Green Chili & Cheddar Cornbread Muffins
These Green Chili & Cheddar Cornbread Muffins are a savory, fiber-rich treat perfect as a side for chili or soup, or as a convenient grab-and-go snack. They offer a delightful balance of sweet corn, sharp cheddar, and a gentle kick from green chilies.
For 12 servings
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a 12-cup muffin pan with paper liners or grease generously with cooking spray.
In a large bowl, whisk together the cornbread mix, all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
In a separate medium bowl, whisk the egg, milk, and vegetable oil (or melted butter) until smooth.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir with a spoon or spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are fine.
Gently fold in the drained green chiles and shredded cheddar cheese until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Divide the batter evenly among the 12 prepared muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full.
Bake for 16-20 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and a wooden skewer inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
Remove the muffin pan from the oven and let the muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Do not overmix the batter; overmixing develops gluten, leading to tough muffins. Mix until just combined.
- 2For extra moisture and richness, substitute buttermilk for regular milk and use melted butter instead of oil.
- 3Ensure your green chilies are well-drained to prevent excess moisture from making the muffins soggy.
- 4These muffins freeze beautifully. Once completely cooled, store them in an airtight freezer bag for up to 3 months. Reheat in a microwave or oven.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spicy Kick
Add 1-2 tablespoons of finely diced jalapeños (seeds removed for less heat, left in for more) along with the green chiles.
Smoky FlavorSmoky Flavor
Fold in 1/4 cup of cooked and crumbled bacon bits or diced smoked ham along with the cheese and chilies.
Sweet Corn AdditionSweet Corn Addition
Add 1/2 cup of fresh or frozen (thawed and drained) corn kernels for extra texture and sweetness.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Fiber
Cornmeal provides dietary fiber, which aids in digestion, promotes satiety, and helps regulate blood sugar levels.
Good Source of Calcium
Cheddar cheese contributes calcium, essential for strong bones and teeth, as well as muscle function.
Antioxidant Properties
Green chilies contain capsaicin and other antioxidants, which can help reduce inflammation and protect cells from damage.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can use a gluten-free cornbread mix and ensure any added flour is also gluten-free (e.g., rice flour or a GF all-purpose blend). The texture might vary slightly.
