Print

Savory Hatch Green Chili Cornbread with Pepper Jack Cheese

hatch green chili cornbread - featured image

A quick and easy savory cornbread featuring smoky Hatch green chilies and melty pepper jack cheese, perfect as a comforting side for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (120 g) yellow cornmeal, preferably stone-ground
  • 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk (or buttermilk for extra tanginess)
  • 4 tablespoons (57 g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup roasted and chopped Hatch green chilies (canned, drained, works too)
  • 1 cup (about 115 g) shredded pepper jack cheese
  • Optional: pinch of smoked paprika or cumin

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). If using a cast iron skillet, place it in the oven while preheating to get it hot.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together yellow cornmeal, all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
  3. In a separate bowl, beat eggs until frothy. Add whole milk and melted butter, whisking until combined.
  4. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and gently fold with a spatula until just combined; do not overmix.
  5. Stir in Hatch green chilies and shredded pepper jack cheese. Add smoked paprika or cumin if using.
  6. Remove hot skillet from oven carefully and brush with melted butter or oil. If using a baking dish, lightly grease it.
  7. Pour batter evenly into skillet or pan; a slight sizzle indicates the skillet is hot enough.
  8. Bake for 25-30 minutes until top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Tent with foil if browning too fast.
  9. Let cool about 10 minutes before slicing into wedges or squares. Serve warm.

Notes

Preheating the cast iron skillet creates a crispy crust. Avoid overmixing the batter to keep cornbread tender. Drain canned chilies well to prevent soggy batter. Let cornbread cool slightly before slicing to keep cheese in place. If baking in muffin tins, reduce baking time to 18-20 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: cornbread, Hatch green chilies, pepper jack cheese, savory cornbread, spicy cornbread, easy side dish, comfort food