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Spicy Gluten Free Jalapeño Cornbread Recipe

Spicy gluten free jalapeño cornbread in cast iron skillet with golden top and visible jalapeño pieces

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Bold, flavorful cornbread with fresh jalapeños and optional cheese, delivering perfect balance of sweet corn and spicy kick in moist gluten free texture

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/2 cups yellow cornmeal (medium grind)
  • 1 cup gluten free all-purpose flour blend
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon xanthan gum (if flour blend doesn’t contain it)
  • 1 1/4 cups buttermilk, room temperature
  • 1/3 cup vegetable oil or melted butter
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 23 medium fresh jalapeños, seeded and diced
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
  • 1/4 cup diced red bell pepper

 

  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 400°F and grease 9-inch square pan or 10-inch cast iron skillet.
  • Optional: place greased cast iron skillet in oven while mixing batter.
  • Wear gloves and dice jalapeños, removing seeds for milder heat.
  • Pat diced jalapeños dry with paper towels.
  • Whisk cornmeal, gluten free flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and xanthan gum in large bowl.
  • Create well in center of dry ingredients.
  • Whisk buttermilk, oil, eggs, honey, and apple cider vinegar in separate bowl.
  • Let wet mixture stand 2 minutes for leavening activation.
  • Pour wet ingredients into well of dry ingredients.
  • Fold with spatula just until no dry flour remains.
  • Fold in jalapeños, cheese if using, bell pepper, and cilantro with 3-4 strokes.
  • Pour batter into prepared pan (or preheated skillet).
  • Spread evenly and smooth top.
  • Bake 22-27 minutes until golden brown and toothpick has moist crumbs.

 

  • Cool in pan 10 minutes before cutting.

Notes

  • Remove jalapeño seeds for milder heat, keep some for extra spice
  • Wear gloves when handling jalapeños to protect hands
  • Preheated cast iron creates extra crispy golden edges
  • Pat jalapeños dry to prevent excess moisture in batter
  • Cheese is optional but adds richness and flavor
  • Don’t overbake – moist crumbs indicate perfect texture
  • Adjust jalapeño quantity based on heat preference

 

  • Freeze portions for convenient make-ahead side dish

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