Buttermilk Jalapeno Cornbread

1. Preheat oven to 375 F. Grease an 8-inch square pan or baking dish.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and sugar. Add the eggs and whisk until combined. Add the buttermilk and baking soda, and whisk to combine.
3. Add the flour, cornmeal, peppers, and salt. Using a spatula, stir until just blended. Do not over mix.
4. Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake for 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

1. Let cool for at least 15 minutes before trying to cut. Serve warm.

Tips and Variations

The perfect cornbread is moist on the inside with a nice outer crust. To achieve this combination, you need to be sure to include the right type of ingredients. First, you want to use a finely ground cornmeal vs. a more coarse ground; this will create that light texture. It's also important you incorporate full-fat buttermilk to impart a rich, tangy flavor. 

This recipe calls for using an 8-inch square pan, but you can also bake the cornbread in a cast iron skillet. This type of pan will create a crispy outside, and more of it since the surface area is larger. Keep in mind the bread will be thinner, but if you love the crunchy part, it will definitely satisfy.

In addition to the jalapeno (or in place of), you can add fresh or frozen corn kernels, cheddar cheese, or all three, which makes a Mexican cornbread. If you happen to have any leftover, cornbread can be used in a variety of ways. Cut it into cubes and make it the base for a stuffing, delicious inside a pork loin or as a non-traditional holiday side dish. It can also be sliced thinly and used as the bread for a sandwich, such as ham and cheese with pickled jalapenos. A few days old cornbread is perfect for making croutons which are delicious sprinkled on a warm bowl of chili or atop a Southwestern-style salad.