Are you looking for a dish that perfectly balances spice and sweetness? This Spicy Jalapeño Cornbread drizzled with a tangy Sweet Lime Honey glaze is the answer. Ideal for gatherings or just a cozy night at home, this cornbread brings together the heat of jalapeños and the sweetness of honey and lime in a way that’s simply irresistible.
Ingredients:
Cornbread:
- 1 cup yellow cornmeal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 medium jalapeños, seeded and finely chopped
- 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese (optional)
Lime Honey Glaze:
- 1/2 cup honey
- Zest of 1 lime
- 3 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp melted butter
- Pinch of salt
Directions:
- Preheat Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare a 9-inch round pan or cast-iron skillet by greasing and flouring it to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, salt, and granulated sugar. This will ensure that all the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, beat together the buttermilk, eggs, and melted butter until well combined.
- Combine: Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. Gently fold in the chopped jalapeños and grated cheddar cheese if you’re using it. The cheese adds a lovely richness that pairs well with the heat of the jalapeños.
- Bake: Pour the batter into your prepared pan, spreading it out evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Prepare the Glaze: While your cornbread is baking, prepare the glaze by whisking together the honey, lime zest, lime juice, melted butter, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl. The lime adds a refreshing citrusy note that complements the sweetness of the honey.
- Finish: Once the cornbread is done baking, remove it from the oven. While it’s still warm, use a toothpick to poke holes all over the top of the cornbread. Drizzle the lime honey glaze over the top, allowing it to soak into the holes, infusing the cornbread with sweet, tangy goodness.
- Serve: Allow the cornbread to cool slightly in the pan before slicing it into wedges. Serve warm, garnished with extra sliced jalapeños and freshly chopped cilantro for a burst of color and flavor.
Tips:
- Customize the Spice Level: If you love heat, leave some seeds in the jalapeños or add an extra pepper. For a milder flavor, use just one jalapeño or omit it entirely.
- Sweetness Adjustment: Prefer a sweeter cornbread? Add an extra tablespoon of sugar to the batter or use a sweeter honey for the glaze.
- Serving Suggestion: A dollop of butter on top of a warm slice of this cornbread takes it to the next level of deliciousness.
Nutritional Information:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Calories: 270 per serving
This Spicy Jalapeño Cornbread drizzled with Sweet Lime Honey is not just a side dish; it’s a star in its own right. Whether paired with a hearty chili or enjoyed on its own, this cornbread is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.