Print

Savory Hatch Chili Cheddar Skillet Cornbread

hatch chili cheddar skillet cornbread - featured image

A quick and easy skillet cornbread featuring smoky Hatch chilis and melty sharp cheddar, perfect for cozy fall evenings and gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (120g) stone-ground cornmeal
  • 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (240ml) whole milk or 2%
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 4 tablespoons (60g) unsalted butter, melted, plus extra for skillet
  • 23 medium Hatch chilis, roasted, peeled, and chopped (fresh or jarred)
  • 1 to 1.5 cups (100-150g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • Optional: diced jalapeño for extra heat
  • Optional: chopped green onions for freshness

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and place your cast iron skillet inside to heat up.
  2. Roast fresh Hatch chilis over a gas flame or under a broiler until skin blisters and chars. Steam in a sealed bowl or plastic bag for 10 minutes, then peel skins and remove seeds. Chop finely. If using jarred, drain and chop.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk together cornmeal, all-purpose flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt until well combined.
  4. In another bowl, whisk milk, egg, and melted butter until smooth.
  5. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Fold in chopped Hatch chilis and shredded cheddar cheese.
  6. Carefully remove the hot skillet from the oven using oven mitts and add a tablespoon of butter, swirling to coat the bottom and sides.
  7. Pour batter into the skillet and spread evenly with a spatula.
  8. Bake for 20-25 minutes until edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
  9. Let the cornbread cool in the skillet for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

Preheat the skillet to ensure a crispy crust. Do not overmix the batter to avoid toughness. Roasting and peeling Hatch chilis adds subtle smokiness. Use sharp cheddar for best flavor and meltability. Tent with foil if top browns too quickly. Fresh eggs and room temperature milk improve texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: Hatch chili, cheddar, skillet cornbread, savory cornbread, fall recipe, quick cornbread, easy side dish