Pickle-Fix Jalapeño Cheddar Cornbread (Print Version)

Savory cornbread with sharp cheddar, pickles, and jalapeños. Moist, zesty, and ideal as a bold side dish.

# Components:

→ Dry Ingredients

01 - 1 cup yellow cornmeal
02 - 1 cup all-purpose flour
03 - 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
04 - 1½ teaspoons baking powder
05 - ½ teaspoon baking soda
06 - 1 teaspoon kosher salt

→ Wet Ingredients

07 - 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
08 - 2 large eggs
09 - ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
10 - 2 tablespoons pickle juice (from dill pickles)

→ Add-Ins

11 - 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated
12 - ½ cup dill pickles, finely chopped
13 - 2 jalapeños, seeded and finely diced
14 - 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped (optional)

→ For the Skillet

15 - 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (for greasing)

# Preparation Steps:

01 - Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place a 10-inch cast-iron skillet in the oven to heat.
02 - In a large bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
03 - In a separate bowl, whisk the buttermilk, eggs, melted butter, and pickle juice until well combined.
04 - Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined; do not overmix.
05 - Fold in the cheddar cheese, chopped pickles, jalapeños, and chives (if using).
06 - Carefully remove the hot skillet from the oven. Add 1 tablespoon butter, swirling to coat the bottom and sides evenly.
07 - Pour the batter into the hot, buttered skillet, smoothing the top surface.
08 - Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
09 - Allow the cornbread to cool in the skillet for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Ready in just 45 minutes total
  • Uses simple pantry ingredients with a creative twist
  • Perfect balance of spicy, tangy, and cheesy flavors
  • Cast iron creates the perfect crispy crust
02 -
  • High in flavor but ready in under an hour
  • Perfect make ahead dish for potlucks and barbecues
  • Cast iron cooking creates the ideal texture contrast crispy outside, tender inside
  • Versatile recipe that welcomes customization
03 -
  • The cast iron skillet is non-negotiable for authentic texture—the hot skillet creates that signature crunchy crust that makes this cornbread special. If you don&t own one, it&s worth the investment for this recipe alone.
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