Spicy Jalapeño Cornbread with Sweet Lime Honey Glaze

Bold, buttery, and beautifully balanced, this Spicy Jalapeño Cornbread with Sweet Lime Honey Glaze delivers just the right kick of heat paired with a citrusy-sweet finish. It’s everything you love about classic cornbread—crumbly, moist, and golden—with a modern twist that adds complexity and flavor. Whether served alongside chili, grilled meats, or enjoyed on its own, this cornbread brings serious flavor to the table.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Sweet & Spicy – Jalapeño heat meets a tangy-sweet honey lime glaze.
Moist & Crumbly – The perfect texture in every bite.
Quick & Easy – Simple to make with pantry staples.
Great for Any Meal – Serve it with breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Crowd-Pleaser – Unique flavor combo that always impresses.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Cornbread:

• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ cup sugar
• 1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp vinegar)
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 jalapeños, finely chopped (seeds removed for less heat)
• ½ cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)

For the Sweet Lime Honey Glaze:

• ¼ cup honey
• 1 tbsp lime juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1 tsp lime zest
• Pinch of salt

Optional Toppings:

• Extra jalapeño slices
• Lime wedges
• Sprinkle of flaky sea salt
• Chopped cilantro

Tools You’ll Need

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• 8-inch square pan or cast iron skillet
• Small saucepan (for glaze)
• Cooling rack

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cornbread Batter

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar.
3. In another bowl, whisk together buttermilk, eggs, and melted butter.
4. Pour wet ingredients into dry and stir just until combined—don’t overmix.
5. Fold in chopped jalapeños and corn kernels.

Step 2: Bake the Cornbread
6. Pour the batter into a greased or parchment-lined 8-inch baking dish or cast iron skillet.
7. Smooth the top and add a few extra jalapeño slices if desired.
8. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the top is golden.
9. Let cool slightly on a wire rack while you make the glaze.

Step 3: Make the Sweet Lime Honey Glaze
10. In a small saucepan, combine honey, lime juice, lime zest, and a pinch of salt.
11. Warm over low heat for 2–3 minutes, stirring until blended.
12. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Step 4: Glaze & Serve
13. Brush or drizzle the warm glaze generously over the top of the cornbread.
14. Slice and serve warm or at room temperature.

Tips for the Best Spicy-Sweet Cornbread
Use Fresh Jalapeños – For the brightest flavor and adjustable heat.
Don’t Overmix – Just stir until everything is incorporated.
Glaze While Warm – The cornbread soaks up the glaze best this way.
Add Texture – Whole corn kernels add sweetness and moisture.
Try Cast Iron – For an extra-crispy golden crust.

Serving Suggestions
With Chili – A natural pairing for hearty, spicy stews.
As a BBQ Side – Perfect with ribs, brisket, or grilled veggies.
For Brunch – Serve with eggs and avocado for a savory start.
With Soup – Adds richness to creamy or spicy soups.
As a Snack – Reheat slices and slather with extra honey or butter.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:

• Room Temp: Wrap tightly and store for up to 2 days.
• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Reheating:

• Oven: Warm at 350°F for 8–10 minutes.
• Microwave: Reheat slices in 20-second intervals until warm.
• Skillet: Toast lightly with a pat of butter for crispy edges.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make it less spicy?
   Yes—remove the seeds from the jalapeños or use just one.
2. Can I use canned corn?
   Absolutely—just drain it first. Frozen corn works great too.
3. Is there a dairy-free version?
   Use plant-based milk and butter alternatives. Add 1 tbsp vinegar to the milk to mimic buttermilk.
4. Can I make it in muffin form?
   Yes—divide into a greased muffin tin and bake for 15–18 minutes.
5. Can I skip the glaze?
   You can—but it adds a unique sweet-citrusy finish that’s worth trying!

Final Thoughts

This Spicy Jalapeño Cornbread with Sweet Lime Honey Glaze is a flavor-packed twist on a Southern classic. With the perfect mix of heat, sweetness, and texture, it’s a show-stealing side dish that works for almost any meal. Whether served with chili, BBQ, or enjoyed solo with a cup of coffee, this cornbread is unforgettable.

Try it out and let me know what you think! Don’t forget to leave a review below and share your spicy-sweet creations on Pinterest! I can’t wait to see your golden glazed loaves.
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Cuisine: Southern-Inspired

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – based on 9 servings):
Calories: 240 | Protein: 5g | Carbohydrates: 28g | Fat: 12g | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 9g | Sodium: 290mg

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