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Savory Cheddar Jalapeño Zucchini Corn Muffins

cheddar jalapeño zucchini corn muffins - featured image

These savory muffins combine sharp cheddar, spicy jalapeños, and moist zucchini with cornmeal for a crispy, flavorful treat perfect for brunch or snacks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup yellow cornmeal
  • 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup milk + 1 tablespoon lemon juice, let sit 5 mins)
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
  • 1 cup shredded zucchini (about 1 medium zucchini, squeezed of excess moisture)
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 12 jalapeños, finely diced (de-seeded for less heat)
  • 1/4 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen, thawed)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease your muffin tin or line with muffin cups.
  2. Shred the zucchini using a box grater. Place the shredded zucchini in a clean kitchen towel and wring out as much moisture as possible.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
  4. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs until frothy. Add buttermilk and melted butter, stirring gently.
  5. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture. Stir gently with a rubber spatula just until combined; do not overmix.
  6. Fold in the shredded zucchini, shredded cheddar, diced jalapeños, and corn kernels. Add a splash more buttermilk if batter is too stiff.
  7. Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about 3/4 full.
  8. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until tops are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  9. Let the muffins cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Notes

Do not overmix the batter to avoid tough muffins. Squeeze zucchini well to remove excess moisture to prevent soggy muffins. Adjust jalapeño seeds to control heat level. Use fresh baking powder and soda for best rise. Batter can rest 10 minutes before baking for better texture but is optional.

Nutrition

Keywords: savory muffins, cheddar jalapeño muffins, zucchini corn muffins, spicy muffins, easy muffins, brunch recipe