Fiesta Cornbread
Fiesta Cornbread combines spicy green chilies, pimientos, and cheesy goodness for a flavorful side perfect for gatherings or casual family dinners.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup margarine ⓘ
- 3/4 cup white sugar ⓘ
- 4 eggs ⓘ
- 1 (4 oz) can green chili peppers, chopped ⓘ
- 1 small jar pimiento, chopped ⓘ
- 1 (17 oz) can cream-style corn ⓘ
- 1/2 cup grated Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1 cup flour ⓘ
- 1 cup cornmeal ⓘ
- 4 teaspoons baking powder ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour an 8 1/2 x 1 1/2-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, cream together the margarine and white sugar until light and creamy.
- Add eggs one at a time, blending well after each addition.
- Stir in chopped green chili peppers (leave seeds in if you prefer a hotter taste), chopped pimiento, and cream-style corn.
- Add grated Monterey Jack cheese, grated Cheddar cheese, and salt; mix well.
- In a separate bowl, sift together flour, cornmeal, and baking powder.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the cheese mixture, blending until combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish.
- Bake at 350°F for 1 hour, then reduce heat to 300°F and continue baking until golden and cooked through.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra kick, consider using jalapeños instead of green chili peppers. You can replace margarine with butter for a richer flavor, or use a plant-based alternative for a dairy-free option. If you want a more savory cornbread, add some minced garlic or onion powder to the mixture. Make sure to check the doneness with a toothpick before removing from the oven.
Serving Suggestions
Fiesta Cornbread is delicious when served warm, ideally alongside a bowl of chili or as a side to grilled meats. It also pairs beautifully with Red And White Salad for a fresh contrast. You can top it with salsa or guacamole for added flavor, or enjoy it with a dollop of sour cream. For an interesting twist, serve it with some honey butter.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, let the cornbread cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in an airtight container. It can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, place slices in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, or microwave for 20-30 seconds.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fiesta Cornbread contains roughly 691 calories, with 14g protein, 114g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (28% of the Daily Value), iron (24% of the Daily Value), and calcium (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1414mg per serving (61% 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 cornbread ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the batter a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. However, it's best to bake it fresh for optimal texture. If you have leftovers, they can be reheated as mentioned above. This makes it a great option for gatherings or meal prep.
Can I use different types of cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like Pepper Jack for a spicy twist or a sharp cheddar for a more robust flavor. Mixing cheeses can add depth to the cornbread, and you can adjust the amounts based on your preference.
Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?
To make this cornbread gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the cornmeal is also certified gluten-free. The texture may vary slightly, but it should still be delicious! Adjust the baking time if necessary.
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).