Description
Enjoy the Best Creole Cornbread Ever—moist, savory, and packed with jalapeños, cheddar, and cream corn, making it the perfect side for any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups cooked rice: Provides texture and moisture, enhancing the cornbread’s heartiness.
- 1 cup yellow cornmeal: The base of any cornbread, it brings in that signature corny flavor.
- 1/2 cup diced red onion: Adds a sweet, tangy crunch to the dish.
- 2 tbsp diced fresh jalapeños: Introduces a kick of heat, typical in Creole recipes. Adjust based on your spice tolerance.
- Salt to taste: Enhances all the flavors in the dish.
- 1 tsp baking soda: A leavening agent that gives the cornbread its lightness.
- 1/2 cup canola oil: Provides moisture and richness.
- 2 eggs (room temperature): Binds the ingredients, contributing to the structure.
- 1 cup whole milk: Adds creaminess and moisture, keeping the cornbread tender.
- 1 can cream-style corn: Contributes sweetness and added moisture, making the cornbread utterly delicious.
- 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Essential for that melty, cheesy goodness that pulls this entire dish together.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial to ensure even cooking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of yellow cornmeal, salt to taste, 1 tsp of baking soda, 2 tbsp of diced fresh jalapeños, and 1/2 cup of diced red onion. Stir well to ensure that all dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 room temperature eggs, 1 cup of whole milk, 1/2 cup of canola oil, and 1 can of cream-style corn until well combined.
- Combine mixtures: Gradually mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until no dry spots remain. Be careful not to overmix as this can make the cornbread dense.
- Add the rice: Gently fold in 2 cups of cooked rice, ensuring it’s evenly incorporated into the batter.
- Incorporate cheese: Now it’s time for the star of the show! Fold in 3 cups of shredded cheddar cheese until the batter turns into a creamy, cheesy mixture.
- Prepare the skillet: Grease a 10-inch cast-iron skillet with butter and a sprinkle of cornmeal to prevent sticking. This traditional tool not only distributes heat evenly but also creates a lovely crust.
- Bake: Pour the cornbread batter into the prepped skillet, spreading it evenly. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown. You can check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean.
- Cool and serve: Once done, remove from the oven and let the cornbread cool slightly before cutting into it. This allows the cheese to set a bit more, making for cleaner slices. Enjoy each delicious bite!