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Savory Hatch Green Chili Cornbread Recipe with Easy Pepper Jack Swirl

Savory Hatch Green Chili Cornbread - featured image
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A flavorful and moist cornbread featuring smoky roasted Hatch green chiles and a creamy, spicy pepper jack cheese swirl. Perfect as a comforting side with a kick for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup medium grind cornmeal (120g)
  • 3/4 cup all-purpose flour (95g)
  • 1 tbsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 cup buttermilk (240 ml) or milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter (57g), melted
  • 1 cup roasted and chopped Hatch green chiles (fresh or canned)
  • 1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese (100g), finely shredded
  • 1 tbsp olive oil or neutral oil (for greasing the pan)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place your cast iron skillet or baking pan inside to warm while you prepare the batter (about 5 minutes).
  2. Roast and chop your Hatch green chiles. If using fresh, char the chiles over a gas flame or under the broiler until blackened, then peel, seed, and chop finely. If canned, drain and chop (about 10 minutes).
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together cornmeal, all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar until evenly combined.
  4. In another bowl, beat the eggs, then whisk in buttermilk and melted butter until smooth.
  5. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently with a spatula until just combined; a few lumps are okay. Do not overmix.
  6. Fold the chopped Hatch green chiles into the batter evenly.
  7. Reserve about 1/4 cup of shredded pepper jack cheese. Pour half the batter into the hot skillet or pan, then sprinkle half the cheese over it.
  8. Pour the remaining batter over the cheese layer, then sprinkle the remaining cheese on top. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the cheese through the batter, creating a marbled effect without overmixing.
  9. Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.
  10. Let the cornbread cool slightly for 10 minutes before slicing to allow it to set and enhance flavor melding.

Notes

Do not overmix the batter to keep the cornbread tender. Use room temperature eggs and buttermilk for better rise. Preheating the pan creates a crispy crust. Swirl the cheese gently to create pockets of melted cheese rather than mixing it fully. Tent with foil if cheese browns too quickly. Roasting fresh Hatch chiles enhances smoky flavor but canned can be used as a substitute. For dairy-free or gluten-free versions, see variations.

Nutrition

Keywords: cornbread, Hatch green chiles, pepper jack cheese, savory bread, spicy cornbread, easy cornbread recipe, southwestern cuisine

Find it online: https://cookluma.com/savory-hatch-green-chili-cornbread-recipe-with-easy-pepper-jack-swirl/