Cornbread is a classic comfort food, but this Jalapeño Cornbread with Lime Honey Glaze takes it to a whole new level. It’s moist, buttery, and slightly sweet, with a bold kick from jalapeños and a bright, citrusy glaze that ties everything together. If you love a mix of savory, sweet, and spicy flavors, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.

I first made this for a summer barbecue, and it was the first thing to disappear from the table. Even those who were skeptical of jalapeños in their cornbread kept coming back for more. It’s perfect for everything from a casual weeknight dinner to a holiday spread.

Why You’ll Love This Jalapeño Cornbread with Lime Honey Glaze

• Perfect balance of flavors – The spicy jalapeños, sweet cornbread, and tangy honey-lime glaze create an irresistible combination.
• Easy to make – No complicated steps or special equipment required.
• Versatile – Serve it as a side dish, a snack, or even breakfast with a fried egg on top.
• Customizable – Adjust the spice level, swap ingredients, or add mix-ins to make it your own.
• Crowd-pleaser – It’s a great addition to potlucks, barbecues, and family gatherings.

Ingredients You’ll Need for sweet and spicy cornbread

For the Cornbread:

• 1 cup yellow cornmeal
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 medium jalapeños, seeded and finely chopped
• ½ cup grated cheddar cheese (optional but recommended)

For the Lime Honey Glaze:

• ½ cup honey
• Zest of 1 lime
• 3 tablespoons lime juice
• 1 tablespoon melted butter
• Pinch of salt

Additional Toppings:

• Sliced jalapeños
• Freshly chopped cilantro

Step-by-Step Instructions of sweet and spicy cornbread

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or cast iron skillet to prevent sticking. A cast iron skillet gives a crispier edge, which I highly recommend!

2. Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. This step ensures that the ingredients are evenly combined, so every bite of cornbread has the right balance of flavor.

3. Mix Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, beat together the buttermilk, eggs, and melted butter. Make sure the butter has cooled slightly before mixing, so it doesn’t cook the eggs.

4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as it can make the cornbread dense. Fold in the chopped jalapeños and cheddar cheese (if using) for a delicious spicy-cheesy kick.

5. Bake

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

6. Prepare the Glaze

While the cornbread is baking, whisk together the honey, lime zest, lime juice, melted butter, and salt in a small bowl. This glaze adds a tangy sweetness that complements the spice of the jalapeños perfectly.

7. Glaze and Garnish

Once the cornbread is done, remove it from the oven and, while still warm, poke small holes across the top with a toothpick. This helps the glaze soak in. Drizzle the lime honey glaze over the warm cornbread. Top with sliced jalapeños and fresh cilantro for extra color and flavor.

8. Serve

Let the cornbread cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm for the best texture and flavor.

Tips and Variations

Customize the Spice Level

• Mild – Use only one jalapeño, or swap for a milder pepper like poblano.
• Medium – Keep the two jalapeños but remove all seeds.
• Extra Spicy – Leave the seeds in or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the batter.

Cheese Options

• Cheddar – Classic choice for a rich, melty texture.
• Monterey Jack – Milder and extra creamy.
• Pepper Jack – For an extra kick of spice.

Glaze Alternatives

• Honey Butter Glaze – Skip the lime and mix honey with melted butter for a sweeter finish.
• Maple Glaze – Swap honey for pure maple syrup for a fall-inspired twist.
• Savory Glaze – Omit honey and mix butter with a bit of garlic powder and sea salt.

Storage and Reheating

• Room Temperature – Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerate – Keep in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• Freeze – Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag for up to 2 months.
• Reheat – Warm in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes, or microwave individual slices for 30 seconds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Perfect Pairings for Jalapeño Cornbread

This cornbread goes well with a variety of dishes. Try serving it with:

• Grilled Meats – Ribs, steak, or barbecue chicken.
• Soups and Stews – Chili, gumbo, or a hearty vegetable soup.
• Salads – A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette.
• Beverages – Iced tea, margaritas, or a cold beer.

More Recipes to Try

If you enjoyed this Jalapeño Cornbread with Lime Honey Glaze, here are more delightful treats to explore:

• Chocolate Banana Oat Muffins – Moist and healthy muffins combining ripe bananas, oats, and rich chocolate chips, perfect for breakfast or a snack. ​
  
• Honey Banana Oat Cake – A naturally sweetened cake blending ripe bananas, fiber-rich oats, and the natural goodness of honey for a wholesome dessert. 
  
• Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Cream Trifle – A decadent fusion of rich chocolate, creamy peanut butter, and sweet bananas, layered with whipped cream for an indulgent treat. ​
  
• Coconut Pineapple Banana Bread – A tropical twist on classic banana bread, incorporating juicy pineapple and shredded coconut for extra flavor and moisture. 
  
• Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread – A moist and spiced bread studded with rich chocolate chips, offering a delightful flavor perfect for fall mornings or dessert. 

If you’re looking for even more delicious and creative recipe ideas, be sure to check out this great resource for inspiration: Baked Brie with Warm Olives and Herb-Infused Oil.

Try This Recipe and Share Your Thoughts!

I hope you love this Jalapeño Cornbread with Lime Honey Glaze as much as I do! It’s a fun twist on a classic that’s perfect for any occasion.

If you try it, leave a comment below and let me know how it turned out. And don’t forget to pin this recipe on Pinterest so you can find it later. Happy baking!

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