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Sliced, Cheesy Mexican Cornbread in a Square Dish

Jiffy Mexican Cornbread

Emily
Make this easy Jiffy Mexican Cornbread with peppers, cheese, and cream style corn. It’s moist, flavorful, and perfect for any meal.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 8 people
Calories 210 kcal

Ingredients
  

Essential Ingredients

  • Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix 1 box
  • This small box is your base delivering that classic cornbread taste without the need to measure flour, cornmeal, sugar, or baking powder separately.
  • Look for the standard Jiffy corn muffin mix packaging in the baking aisle.
  • Cream Style Corn 1 can, ~14.75 oz
  • This provides extra moisture and a natural sweetness.
  • It also adds texture preventing the cornbread from turning out too crumbly or dry.
  • Sour Cream ½ cup
  • Sour cream introduces tangy richness and makes the final cornbread deliciously soft.
  • Some cooks like to use Greek yogurt in place of sour cream for a slightly lighter touch but both yield a moist cornbread.
  • Eggs 1–2
  • Binds everything together and helps with rising.
  • If you want a fluffier texture use 2 eggs. If you prefer a more dense, hearty cornbread, stick to 1 egg.
  • Shredded Cheese 1 cup
  • Cheddar pepper jack, or a Mexican blend cheese all work well. Cheddar provides a mild punch, while pepper jack offers extra heat.
  • Adding cheese in the batter elevates the savory profile of your cornbread.
  • Green Chilies or Jalapeños Optional, 1 can or 1–2 fresh peppers
  • This is where the “Mexican” flair truly shines. Green chilies deliver gentle warmth while fresh jalapeños bring a spicier kick.
  • Drain canned chilies before use or remove seeds from fresh jalapeños if you prefer a milder taste.
  • Vegetable Oil or Melted Butter 2–3 tablespoons
  • Ensures a tender crumb and adds subtle richness.
  • Can be swapped with extra virgin olive oil for a slightly fruitier flavor or melted butter for added creaminess.
  • Milk ¼ cup, if needed
  • If your batter appears too thick a splash of milk loosens it. This step can depend on how much moisture your cream style corn and sour cream contribute.
  • Spices & Seasonings to taste
  • Salt and black pepper help balance flavors if needed.
  • A dash of chili powder or cumin amplifies the “Mexican cornbread” vibe.
  • Paprika or cayenne can also be sprinkled in for extra color or heat.

Optional Extras and Substitutions

  • Ground Beef or Cooked Chorizo: For a heartier casserole approach fold in cooked ground beef or chorizo. This transforms your cornbread into a filling main dish.
  • Fresh Corn Kernels ½ cup: In addition to cream style corn, tossing in a handful of fresh or frozen kernels adds pops of sweetness and texture.
  • Chopped Onion: Sauté diced onion before adding it to the batter for a caramelized note especially if you’re pairing it with chili or a stew.
  • Double the Recipe: If you’re feeding a crowd two boxes of jiffy cornbread mix can easily be combined with proportionate extras. Just confirm your baking dish can accommodate the increase in volume.

Instructions
 

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Different ovens vary, so consider using an oven thermometer to ensure accuracy.
  • Grease an 8×8 inch baking dish (or 9×9 inch if that’s what you have) with cooking spray or a thin layer of oil. If you prefer the rustic style of a cast iron skillet, preheat it in the oven for about 5 minutes after greasing, which helps produce crispy edges.

Step 2: Combine the Wet Ingredients

  • In a large mixing bowl, add:
  • 1 can of cream style corn
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • 2–3 tablespoons vegetable oil or melted butter (optional but adds moisture)
  • 1 can (4 oz) of diced green chilies or 1 small jalapeño, diced (if desired)
  • 1–2 eggs, based on how light or dense you want the cornbread
  • Whisk everything together until it’s nicely blended. The mixture should look creamy but not overly thick. If you’d like to add more heat, toss in ¼ teaspoon cayenne or a few slices of fresh jalapeño.

Step 3: Stir in the Dry Ingredients

  • Add your box of Jiffy corn muffin mix to the wet mixture.
  • If you prefer a cheesier version, include 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese or a Mexican cheese blend.
  • Use a spatula or wooden spoon to fold the dry mix into the wet ingredients just until combined. Be careful not to overmix the ingredients, as this can result in a less tender, more tough texture in the final dish. The batter should remain slightly lumpy.
  • Note: If the batter feels too thick (more dough-like than pancake-like), stir in ¼ cup of milk. This ensures your cornbread bakes up moist rather than dense or dry.

Step 4: Adjust Seasoning

  • Sample the batter if you like. It’s safe to taste a small bit here to gauge salt and spice levels (keeping in mind there's raw egg).
  • Season with salt and black pepper according to taste. If you want an extra savory kick, add a small pinch of cumin or chili powder.

Step 5: Fill the Baking Dish

  • Remove your preheated baking dish or cast iron skillet from the oven if using that method.
  • Carefully pour or spoon the batter into the hot pan. If your skillet is sizzling, you’ll get an instant crisp edge as the batter hits.
  • Spread the batter evenly with a spatula, smoothing out the top so it bakes uniformly.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

  • Position the dish on the center rack of your preheated oven to ensure even baking.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the top of the dish develops a delicate, light golden-brown color. If you’re using an 8×8 inch pan, check around the 20-minute mark; a larger or deeper pan may need 5 extra minutes.
  • Use the toothpick test: Insert a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs (no raw batter), your Jiffy Mexican Cornbread is done.

Step 7: Let It Cool and Serve

  • Remove the dish from the oven and place it on a cooling rack or heat-safe surface.
  • Allow the cornbread to rest for about 5–10 minutes before slicing or serving. This resting time helps the crumb set, making it easier to cut clean squares or wedges.
  • Slice and serve warm. For additional flavor, top each piece with a pat of butter, shredded cheese, or a drizzle of hot sauce if you enjoy extra spice.

Step 8: Storage Tips

  • Cool the leftover cornbread completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
  • Store at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days.
  • For longer storage, freeze slices individually wrapped in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Thaw in the fridge or on the counter, then reheat in an oven or microwave for best results.

Notes

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 210 kcal
  • Total Fat: 9g
  • Saturated Fat: 3.5g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Carbohydrates: 26g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 520mg
 
Keyword easy cornbread, jiffy mexican cornbread, spicy cornbread