Jalapeño Cornbread Muffins with Cream Cheese Filling

• Dry Ingredients:
  • 1 cup cornmeal
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/3 cup sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
• Wet Ingredients:
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup melted butter
• Flavor Additions:
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped jalapeño peppers (remove seeds for less heat)
• Filling:
  • 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
• Optional: Slices of jalapeño for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Oven and Muffin Pan:

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease it.

2. Make the Dry Mix:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the cornmeal, all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir well to ensure even distribution.

3. Blend the Wet Ingredients:

• In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, milk, and eggs until smooth. Pour this wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined—be careful not to overmix to keep the muffins fluffy.

4. Add the Flavor:

• Gently fold in the chopped jalapeños and shredded cheddar cheese, mixing until evenly distributed. These will give each bite a delicious, cheesy spice.

5. Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling:

• In a small bowl, whip the softened cream cheese until smooth. This will be the creamy surprise center of each muffin!

6. Assemble the Muffins:

• Spoon about two tablespoons of the cornbread batter into each muffin cup. Add a teaspoon of the cream cheese filling to the center of each, then cover with another tablespoon of batter. Top each muffin with an optional jalapeño slice for extra kick.

7. Bake:

• Bake in your preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the muffin (avoiding the cream cheese) comes out clean.

8. Cool and Serve:

• Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to finish cooling. Serve warm for the best flavor!

📊 Nutritional Information (per muffin)

Each muffin provides approximately:

• Calories: 220 kcal
• Protein: 6g
• Fat: 10g

🍴 Serving Suggestions

These Jalapeño Cornbread Muffins are great on their own, but you can also enjoy them with:

• A side of honey butter for a sweet contrast to the savory spice.
• Chili or soup for a cozy, hearty meal pairing.
• Toppings like fresh herbs or even extra shredded cheese on top!

💡 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Jalapeño Cornbread Muffins with Cream Cheese Filling offer the perfect balance of spicy, savory, and creamy flavors, all in one handheld treat. With just the right amount of heat and a surprise filling, they’re ideal for anyone looking to add a little excitement to traditional cornbread. Whether for a party or as a snack, these muffins are guaranteed to impress!