Are you craving a warm, comforting side dish that's also bursting with flavor? Look no further than this incredibly easy Jiffy Mexican Cornbread recipe! It's the perfect blend of sweet cornbread and savory Mexican spices, making it a fantastic addition to any taco night, chili dinner, or even a simple weeknight meal. This recipe is a lifesaver for busy weeknights, requiring minimal prep time and delivering maximum taste. It's one of those delicious dishes that's both healthy and satisfying.
Ingredients:
- 1 box (8.5 ounces) Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix
- 1 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 (4 ounce) can diced green chilies, undrained
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped red onion (optional)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
Instructions:
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease an 8x8 inch baking pan or a muffin tin. This simple step ensures your cornbread won't stick.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and vegetable oil until well combined. This is a crucial step to ensure a light and fluffy texture.
- Mix Dry & Wet: Add the Jiffy corn muffin mix, chili powder, and cumin to the wet ingredients. Gently stir until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a tough cornbread, so be gentle!
- Add the Flavor Boosters: Stir in the undrained diced green chilies, shredded cheddar cheese, and red onion (if using). The chilies bring a wonderful kick, and the cheese adds a creamy richness.
- Bake to Perfection: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it—ovens vary!
- Cool & Serve: Let the cornbread cool slightly before cutting and serving. Enjoy it warm as a delightful side dish or a satisfying light meal.
Tips for the Best Jiffy Mexican Cornbread:
- Don't Overmix: Gently combine the ingredients. Overmixing develops the gluten in the cornmeal, resulting in a tough texture.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Freshly shredded cheese and finely chopped onion will elevate the flavor profile significantly.
- Adjust the Spice: Feel free to adjust the amount of chili powder and cumin to your preference. For a milder cornbread, reduce the spices. For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Add Some Heat: Include a few slices of jalapeño peppers for an extra spicy kick!
- Make it a Meal: Top your cornbread with a dollop of sour cream or guacamole for a heartier meal.
Variations:
- Creamy Corn: Stir in 1/2 cup of creamed corn for added sweetness and texture.
- Different Cheese: Experiment with different cheeses such as Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or Colby Jack.
- Black Beans: Add a 1/2 cup of canned black beans for extra protein and fiber.
- Corn on the Cob: If you have some leftover cooked corn on the cob, cut the kernels off and add them to the batter for a truly delicious cornbread experience.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 250
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
- Sodium: 400mg
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 5g
- Protein: 5g
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
This Jiffy Mexican Cornbread recipe is a quick, easy, and incredibly delicious side dish or light meal that’s perfect for any occasion. It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and the best part is, you probably already have most of the ingredients in your pantry! Enjoy!