Weekend Favorites • Seasonal Recipes • Baking & Breads • Entertaining
Green Chile Cheddar Cornbread
Some recipes simply belong together, and this Green Chile Cheddar Cornbread has been served alongside my Timeless Vegetarian Chili for years. It's sweet, buttery, rustic, and filled with roasted green chiles and melted cheddar cheese that create little pockets of flavor in every bite.
Baking it in a hot cast iron skillet gives it beautifully crisp edges while the center stays tender and moist. Whether you're serving a bowl of chili, a backyard barbecue, or a holiday meal, this cornbread always seems to disappear first.
PREP TIME
15 Minutes
COOK TIME
45-50 Minutes
Recipe Details
Servings
10-12
Perfect For: Chili night, holiday dinners, backyard cookouts, family gatherings, and cozy weekends.
DIFFICULTY
Easy
Ingredients
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup yellow cornmeal
¼ teaspoon salt
4 teaspoons baking powder
1 (15-ounce) can creamed corn
2 ounces roasted green chiles (or up to 4 ounces for more flavor)
1 cup butter, melted
½ cup sugar (or up to 1 cup if you prefer a sweeter cornbread)
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
4 large eggs
Instructions
1. Prepare the skillet
Preheat the oven to 300°F with a cast iron skillet inside.
2. Mix the dry ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together:
Flour
Cornmeal
Salt
Baking powder
Set aside.
3. Mix the wet ingredients
In another bowl combine:
Melted butter
Sugar
Creamed corn
Roasted green chiles
Mix until combined.
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Fold in both cheeses.
4. Combine
Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.
Don't worry if a few small streaks of flour remain—this rustic batter bakes up beautifully.
5. Bake
Carefully remove the hot skillet from the oven.
Coat the bottom and sides generously with vegetable or canola oil.
Pour in the batter.
Bake 45-55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow to cool for several minutes before slicing.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy It Warm
his cornbread is delicious served with:
Timeless Vegetarian Chili
Homemade soups
Barbecue
Pulled pork
Roast chicken
Honey butter
Softened butter
Hot honey
A drizzle of local honey
Storage & Leftovers
Keep It Fresh
Store cooled cornbread tightly wrapped or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15–20 seconds or in a 300°F oven until heated through.
Freezing
Wrap individual slices tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
Leftover Inspiration
Leftover cornbread is wonderful crumbled over a bowl of chili, toasted with butter for breakfast, or transformed into homemade cornbread stuffing during the holidays. It's also delicious warmed with a drizzle of honey and served alongside a cup of coffee the next morning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this without a cast iron skillet?
Yes. A 9-inch baking dish works well, although the cast iron skillet creates the signature crisp, golden edges.
Can I make it spicier?
Absolutely! Add the full 4-ounce can of roasted green chiles or substitute chopped jalapeños for extra heat.
Is this cornbread sweet?
It has a gentle sweetness using ½ cup of sugar, which balances beautifully with the cheddar and green chiles. If you enjoy sweeter cornbread, increase the sugar to 1 cup.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes! Bake it earlier in the day and warm it gently before serving.
Can I freeze cornbread?
Yes. Freeze whole or sliced for up to 3 months and thaw at room temperature before reheating.
Around Our Table
Few meals bring people together quite like a pot of homemade chili and warm cornbread fresh from the oven. We always serve this straight from the cast iron skillet with plenty of butter on the table, letting everyone tear off a warm slice while the chili is still steaming. It's simple, comforting, and one of those meals that seems to invite people to linger just a little longer.
If you enjoyed this recipe, here are a few more favorites from our kitchen that we think you’ll love.
From Our Kitchen
Timeless Vegetarian Chili
A hearty Southwestern chili filled with colorful vegetables, beans, roasted green chiles, and bold spices. The perfect companion to this cornbread.
Ultimate Baked Mac & Cheese
Creamy, rich, and topped with a beautifully golden crust, this comforting family favorite is always a crowd-pleaser.
Best-Ever Maple Banana Bread
Moist banana bread finished with warm maple syrup for incredible flavor and tenderness. A recipe friends and family request again and again.