When you think of Juneteenth, what comes to mind? For me, it’s the aroma of freshly baked cornbread wafting through my kitchen, mingling with the sounds of family laughter. Juneteenth Spicy Cornbread is more than just a dish; it’s a celebration of history and flavor that dances on your taste buds. Imagine sinking your teeth into a slice that’s perfectly golden-brown, with a delightful crunch on the outside and a fluffy inside bursting with warmth.

This isn’t just any cornbread; it’s infused with spices that tickle your senses and ignite your palate. I remember the first time I served this at a family gathering; the way everyone’s eyes lit up as they took their first bite was priceless. It’s perfect for summer BBQs, holiday celebrations, or even a cozy night in when you want something comforting yet exciting. Trust me, once you whip up this recipe, your taste buds will be doing a happy dance!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Juneteenth Spicy Cornbread is easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy cooks
- The flavor profile is rich and bold, balancing sweetness with just the right amount of heat
- Its sunny yellow hue makes it visually appealing on any table setting
- Versatile enough to serve as a side dish or snack, you’ll find yourself reaching for seconds!
One evening while serving this cornbread at a family reunion, I witnessed my cousin attempt to steal an extra piece before dinner – talk about memorable reactions!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Cornmeal: Opt for stone-ground cornmeal for that authentic texture and flavor that really shines through.
All-Purpose Flour: This helps create the perfect balance between fluffiness and density in your cornbread.
Baking Powder: Ensure it’s fresh to give your cornbread that lovely lift we all crave.
Sugar: Just a touch enhances the natural sweetness of the corn; I recommend using granulated sugar.
Milk: Whole milk adds richness, but feel free to use any milk you prefer for dietary needs.
Eggs: Large eggs work best here; they help bind everything together beautifully.
Butter: Melted and slightly cooled butter gives your cornbread its buttery goodness.
Jalapeños: Finely chopped for that spicy kick! Adjust according to your heat preference.
Corn Kernels: Canned or frozen corn add texture and sweetness; drain well if using canned.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare an 8-inch square baking dish by greasing it with butter or non-stick spray.
Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, baking powder, and sugar until well combined. The mixture should smell sweet and inviting.
Combine wet ingredients: In another bowl, beat together milk and eggs until frothy. Stir in melted butter to add creaminess that complements the dry mix.
Combine mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture gradually. Stir gently until just combined; don’t overmix or you may end up with tough cornbread.
Add jalapeños and corn: Fold in finely chopped jalapeños and corn kernels carefully to ensure even distribution without losing airiness.
Bake perfection: Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish and smooth out the top. Bake for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cool and serve: Let it cool slightly before slicing into squares. Serve warm alongside your favorite dishes or simply enjoy on its own with butter melting on top.
Now you’ve made yourself some delightful Juneteenth Spicy Cornbread! Enjoy every crumb as you share stories around the table—after all, food tastes better when shared with loved ones!
You Must Know
- This delightful Juneteenth Spicy Cornbread brings warmth and flavor to any gathering
- The perfect balance of spiciness and sweetness makes it a crowd-pleaser
- The golden crust yields to a soft, moist interior that will have everyone asking for seconds
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Mix dry ingredients first, then add wet ingredients for an even batter. Lastly, fold in your spicy elements carefully to ensure they distribute evenly without overmixing.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to switch up the cornmeal with whole wheat or add jalapeños for extra heat. You can also top with cheese or serve with honey butter for a sweet twist that complements the spice perfectly.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover cornbread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. To reheat, wrap it in foil and warm it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Keep your cornmeal fresh for the best flavor; stale cornmeal can ruin your cornbread’s taste
- Always measure accurately to ensure the right texture; too much flour can make it dense
- Lastly, don’t skip the resting time; it enhances flavor and texture!
I remember the first time I made Juneteenth Spicy Cornbread for my family reunion. Everyone devoured it, and my cousin even asked for the recipe while dancing a little jig!
FAQ
What makes this cornbread spicy?
The addition of jalapeños or cayenne pepper gives this cornbread its signature kick.
Can I make this cornbread ahead of time?
Absolutely! It keeps well and tastes even better after resting overnight.
How do I know when my cornbread is done?
Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, your cornbread is ready!

Juneteenth Spicy Cornbread
Celebrate Juneteenth with this delightful Spicy Cornbread that combines history and flavor in every bite. Infused with jalapeños for a touch of heat and sweet corn for texture, this golden-brown cornbread is perfect for any gathering or cozy night in. Easy to make and irresistibly delicious, it’s sure to become a family favorite.
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 9 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 cup stone-ground cornmeal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1/2 cup finely chopped jalapeños (adjust for spice)
- 1 cup corn kernels (canned or frozen, drained)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease an 8-inch square baking dish.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, and sugar.
- In another bowl, beat the milk and eggs together; stir in the melted butter.
- Gradually combine the wet and dry mixtures until just combined; avoid overmixing.
- Fold in the jalapeños and corn gently.
- Pour the batter into the prepared dish and bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool slightly before slicing and serving warm.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 70g)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 45mg