Mexican Cornbread Recipe

Cornmeal: A coarse flour made from dried corn, which gives the cornbread its classic texture and flavor.

All-purpose flour: A versatile flour that helps give the bread structure and softness.

Baking powder: A leavening agent that helps the cornbread rise and become fluffy.

Salt: Enhances the flavors of all the other ingredients.

Milk: Adds moisture and helps mix the ingredients smoothly.

Vegetable oil: Keeps the cornbread moist and tender.

Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add richness.

Corn kernels: Adds bursts of sweet corn flavor and texture throughout the bread.

Cheddar cheese: Melts into the bread, giving it a creamy, cheesy taste.

Jalapeño: A small chili pepper that adds a mild spicy kick to the cornbread.

One of the most helpful steps in this Mexican Cornbread Recipe is mixing the wet and dry ingredients just until they come together. Here’s how to do it without overdoing it:

1. After you’ve combined the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, and salt in one bowl, and whisked the milk, vegetable oil, and beaten eggs in another, pour the wet mix into the dry.
2. Use a spoon or spatula to gently stir the two together.
3. Stop stirring as soon as you don’t see any big patches of dry flour or cornmeal left. It’s okay if the batter looks a little lumpy—that’s actually a good thing!

Why does this matter? If you stir too much, the cornbread can turn out tough or dense because the gluten in the flour gets overworked. When you mix just enough, your cornbread stays light and fluffy, which makes every bite soft and delicious.

I remember the first time I made this recipe, I kept stirring and stirring because I thought the batter needed to be perfectly smooth. The result? A much firmer cornbread that wasn’t as tender as I wanted. Now, I remind myself to stop early and trust that little lumps are okay—they bake out just fine.

So next time you’re mixing your batter, think of it like this: gentle folding, not heavy stirring. It’s a small trick that makes a big difference in how your cornbread turns out!

• cornmeal - Substitute with polenta: Polenta is essentially coarsely ground cornmeal and can be used interchangeably in most recipes.

• all-purpose flour - Substitute with whole wheat flour: Whole wheat flour adds a nutty flavor and more fiber, though it may make the cornbread slightly denser.

• baking powder - Substitute with baking soda and cream of tartar: Use ¼ teaspoon baking soda and ½ teaspoon cream of tartar for each teaspoon of baking powder needed.

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used in the same quantity and adds a slightly different mineral flavor.

• milk - Substitute with buttermilk: Buttermilk adds a tangy flavor and reacts with the baking powder to make the cornbread fluffier.

• vegetable oil - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil can be used for a richer flavor, though it may slightly alter the taste of the cornbread.

• beaten eggs - Substitute with flax eggs: Mix 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoon water per egg. This is a good vegan alternative.

• fresh or frozen corn kernels - Substitute with canned corn: Drain and rinse canned corn to remove excess salt and use it in the same quantity.

• shredded cheddar cheese - Substitute with Monterey Jack cheese: Monterey Jack melts well and has a mild flavor that complements cornbread.

• diced jalapeño - Substitute with diced green bell pepper: Green bell pepper is milder and adds a similar crunch without the heat.

• Allow the cornbread to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make it soggy.
• Wrap the cornbread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep it fresh. Alternatively, place it in an airtight container.
• Store the wrapped or containerized cornbread at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you need to keep it longer, refrigerate it for up to a week.
• For freezing, cut the cornbread into individual portions. This makes it easier to thaw only what you need.
• Wrap each portion in plastic wrap, then place them in a resealable freezer bag. Squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing.
• Label the freezer bag with the date to keep track of its freshness. Cornbread can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• To reheat, thaw the cornbread in the refrigerator overnight. For a quicker option, use the microwave on a defrost setting.
• Once thawed, reheat the cornbread in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also use a microwave, heating in 30-second intervals until warm.
• For an extra touch, brush the cornbread with a bit of butter before reheating to enhance its flavor and moisture.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap the cornbread in aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out. Place it on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.

• For a quicker method, use the microwave. Place a slice of cornbread on a microwave-safe plate. Cover it with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power for 20-30 seconds, checking to see if it's warm enough. Repeat if necessary.

• If you prefer a crispy exterior, try reheating it in a skillet. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of butter or vegetable oil. Place the cornbread slices in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, until heated through and slightly crispy.

• For an air fryer method, preheat your air fryer to 320°F (160°C). Place the cornbread slices in the basket, making sure they don't overlap. Heat for about 3-5 minutes, or until warmed through and slightly crispy on the edges.

• Oven: Preheat to 400°F (200°C) to bake the cornbread.

• Baking dish: Grease this to prevent the cornbread from sticking.

• Mixing bowl: Use one for the dry ingredients and another for the wet ingredients.

• Whisk: Whisk together the milk, vegetable oil, and beaten eggs.

• Spatula: Fold in the corn kernels, shredded cheddar cheese, and diced jalapeño.

• Measuring cups: Measure out the cornmeal, flour, milk, and vegetable oil.

• Measuring spoons: Measure out the baking powder and salt.

• Knife: Dice the jalapeño.

• Cutting board: Use this to dice the jalapeño.

• Toothpick: Check if the cornbread is done by inserting it into the center.

• Cooling rack: Let the cornbread cool slightly before serving.

Pre-measure ingredients: Measure out cornmeal, flour, and other ingredients in advance to streamline the process.

Use pre-shredded cheese: Save time by using pre-shredded cheddar cheese instead of shredding it yourself.

Frozen corn: Opt for frozen corn kernels to skip the step of cutting fresh corn off the cob.

One-bowl method: Mix the wet ingredients directly into the bowl with the dry ingredients to reduce cleanup time.

Preheat oven early: Start preheating your oven before you begin mixing to ensure it's ready when you are.