Print

Crispy Cheesy Jalapeño Cornbread Casserole

crispy cheesy jalapeño cornbread casserole - featured image
Print Recipe

A cozy, crowd-pleasing casserole featuring crispy edges, melty cheddar, spicy jalapeños, and sweet corn in a tender cornbread base. Perfect for chilly nights, potlucks, or brunch, this easy recipe comes together in under 45 minutes and is endlessly adaptable.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup yellow cornmeal
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (or 1:1 gluten-free blend)
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar (optional)
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 cup buttermilk (or regular milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice)
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
  • 2–3 medium jalapeños, seeded and finely diced
  • 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned and drained)
  • 1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional)
  • 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar (if using) until well combined.
  3. In a separate bowl, beat eggs lightly. Whisk in buttermilk, sour cream, and melted butter until smooth.
  4. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir gently with a spatula until just mixed. Batter should be thick but pourable.
  5. Fold in corn kernels, 1 cup cheddar cheese, diced jalapeños, and green onions. Reserve remaining cheese and some jalapeño slices for topping.
  6. Pour half the batter into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with 1/4 cup cheddar and 1/4 cup Monterey Jack cheese. Add the rest of the batter and spread evenly. Top with remaining cheese and jalapeño slices.
  7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until golden and crispy on top. Edges should be browned and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
  8. Let casserole rest for 10 minutes before slicing to help it set.
  9. If the top isn’t browning, turn on the broiler for 1-2 minutes, watching closely.
  10. Serve warm, garnished with green onions or cilantro if desired.

Notes

Layering cheese throughout and on top creates melty pockets and a crispy crust. For less spice, remove jalapeño seeds or substitute with mild green chiles. Use gluten-free flour and dairy-free cheese for dietary adaptations. Muffin tins can be used for individual servings (reduce bake time to 18-20 minutes). Let casserole cool before slicing for neat squares. Leftovers taste even better as flavors meld overnight.

Nutrition

Keywords: cornbread casserole, jalapeño, cheesy casserole, comfort food, easy dinner, potluck, brunch, spicy cornbread, cozy recipe

Find it online: https://tomyumy.com/crispy-cheesy-jalape-n-o-cornbread-casserole-easy-cozy-night-recipe/