Description
Spicy, savory, and irresistibly creamy, these Jalapeño Cornbread Muffins with Cream Cheese Filling are a delicious twist on classic cornbread. Each muffin is packed with bold jalapeño flavor, sharp cheddar cheese, and a hidden pocket of smooth cream cheese in the center. Perfect for chili night, barbecues, or as a zesty side dish, these muffins deliver the perfect balance of heat and comfort in every bite.
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Ingredients
For the Muffin Batter:
1 cup cornmeal
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tbsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
2 tbsp sugar (optional, for a touch of sweetness)
1 cup buttermilk (or milk + 1 tsp lemon juice)
2 large eggs
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
2 jalapeños, finely chopped (remove seeds for milder flavor)
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
4 oz cream cheese, softened
¼ tsp garlic powder
Pinch of salt
Optional Toppings:
Extra chopped jalapeños or cheddar for sprinkling
Honey or butter for serving
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease well with nonstick spray.
Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling
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In a small bowl, mix softened cream cheese with garlic powder and a pinch of salt.
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Set aside in the refrigerator while you prepare the batter.
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
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In a large bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar.
Step 4: Mix the Wet Ingredients
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In another bowl, whisk buttermilk, eggs, and melted butter until well combined.
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Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and stir just until combined—don’t overmix.
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Fold in shredded cheddar and chopped jalapeños.
Step 5: Fill the Muffin Cups
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Spoon about 1 tablespoon of batter into each muffin cup.
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Add about 1 teaspoon of the cream cheese mixture into the center of each cup.
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Cover with another tablespoon of batter to fully enclose the filling.
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Sprinkle extra cheese or jalapeños on top if desired.
Step 6: Bake the Muffins
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Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until golden and a toothpick inserted (beside the cream cheese center) comes out clean.
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Let cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Step 7: Serve
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Serve warm with a pat of butter or drizzle of honey for a sweet contrast.
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Perfect alongside chili, soups, or barbecue.
Notes
Use Room Temp Ingredients – Helps the batter mix evenly and rise well.
Control the Heat – Remove jalapeño seeds for milder muffins, or add an extra pepper for more spice.
Don’t Overmix – Stir just until ingredients are combined to avoid tough muffins.
Double the Filling – Like it creamier? Add more cream cheese to the center.
Add Corn Kernels – Stir in ¼ cup of fresh or frozen corn for added texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Cuisine: American