Homemade Mexican Cornbread
This Mexican cornbread is loaded with cotija, lime juice, and bell peppers for a zesty, cheesy twist on a classic comfort food!
Level Up Ordinary Cornbread with this Homemade Mexican Cornbread
I’ll never forget the first time I made homemade Mexican cornbread. It was one of those cold Saturday afternoons where the whole family was hanging out at home, and I had a craving for something comforting. Cornbread is a staple in my kitchen, but I wanted to switch things up and give it a zesty, flavorful twist.
Since that day, Mexican cornbread has become a regular on our dinner table. Whether it’s served alongside easy chili, BBQ, or just on its own with a dollop of sour cream, it’s always a hit. The best part? The leftovers are perfect for breakfast the next morning, lightly toasted with a smear of homemade butter.
The recipe has evolved over time. I now make it with a little more cheese and sometimes even a touch of cilantro for a fresh twist. But no matter how it changes, it always brings back that cozy, cold-day feeling of making something from scratch with love.
🛒 Ingredients in Mexican Cornbread
Visual Process for Making Homemade Mexican Cornbread
Step 1
Prep the Veggies
Sauté the veggies in olive oil until soft and set aside.
Step 2
Prepare the Batter
Combine the wet and dry ingredients, then pour the batter into a prepared baking dish and let it rest.
Step 3
Bake the Mexican Cornbread
Bake for forty-five minutes.
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Homemade Mexican Cornbread
Ingredients
- 1 tsp extra-virgin olive oil
- ½ cup minced red onion
- ½ cup minced red bell pepper
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 cup sugar
- 1½ tbsp baking powder
- ¼ cup cotija cheese (crumbled)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ cup melted butter
- ½ cup avocado oil (or olive oil)
- 1¼ cups milk
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup sweet corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- ¼ cup cilantro (chopped (optional))
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350℉ and grease a 9×11 baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy clean up and removal.
- Heat 1 tsp extra-virgin olive oil in a skillet until hot. Add ½ cup minced red onion and ½ cup minced red bell pepper. Cook until onions are soft, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 cup cornmeal, 1 cup sugar, 1½ tbsp baking powder, ¼ cup cotija cheese, ½ tsp smoked paprika and 1 tsp salt.
- In another medium mixing bowl, combine ½ cup melted butter, ½ cup avocado oil, 1¼ cups milk, 3 large eggs, 1 cup sweet corn kernels, 1 tbsp lime juice, ¼ cup cilantro and the veggies.
- Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and mix just until combined. Pour mixture into prepared baking dish and let rest for 30 minutes at room temperature.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Let cool for 15-20 minutes before cutting and serving. Serve with butter.
Notes
Substitutions
Nutrition
FAQs
Can I make homemade Mexican cornbread ahead of time?
Yes! You can bake it a day in advance, let it cool, and store it in an airtight container. Just reheat in the oven at 300°F for 10-15 minutes to bring back the fresh-baked warmth.
How do I store leftover homemade Mexican cornbread?
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to a week.
Serving Suggestions
Let’s talk about what to serve with Mexican cornbread—because that golden, cheesy, slightly spicy slice of heaven deserves the perfect pairings. One of the best matches? A big ol’ bowl of chili. Whether it’s beefy, bean-heavy, or full of smoky chipotle flavor, Mexican cornbread is made to be dunked in it. Bonus points if the cornbread has jalapeños or green chiles baked in—it’ll soak up that savory goodness and add a little kick. You can also serve it alongside taco soup, chicken tortilla soup, or pozole for a cozy, satisfying meal that’s packed with flavor.
If you’re leaning more into barbecue or southern comfort vibes, Mexican cornbread makes a killer side for smoked meats, grilled chicken, or pulled pork. It adds a zesty twist to the usual sides. Try crumbling it over a tamale pie, slicing it up next to enchiladas, or using it to scoop up saucy beef barbacoa. And don’t sleep on breakfast—warm up a square, top it with a fried egg, avocado, and salsa for a spicy breakfast bake situation you’ll crave on repeat.
More Mexican recipes!
If you’re in the mood for bold flavors and a fiesta on your plate, you’ve got to try some of these Mexican-inspired recipes that bring serious flavor and fun to any meal. Let’s start with Mexican Chicken Pasta Salad—this one’s a total meal prep hero. It’s packed with tender chicken, bright veggies, and a creamy, zesty dressing that makes it perfect for summer lunches, potlucks, or road trip snacks. Want something a little more indulgent? Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas are next-level comfort food. They’re stuffed, sauced, and smothered with creamy, cheesy goodness that’ll have everyone fighting for seconds.
If game day or snack night is your vibe, you can’t go wrong with Aiden’s Smoked Chicken Nachos or the fun twist of Smoked Chicken Nachos With Potatoes. We’re talkin’ crispy edges, gooey cheese pulls, and smoky shredded chicken layered high with all the toppings. And when you need something hearty, throw together a Beef Burrito Casserole—layers of seasoned beef, refried beans, melty cheese, and tortillas come together like a Mexican-style lasagna, but way easier.
Looking for something a little lighter but still full of flavor? Try Butternut Squash Enchiladas. They’re cozy, creamy, and plant-forward, but still super satisfying thanks to black beans, ricotta, and a killer enchilada sauce. Or if it’s soup season, Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup is always a winner. Set it and forget it in the morning, then load it up with tortilla strips, avocado, and lime when you’re ready to dig in.
And don’t forget your sides and toppings! A scoop of Grilled Pineapple Salsa or Avocado Salsa adds a fresh, tangy contrast to spicy mains. Want to level up your tacos or nachos? Drizzle on some Adobo Chili Pepper Mayo or dunk into a gooey Nacho Cheese Sauce. Whether you’re going all out for taco night or just need a few new ideas to spice up dinner, these recipes are easy, crowd-pleasing, and downright delicious.