Cheddar Jalapeño Muffins

Cheddar Jalapeño Muffins

by | Feb 22, 2021 | QUICK BREADS, SIDE DISH | 0 comments

Cheddar Jalapeño Muffins

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A shallow wooden serving bowl stacked with freshly baked Cheddar Jalapeño Muffins.

Cheesy and spicy with crispy, golden edges make these tender Cheddar Jalapeño Muffins one of my favourites. I have made them more times than I can remember because I like them that much. They are the perfect accompaniment to chili, stew, tomato soup or green salad and so good about ten minutes out of the oven. Just long enough for them to cool down enough to handle but are still warm on the inside and crispy on the outside.

Baking ingredients being prepared for Cheddar Jalapeño Muffins with a muffin tin in the background.

This lovely recipe originates with one of my favourite food bloggers, Joy the Baker. Joy notes that you can bake these muffins with liners in the muffin tins. You certainly can, but trust me, you do not want to! I find it is best to generously butter non-stick muffin tins to achieve a wonderfully golden muffin bottom that is crispy and chewy when eaten while still slightly warm. They will pop right out of the muffin tins too. When using liners, the muffins need to cool completely before peeling away the liner, otherwise, they will stick and you’ll miss out on the best part. In a nutshell, it’s lots of butter, no liners!!

Freshly baked Cheddar Jalapeño Muffins on a wire rack..

Do not be skimpy on the cheese!! It will seem like a lot, and the batter will be thick with an abundance of cheese, but the result is a gloriously cheesy muffin. It is also important not to over mix the batter. This is a quick bread and does not require gluten development, so only mix the wet and dry ingredients until they are combined. The batter won’t be completely smooth and that’s okay. The cheese needs to be folded in last so it doesn’t clog up the whisk and make everything gummy. It’s a quick and easy recipe that freezes well too. Simply store cooled muffins in an airtight container or bag for up to a month. Allow to thaw and warm gently in the oven or microwave. They don’t retain their crisp exterior, but they’re still delicious. Enjoy!

Freshly baked Cheddar Jalapeño Muffins on a wooden serving board garnished with a pickled jalapeño.

Author:  Compelled to Cook

Freshly baked Cheddar Jalapeño Muffins on a wooden serving board garnished with a pickled jalapeño.
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Cheddar Jalapeño Muffins

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Servings 12 muffins

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tbsp baking powder
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted plus more for pan
  • 3 cups grated cheddar cheese about 8 ounces
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped drained pickled jalapeños plus more for garnishing

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350°F and generously butter a 12 cup non-stick muffin tin.
  • Whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar and salt. Set aside.
  • Whisk the egg, add the milk and melted butter and continue to whisk to fully combine. Stir in jalapeños.
  • Add the dry ingredients to the wet stirring until just combined. Fold in cheese until evenly distributed in the batter.
  • Scoop batter evenly between the prepared muffin cups and bake for 20-25 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  • Remove from oven and allow to cool for 10-15 minutes in the pan. Gently loosen the muffin tops if any have slightly stuck and pluck out the muffins placing them on a wire rack to cool further.

Notes

-these muffins are best served slightly warm out of the oven.
-use a non-stick muffin tin for this recipe and be sure to butter generously. The butter not only helps the muffins not to stick but ensures a crisp and golden bottom. 
-you can use muffin liners but the muffins will need to cool completely before trying to peel off the liner.
 

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I may receive compensation for purchases made through this site, at no cost to the purchaser. Compelled to Cook is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com
Cherry Salsa

Cherry Salsa

by | Jan 24, 2020 | APPETIZERS, CONDIMENTS AND SAUCES | 2 comments

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Cherry Salsa tops three goat cheese crostini on a wooden serving board.

Cherry Salsa is sweet, spicy and delicious on goat cheese crostini, baked Brie, chicken cutlets or grilled meats. Simplicity is good and this quick and easy recipe can be ready for guests without much fuss. The dried cherries offer a nice texture to the salsa and the freshly chopped jalapenos, lime and vinegar balance the cherry jam. It’s so good!

Ingredients for Cherry Salsa arranged on and around a wooden cutting board with a bowl of dried cherries in the background.

My favourite way to eat this lovely Cherry Salsa is dabbed on crisp crostini smeared with goat cheese. The tang and creaminess of the goat cheese make it a great pairing with the salsa and the combo makes for an easy company friendly appetizer. Another great way to use Cherry Salsa is as a baked brie topping. Simply spoon the salsa onto your hot baked brie and serve with crisp crackers, crostini or crudites. I originally found this Cherry Salsa paired up pecan-crusted chicken wings. I’ve prepared pecan-crusted chicken cutlets in the past and thought this would also be a wonderful way to use the salsa in a main course. I was not disappointed as the crunchy, nutty cutlets beg for the sweet, spiciness that the salsa offers. The recipe for pecan-crusted chicken cutlets will be coming to the blog soon, so be sure to check back.

Looking for more company friendly appetizers?

Tomato Confit

Scallops with Tarragon Cream Sauce

Miso Shrimp

Author: Compelled to Cook, adapted from Food.com

Cherry Salsa tops three goat cheese crostini on a wooden serving board.
Cherry Salsa
Print Recipe
    Servings Prep Time
    1 cup 20 minutes
    Passive Time
    30+ minutes
    Servings Prep Time
    1 cup 20 minutes
    Passive Time
    30+ minutes
    Cherry Salsa tops three goat cheese crostini on a wooden serving board.
    Cherry Salsa
    Print Recipe
      Servings Prep Time
      1 cup 20 minutes
      Passive Time
      30+ minutes
      Servings Prep Time
      1 cup 20 minutes
      Passive Time
      30+ minutes
      Ingredients
      Servings: cup
      Instructions
      1. Chop dried cherries and combine with cherry jam in a mini food processor or blender. Pulse several times until cherries are about the size of a pea or smaller. Add remaining ingredients and pulse 2-3 times to combine.
      2. Scoop into a serving dish, cover and chill for at least 30 minutes to meld flavours. Use as a topping for crostini, baked brie, breaded chicken cutlets or grilled meats.
      Recipe Notes

      -I find there is a need to first chop the cherries before adding to the food processor because everything becomes too processed in the time it takes the dried cherries to break down.  By chopping the cherries first, the mixture retains most of its texture yet everything is combined.

      -If a food processor is not available, simply chop everything by hand and combine.

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      Affiliate Disclosure

      I may receive compensation for purchases made through this site, at no cost to the purchaser. Compelled to Cook is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com
      Mexican Jalapeño Cheddar Croquettes

      Mexican Jalapeño Cheddar Croquettes

      by | Nov 22, 2019 | APPETIZERS, POTATOES | 0 comments

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      Mexican Jalapeno Cheddar Croquettes piled high in while bowl and garnished with fresh cilantro.

      With Thanksgiving and Christmas just around the corner, you are bound to have leftover mashed potatoes. Mexican Jalapeño Cheddar Croquettes will be your reason not to forget them at the back of the fridge. Maybe you even still have company and need to put out a few snacks. These little potato bombs are super crispy, cheesy and just a little spicy. They’re perfect for passing around and dipping in your favourite salsa.

      A bit of information on the recipe today. First, I chose to amp up the coating by using ground-up corn tortilla chips mixed with panko breadcrumbs. Panko instead of regular breadcrumbs because they’re coarser and give more crunch than fine breadcrumbs. Homemade breadcrumbs would have a similar result as you could control the grind. For the tortilla crumbs, I used Tostitos Extra Thick tortilla chips but any corn tortilla chip will do. Don’t be skimpy on the coating and pack on as much as the egg wash will hold. This will ensure a thick coating and help hold in the melty cheese trying to escape.

      I chose to shape the croquettes into approximate 2” long ovals, but round or tubular will also work. I think for sharing, forming into a 1 3/4” ball would be best. A better crunch to soft potato ratio in my opinion and therefore more snacky like. However, if you’re having them with a salad, the larger oval is a good fit. I’m not that fussy, just sharing my thoughts on the matter.

      I love this recipe because of the tortilla breadcrumb coating. It makes for an amazing crunch and cooks to a picture-perfect golden. Using pickled jalapeños not only softens the heat of the pepper but adds a little acidity to all the starchy potato and melty cheese. As a bonus, these Mexican Jalapeño Cheddar Croquettes are a great way to use up any leftover mashed potatoes. Enjoy!

      Mexican Jalapeno Cheddar Croquettes piled high in while bowl and garnished with fresh cilantro.

      Author:  Compelled to Cook

      Mexican Jalapeno Cheddar Croquettes piled high in while bowl and garnished with fresh cilantro.
      Mexican Jalapeno Cheddar Croquettes
      Print Recipe
      Super crispy little potato bombs filled with cheddar and jalapeño.
        Servings Prep Time
        20-22 croquettes 15 minutes
        Cook Time Passive Time
        15 minutes 20 minutes
        Servings Prep Time
        20-22 croquettes 15 minutes
        Cook Time Passive Time
        15 minutes 20 minutes
        Mexican Jalapeno Cheddar Croquettes piled high in while bowl and garnished with fresh cilantro.
        Mexican Jalapeno Cheddar Croquettes
        Print Recipe
        Super crispy little potato bombs filled with cheddar and jalapeño.
          Servings Prep Time
          20-22 croquettes 15 minutes
          Cook Time Passive Time
          15 minutes 20 minutes
          Servings Prep Time
          20-22 croquettes 15 minutes
          Cook Time Passive Time
          15 minutes 20 minutes
          Ingredients
          Croquettes
          Breading
          Servings: croquettes
          Instructions
          Croquettes
          1. In a large bowl stir together mashed potatoes, sour cream, egg, salt and pepper until well combined. Stir in cheddar cheese, jalapeño and chives. Place approximately 3 tbsp of mixture in the palm of your hand and roll into a 2" long oval. Continue with remaining potato, placing each on a tray when formed. Cover and chill for at least 20 minutes. Can be done several hours ahead.
          2. Place several croquettes into flour and turn to coat. Shake off excess and dunk in egg wash, turning to coat completely. Scoop out of egg wash and roll in breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere and coat completely. Set aside on a tray and repeat with remaining croquettes.
          3. Using a deep fryer or large pot with at least 3" of oil, heat to 350℉. Gently place as many croquettes that will fit (without overcrowding) into the pot. Maintaining 350℉ cook for 4-5 minutes. Using a slotted scoop remove croquettes to a paper towel-lined plate. Keep warm in a low oven and repeat with remaining croquettes. Serve immediately with your favourite salsa.
          Breading
          1. Using three shallow dishes, in the first combine ground tortilla chips, breadcrumbs and chill powder. In the second whisk eggs with milk. For the third, generously season the flour with salt and pepper. Arrange dishes for breading station starting with flour, egg wash and breadcrumbs
          Recipe Notes

          Pulse tortilla chips in a mini processor until the size of panko breadcrumbs.  If a processor is not available, place tortilla chips in a sealable bag and crush with a rolling pin.

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          Affiliate Disclosure

          I may receive compensation for purchases made through this site, at no cost to the purchaser. Compelled to Cook is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com
          Flaky Jalapeño Cheddar Biscuits

          Flaky Jalapeño Cheddar Biscuits

          by | Feb 17, 2019 | QUICK BREADS, SIDE DISH, VEGETARIAN | 0 comments

          Make a better biscuit…

          It’s hard to resist a flaky, buttery biscuit and these Flaky Jalapeño Cheddar Biscuits are tender and flaky.  So good on their own, dunked or piled high with your favourite fillings. The good thing is, they’re easy to make using basic ingredients.  So what makes a good biscuit?  Let’s look at the basics.

          -use quality butter.

          -use fresh baking powder and baking soda, they do EXPIRE!

          -cut butter into flour evenly to ensure a flaky biscuit.

          -do not overwork the dough, once mixed, only knead enough to bring the dough together.  Overworking dough will result in a tougher biscuit.

          -use a sharp cutting tool for the best edges.

          -brush tops and sides with a whisked mixture of egg and cream for a nice golden exterior.

           

          What’s a biscuit good for?

          By far my favourite thing to do with a flaky biscuit is dunk it into soup, stew or chili.  But, they’re also wonderful as a sandwich.  Especially these Flaky Jalapeño Cheddar Biscuits, because they spread out a little, making them just the right size for a fried egg…just saying!

          Author: Compelled to Cook

          Flaky Jalapeno Cheddar Biscuits
          Print Recipe
            Servings Prep Time
            8-10 4" biscuits 25 minutes
            Cook Time
            18 minutes
            Servings Prep Time
            8-10 4" biscuits 25 minutes
            Cook Time
            18 minutes
            Flaky Jalapeno Cheddar Biscuits
            Print Recipe
              Servings Prep Time
              8-10 4" biscuits 25 minutes
              Cook Time
              18 minutes
              Servings Prep Time
              8-10 4" biscuits 25 minutes
              Cook Time
              18 minutes
              Ingredients
              Servings: 4" biscuits
              Instructions
              1. Preheat oven to 425℉ and line a large baking tray with parchment.
              2. In a large bowl whisk together flour, cornmeal, baking powder, baking soda and salt.
              3. Add cubed butter and using a pastry cutter, cut butter into dry ingredients until pea-sized and evenly distributed.
              4. Whisk together buttermilk and one large egg. Add to dry ingredients and stir until just starting to come together. Add grated cheese and diced jalapeno and continue to mix until incorporated being careful not to overmix. It will be a bit of a scraggly mess.
              5. Flour your work surface and dump out the dough. Knead dough a few times to bring everything together. Flatten dough into a 3/4"-1" disk. Using a 3" round cutter, cut out biscuits.
              6. Reform remaining dough and cut out biscuits. Place biscuits on a parchment lined baking tray.
              7. Whisk together one large egg and one tbsp of milk or cream. Brush each biscuit top and sides generoulsly. Bake in preheated oven for about 18 minutes until golden and puffed.
              8. Remove from oven and allow to rest on the tray for 3-5 minutes before moving to a cooling rack. Serve slightly warm.
              Recipe Notes

              -these particular biscuits spread out some and are wonderful sliced as a sandwich.

              -I used a 3" cutter, however for slightly smaller biscuits that would be good for soups or stews a 2 1/2" cutter is probably preferred.

              Affiliate Disclosure

              I may receive compensation for purchases made through this site, at no cost to the purchaser. Compelled to Cook is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com
              Pickled Corn

              Pickled Corn

              by | Jul 21, 2018 | CONDIMENTS AND SAUCES, SIDE DISH, VEGETABLES, VEGETARIAN | 0 comments

              I’m pretty sure it’s safe to say you can never have too many side dish options. We’ve all been the one who’s put out five different dishes to please the masses.  While this quick and super easy Pickled Corn would maybe be considered more of a condiment, it’s fantastic along side hot dogs, hamburgers, grilled meats and a great addition to any meat and cheese platter.  It’s briny, spicy and sweet all in one, making Pickled Corn a must to make this summer.

               

              Need a salad in a hurry, try adding Pickled Corn to black beans, chickpeas and avocado for a healthy and hearty dish.  So the next time you’re thinking of setting out a dish of pickles, you need to stop yourself and amp up your game with this wonderfully spicy mix of sweet corn, red pepper, garlic and onion.  Enjoy!

              Recipe source for Pickled Corn:  Adapted from Epicurious Pickled Corn

              Pickled Corn
              Print Recipe
                Servings Prep Time
                5 cups 30-35 minutes
                Cook Time
                5 minutes
                Servings Prep Time
                5 cups 30-35 minutes
                Cook Time
                5 minutes
                Pickled Corn
                Print Recipe
                  Servings Prep Time
                  5 cups 30-35 minutes
                  Cook Time
                  5 minutes
                  Servings Prep Time
                  5 cups 30-35 minutes
                  Cook Time
                  5 minutes
                  Ingredients
                  Servings: cups
                  Instructions
                  1. In a large bowl, toss together corn, red onion, red pepper, jalapeño, and garlic. Divide into heat proof mason jars, leaving enough room to add liquid to cover. I used 3-500ml jars because it's nice to have one ready to use and two to keep stored. See note.
                  2. In a medium sauce pan heat water, vinegar, lime juice, sugar, salt and pepper to a simmer. Pour hot liquid over corn mixture just to cover corn. Add hot water by the tablespoon to top up if needed. Seal jars and allow to cool at room temperature, then refrigerate.
                  Recipe Notes

                  Will keep up to 4 days once opened and up to one month if unopened.  This is why I chose to use 500 ml mason jars, so one or two can stay sealed if needed and one can be used right away.