Chili-Cheese Corn Bread
A savory and cheesy cornbread packed with spicy green chilies, flavorful pepperoni, and melted cheddar, perfect for casual gatherings or comfort food cravings. Its moist texture and bold flavors make it a crowd-pleaser, especially served warm alongside chili, salads, or grilled meats.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Grease a 9 x 13-inch pan.
- In a large bowl, measure flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, beat eggs, milk, oil, and sour cream until smooth.
- Pour the egg mixture into the flour mixture and stir until combined.
- Stir in chopped pepperoni, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped onion, and drained green chilies.
- Spoon the batter into the prepared pan.
- Bake for 45 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or using spicy pepperoni instead of regular. If you want a healthier twist, substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. Also, feel free to mix in other cheeses like Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for added flavor. Make sure to drain the green chilies well to prevent excess moisture in the batter.
Serving Suggestions
This chili-cheese corn bread pairs beautifully with a hearty bowl of chili or a fresh garden salad. For a complete meal, serve alongside grilled chicken or a BBQ platter. Consider topping slices with extra shredded cheese or a dollop of sour cream. It's also great for breakfast, served warm with butter or alongside scrambled eggs.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover chili-cheese corn bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to a week. To reheat, place slices in a toaster oven or microwave until warmed through. If you prefer a crispy texture, reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chili-Cheese Corn Bread contains roughly 555 calories, with 8g protein, 32g carbohydrates, and 45g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 721mg per serving (31% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this corn bread ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the batter a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just give it a good stir before baking. Alternatively, you can bake it ahead of time and reheat it as needed, which saves time for busy days.
What can I substitute for sour cream?
If you don’t have sour cream on hand, Greek yogurt is a great substitute that will maintain the moisture and tanginess. You could also use buttermilk or a dairy-free yogurt if you're looking for a non-dairy option.
Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check that your baking powder is gluten-free as well. This will maintain the texture and taste while accommodating gluten-free diets.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).