Mac and Cheese Jalapeño Cornbread (Print)

Cheesy macaroni fills jalapeño cornbread muffins for a spicy, tender fusion treat, perfect for sharing.

# Components:

→ Mac and Cheese

01 - 1 cup elbow macaroni, uncooked
02 - 1 cup whole milk
03 - 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
04 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
05 - 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
06 - 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
07 - 1/4 teaspoon salt

→ Cornbread Batter

08 - 1 cup yellow cornmeal
09 - 1 cup all-purpose flour
10 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
11 - 1 tablespoon baking powder
12 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
13 - 2 large eggs
14 - 1 cup buttermilk
15 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
16 - 1/2 cup canned corn kernels, drained

→ Add-Ins

17 - 2 medium jalapeños, seeded and finely diced (plus extra slices for garnish, optional)

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 12-cup muffin tin or line each cup with paper liners.
02 - Boil salted water and cook elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
03 - Melt 2 tablespoons unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in 1 tablespoon flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually add whole milk while whisking until the mixture thickens slightly, about 2 to 3 minutes.
04 - Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese, salt, and black pepper until smooth. Fold in cooked macaroni and mix well. Allow to cool slightly.
05 - In a large mixing bowl, whisk together yellow cornmeal, all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.
06 - In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, buttermilk, and melted butter until combined.
07 - Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and stir just until incorporated. Gently fold in drained corn kernels and finely diced jalapeños.
08 - Spoon 1 tablespoon of cornbread batter into the base of each muffin cup. Add a generous tablespoon of the mac and cheese mixture. Top with more cornbread batter to fill each cup about three-quarters full. Garnish with jalapeño slices if desired.
09 - Place muffin tin in the oven and bake for 18 to 22 minutes, until the tops are golden and a toothpick inserted into the cornbread comes out clean.
10 - Let muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Serve warm.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Full of cozy mac and cheese wrapped in tender cornbread for the ultimate mashup
  • Perfect party snack or hearty side dish that travels well
  • Customizable heat level for everyone's taste
  • Uses everyday ingredients you likely have on hand
02 -
  • Each muffin delivers a creamy mac and cheese core that stays velvety even after baking
  • Bake ahead and freeze for easy grab-and-go snacks on busy days
  • Perfectly balances sweet corn and cheese with jalapeño heat
03 -
  • Do not overmix your cornbread batter to keep the texture tender and fluffy
  • Make sure the mac and cheese is cooled before layering so it does not melt the batter
  • Grate your own cheese for the smoothest sauce and best flavor

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