Cornbread has been a beloved staple in many homes for generations, and it’s even better when you give it a delicious Mexican twist! This Jiffy Mexican cornbread recipe brings the warmth of Southern comfort food with a bold Mexican flair, making it perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or need a quick weeknight side dish, this cheesy and spicy cornbread is sure to please. Plus, using Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix as the base means it’s both quick and easy, while still delivering maximum flavor.
Why Jiffy Mexican Cornbread?
Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix has long been a go-to for those seeking a quick, reliable cornbread base. It’s affordable, accessible, and versatile. But what makes it even better is how easily you can elevate it with just a few simple ingredients to create a moist, flavorful, and cheesy Mexican cornbread. Whether you want a side dish for chili, barbecue, or a standalone snack, this recipe is a fantastic way to add a bit of spice and heartiness to your meals.
Key Ingredients for Mexican Cornbread with Jiffy Mix
To create the best Jiffy Mexican cornbread, you’ll need just a handful of simple ingredients that pack a punch of flavor:
- Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix: The base of this cornbread, which offers convenience and consistent results.
- Creamed Corn: Adds moisture and texture to the cornbread, keeping it from becoming too dry.
- Jalapeños: A fresh or canned ingredient that gives the cornbread a spicy kick. You can adjust the heat by removing or keeping the seeds.
- Cheddar Cheese: Sharp or mild cheddar cheese provides richness and complements the heat from the jalapeños.
- Sour Cream: Adds creaminess and ensures the cornbread stays moist.
- Eggs: Helps bind the ingredients together for a perfectly fluffy texture.
- Green Chilies (optional): For an extra burst of flavor, these chilies add a mild, smoky heat.
- Butter: Adds richness and enhances the flavor.
These ingredients are all easy to find and can be customized to suit your personal preferences.
How to Make the Perfect Jiffy Mexican Cornbread
Let’s get into the step-by-step process of making the ultimate Mexican cornbread using Jiffy mix.
Ingredients:
- Two 8.5-ounce boxes of Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix
- 1 can (14.75 oz) of creamed corn
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1-2 jalapeños, diced (optional, adjust for heat preference)
- 1 small can (4 oz) green chilies, drained (optional)
- 1/2 cup milk (optional, for extra moisture)
Directions:
- Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or a cast-iron skillet.
- Mix the wet ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the creamed corn, eggs, sour cream, and melted butter.. Whisk these together until smooth.
- Add the dry ingredients: Gradually stir in the Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix, mixing until just combined. Don’t overmix, as this can result in a tougher cornbread. You want the mixture to be lumpy but incorporated.
- Fold in the cheese and jalapeños: Gently fold in the shredded cheddar cheese, diced jalapeños, and green chilies if using. This will distribute the cheesy, spicy goodness throughout the batter.
- Bake the cornbread: Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish or skillet. Smooth out the top with a spatula, and if desired, sprinkle a little extra cheese on top for a golden, cheesy crust.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges of the cornbread turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the middle comes out clean.
- Cool and serve: Let the cornbread cool for a few minutes before cutting and serving.
Tips for the Best Jiffy Mexican Cornbread
- Use a cast-iron skillet: If you want a crispy, golden crust, bake your cornbread in a preheated cast-iron skillet. This method creates a beautiful, crunchy exterior while keeping the inside moist and tender.
- Adjust the heat: Not everyone enjoys the same level of spice. You can control the heat by adding more or fewer jalapeños, or even swapping them for milder peppers like poblano or bell peppers.
- Add more cheese: For an extra cheesy cornbread, try mixing different types of cheese such as Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or Colby alongside the cheddar.
- Extra moisture: If you prefer a super moist cornbread, add a little milk to the batter. This will make the texture softer without compromising the crumb.
- Sweet vs. savory: If you enjoy a touch of sweetness in your cornbread, you can add a tablespoon of honey or sugar to the mix. The sweetness contrasts beautifully with the spicy jalapeños and cheesy richness.
What to Serve with Mexican Cornbread
Jiffy Mexican cornbread is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a wide variety of dishes. Here are some meal ideas to accompany your delicious cornbread:
- Chili: A warm, hearty bowl of chili is the perfect pairing for this spicy cornbread. The rich flavors of beef or bean chili complement the cheesy and spicy elements of the bread.
- Barbecue: Whether you’re serving ribs, pulled pork, or grilled chicken, Mexican cornbread is a perfect side dish that complements smoky, tangy barbecue flavors.
- Tacos or enchiladas: The cheesy, spicy flavor of the cornbread enhances the taste of Mexican-inspired dishes like tacos, enchiladas, and fajitas.
- Soup or stew: If you’re serving a comforting bowl of soup or stew, this cornbread makes a great side to soak up all the delicious broth.
- Salad: A light, refreshing salad with avocado, tomatoes, and lime dressing can balance the richness of the cornbread.
- Beans and rice: A simple side of beans and rice pairs excellently with the bold flavors of Jiffy Mexican cornbread, creating a hearty and satisfying meal.
Variations on the Jiffy Mexican Cornbread Recipe
The versatility of this recipe is one of its greatest strengths . Here are a few ways you can customize your Jiffy Mexican cornbread:
- Jiffy Cornbread Casserole: Turn this recipe into a full casserole by adding cooked ground beef or shredded chicken to the batter. Layer the meat in between the cornbread batter, then bake until golden and bubbly.
- Sweet and Spicy: If you like a balance of sweet and heat, add a tablespoon of sugar or honey to the batter. The sweetness complements the spicy jalapeños and cheesy goodness.
- Vegetarian Version: Make this recipe vegetarian by omitting the meat or adding cooked vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or corn kernels for extra texture and flavor.
- Gluten-Free: If you’re gluten-intolerant, you can use a gluten-free cornbread mix in place of the Jiffy mix and follow the same recipe instructions.
- Low-Calorie Version: For a lighter version, you can substitute low-fat sour cream and cheese, or use Greek yogurt in place of sour cream.
Storing and Reheating Jiffy Mexican Cornbread
This Mexican cornbread stores beautifully and can be easily reheated for later use. Here’s how to store it:
- Storing: Keep any remaining cornbread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, place it in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze this cornbread by wrapping individual slices in plastic wrap and placing them in a zip-top freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, just let it thaw at room temperature and then warm it up in the oven or microwave.
- Reheating: For best results, reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or microwave individual slices for about 20 seconds until warm.
Conclusion
Jiffy Mexican cornbread is a delicious and versatile dish that brings together the comforting flavors of traditional cornbread with a spicy Mexican twist. Its simplicity and adaptability make it a fantastic choice for any occasion, whether as a side dish for chili, a hearty accompaniment to barbecue, or a standalone snack. With just a few basic ingredients and quick preparation steps, you can create a flavorful cornbread that delights the taste buds of family and friends alike.
The options for customization are endless—whether you prefer it extra cheesy, mildly spicy, or even a bit sweet, this recipe can be tailored to suit your preferences. Plus, it’s easy to store and reheat, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers.
So why not give this Jiffy Mexican cornbread recipe a try? With its mouthwatering taste and inviting aroma, it’s sure to become a beloved staple in your kitchen. Enjoy every bite and share the joy of this delicious dish with those around you!