This Easy Jalapeño Cheddar Corn Pudding is a quintessential comfort side dish that boasts both simplicity and flavor. Prepared with minimal effort and in under an hour, this corn pudding is the perfect complement to a variety of meals. Whether you’re serving it alongside tacos, beef chili, roasted chicken, or grilled steak, its rich and creamy texture makes it stand out on its own as well.
The sweetness of the corn merges beautifully with the heat of fresh jalapeños and the sweetness of hot honey. Sharp cheddar cheese enhances the pudding with its slightly nutty and tangy notes, creating a flavor profile that is both robust and satisfying. The result is a dense yet fluffy pudding that bridges the gap between classic cornbread and creamy mashed potatoes. This dish is a superb choice for both everyday dinners and festive gatherings.
Why You Must Make This Jalapeño Corn Pudding Recipe
- Effortless Preparation: This recipe is designed to be straightforward and stress-free, requiring less than an hour from start to finish. With most of the time dedicated to baking, even those new to cooking will find this dish easy to prepare. The simplicity of the process means that you can enjoy a delicious, homemade side dish without the hassle.
- Versatile and Suitable for Any Occasion: Whether you’re hosting a casual family dinner or a formal dinner party, this jalapeño corn pudding is an excellent choice. Its rich flavors make it a standout addition to any meal. For larger gatherings, simply scale up the recipe to ensure there’s enough to go around. Its adaptability makes it suitable for a wide range of events and meals.
- Packed with Flavor: This creamy corn pudding is an explosion of flavor. The combination of sweet corn, spicy jalapeños, and tangy cheddar cheese creates a delightful taste experience in every bite. The added hot honey provides a touch of sweetness and heat, enhancing the overall flavor profile and making each mouthful a memorable experience.
- Versatile Pairings: This corn pudding pairs beautifully with a variety of main dishes. From grilled chicken and steak to fajitas and salads, it complements many different flavors. You can also customize the pudding to suit your taste by adding more jalapeños for extra heat or incorporating toppings like bacon and chives for added texture and color.
Ingredients You Will Need for This Jalapeño Corn Pudding
Creamed Corn: Adds a creamy texture and rich flavor.
Sweet Canned Corn: Provides a natural sweetness and additional texture.
Jiffy Cornbread Mix: Simplifies the preparation while ensuring a consistent texture.
Sour Cream: Contributes to the creaminess and adds a slight tang.
Melted Butter: Enhances flavor and helps achieve a golden, crispy crust.
Fresh or Pickled Jalapeños: Offers a spicy kick; use pickled for a milder heat or fresh for a more intense flavor.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Adds a nutty and tangy flavor that balances the sweetness of the corn.
Hot Honey: Provides a sweet and spicy finish that elevates the dish.
How to Prepare Jalapeño Cheddar Corn Pudding
Creating this Jalapeño Cheddar Corn Pudding is straightforward and ensures a flavorful outcome every time. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing a 9-inch skillet or cast iron pan with melted butter. A cast iron pan is preferred for its ability to maintain heat and produce crispy edges.
Combine the creamed corn, canned sweet corn, sour cream, and diced jalapeños in a large bowl. Opt for creamed corn to enhance the pudding’s creaminess without needing extra heavy cream or milk. If fresh jalapeños are used, deseed and dice them before adding to the mix.
Incorporate Jiffy cornbread mix into the mixture, then pour everything into the prepared baking dish or cast iron pan. Bake for 40 minutes, then sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese and return to the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes. The cheese should melt and turn a light golden brown.
Finish by topping with pickled jalapeños and a drizzle of hot honey. Fresh herbs can be added for a touch of color and flavor. This corn pudding is sure to become a favorite side dish, blending sweet, spicy, and savory elements in every bite.
What to Serve with This Corn Pudding
Pair this delightful corn pudding with a variety of dishes for a well-rounded meal. Here are some top choices:
- Ribeye steak with asparagus
- Cheesy beef enchiladas
- Smoked pork belly pinwheels with maple bourbon glaze
- Chicken bacon ranch Stromboli
- Spicy garlic parmesan chicken skewers
- Creamy spicy garlic noodles with shrimp
- Grilled Baja shrimp tacos
This corn pudding is an easy yet impressive addition to any meal, promising a burst of flavor and a satisfying side dish experience.
Yield: 8 servings
Total Time: 50 minutes
INGREDIENTS:
1 can (15 oz) creamed corn
1 can (15 oz) sweet canned corn
1 package Jiffy cornbread mix
8 oz sour cream
1 stick melted unsalted butter
¼ cup diced pickled jalapeños
8–10 whole pickled jalapeños
8 oz shredded sharp cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons hot honey
INSTRUCTIONS:
- In a medium bowl, combine creamed corn, sweet corn, Jiffy cornbread mix, sour cream, melted butter, and diced jalapeños. Mix thoroughly and pour into a 10-inch cast iron pan.
- Bake at 350°F for 40 minutes. Remove from the oven, sprinkle shredded cheese on top, and return to bake for another 5-10 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
- Remove from oven, top with whole pickled jalapeños and a drizzle of hot honey. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Category: Side
Method: Baking
Total Time: 50 minutes
FAQs:
Q. Is this corn pudding the same as cornbread?
A. While both dishes share some ingredients, corn pudding is much softer and creamier compared to cornbread, which is typically denser and drier.
Q. What makes pudding thick?
A. Cornstarch is the primary thickening agent in pudding. In this recipe, the Jiffy cornbread mix already includes cornstarch, while the egg and butter help to bind and enrich the pudding.
Q. How do you know when corn pudding is done?
A. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the pudding. If it comes out clean and the top is slightly golden brown, the pudding is ready. The total cooking time is approximately 45-50 minutes, but start checking around 35 minutes.
