know too well. And the trick is finding a lie which really happened, but sounds kinda ridiculous. I say you should play this game with friends…with a nice big pot of chili + cornbread on the side! Haha. Thanks so much, Miriam! 🙂
So I totally thought that #1 would be the lie! I am 100% with you though, I absolutely love Broadway shows, and Les Mis is my all-time favorite! I’ve seen it a bunch of times and was obsessed with listening to the soundtrack to it for years. Growing up we would have girls’ days and the women in my family would all go into NYC to see a show and have dinner. It was so fun!
See! That’s the fun of 2 Truths & a Lie…some people will surprise you! 🙂 I’m with ya on Les Mis. We listened to the soundtrack back in the spring on repeat for I swear about 2 months every night while we made dinner. And it was awesome! Phantom is another favorite of mine, and I’ve sworn to always go see Phantom whenever it comes through whatever town we happen to be living in. But I still need to make my way down to actual Broadway! (It’s only a couple hour train ride, so we need to do it…but Robbie and traveling and Broadway shows don’t exactly mix. Haha.) Thanks, Nicole! I hope you had a great weekend!
I haven’t tried a cornmeal bread yet! Might as well try this one, with cheese and my favorite jalapeños :).And the 2 truths and lie game sounds so much fun ;).
Oh gosh, you’ve totally got to try cornbread then, Deepika! It’s a classic dish in the southern part of the US, and it’s almost a requirement whenever you make chili or stew. It’s quite delicious if I say so myself! 🙂 Thanks so much, my friend, and I hope you had a great weekend!
I thought “show tunes” was the lie! This cornbread is no lie, though. Cheddar DOES go with chocolate. One of those is a lie.