Mexican cornbread with jalapeños
Mexican cornbread with jalapeños is a savory, moist variation of traditional cornbread that incorporates diced jalapeños, cheese, and sometimes corn kernels for added texture and flavor. It typically uses a base of cornmeal, flour, eggs, and buttermilk, reflecting a fusion of Native American corn traditions with Spanish and Mexican culinary influences. This dish is a staple in Tex-Mex and Southwestern American cuisine, often served as a side with chili, stews, or barbecues.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dish is generally high in carbohydrates from the cornmeal and flour, with moderate fat from added cheese, butter, or oil, and some protein from eggs and dairy. It provides key nutrients like fiber (if whole-grain cornmeal is used), calcium from cheese, and vitamin C from jalapeños, with a rough calorie ballpark of 200-300 per serving, depending on portion size and ingredients.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 260 kcal |
| Protein | 5 g |
| Carbs | 32 g |
| Fat | 13 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 5 g |
| Sodium | 480 mg |
| Calcium | 120 mg |
| Iron | 1.8 mg |
| Potassium | 110 mg |
| Phosphorus | 100 mg |
| Vitamin A | 45 mcg RAE |
| Vitamin C | 3 mg |
| Thiamin (B1) | 0.2 mg |
| Folate | 35 mcg |
Per 1 piece (approx. 85 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, this cornbread represents the blending of Indigenous Mesoamerican corn-based foods with Spanish colonial ingredients like dairy and chili peppers, showcasing culinary adaptation. Nutritionally, the jalapeños add capsaicin, which may boost metabolism and provide anti-inflammatory benefits, making it a flavorful way to incorporate vegetables into a comfort food.
