introduction
Pepper Cheese Corn Muffins are warm, cheesy muffins made with cornmeal, cheddar, and pimiento peppers. They are soft inside with a light crust. These muffins are quick to mix and bake. They work well for breakfast, lunch, or a snack.
why make this recipe
- They cook fast and need simple ingredients.
- The cheddar and pimiento give a bright, tasty bite.
- The cornmeal gives a nice grainy texture.
- They pair well with soups, salads, or barbecue.
how to make Pepper Cheese Corn Muffins
Make the dry mix, make the wet mix, then fold them together gently. Spoon into a greased muffin tin and bake until golden. Let cool a bit, then serve with pimiento cheese or butter.
Ingredients :
- 1 1/4 cups yellow cornmeal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 4 ounces shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 3/4 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 jars diced pimiento peppers, drained and patted dry
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley leaves
- Cooking spray
Directions :
- Preheat your oven to 375ºF. Grease a muffin tin with cooking spray.
- In a bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, baking soda, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper. Stir in cheddar cheese.
- In another bowl, whisk eggs, milk, and melted butter. Fold in pimiento peppers and parsley.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients, stirring gently until mixed.
- Spoon batter into muffin tin, filling each cup about 3/4 full. Bake for 24-28 minutes until golden.
- Cool slightly on a wire rack and serve with pimiento cheese.

how to serve Pepper Cheese Corn Muffins
Serve warm. Top with extra pimiento cheese, butter, or a little honey. They go well with chili, soup, fried chicken, or a green salad.
how to store Pepper Cheese Corn Muffins
- Room temp: Keep in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Rewarm in the oven or microwave.
- Freezer: Wrap muffins individually and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw and warm before serving.
tips to make Pepper Cheese Corn Muffins
- Do not overmix the batter. Stir until just combined.
- Drain pimiento well to keep batter from getting soggy. Pat dry with a paper towel.
- Use room-temperature eggs and milk for even mixing.
- For a crisper top, bake on the middle rack and remove when tops turn golden.
- Test with a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean or with a few crumbs.
variation (if any)
- Add cooked bacon bits for a smoky flavor.
- Swap cayenne for smoked paprika if you want milder heat.
- Use pepper jack cheese for a spicier muffin.
- Stir in chopped jalapeños instead of pimientos for more heat.
FAQs
Q: Can I use buttermilk instead of whole milk?
A: Yes. Use the same amount of buttermilk. It adds a tang and makes muffins tender.
Q: Can I make these gluten-free?
A: Yes. Replace the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Q: Can I skip the cayenne pepper?
A: Yes. Skip it or reduce the amount if you prefer no heat.
Q: How do I keep muffins from drying out when reheating?
A: Wrap in foil and warm in the oven at 325ºF for 8–10 minutes. Or microwave with a damp paper towel for a few seconds.
Q: Can I make mini muffins with this batter?
A: Yes. Reduce bake time to about 12–16 minutes and watch for golden tops.
Conclusion
For a similar idea with pimento and cheese in a corn bread style, see this recipe: Pimento Cheese Cornbread – Southern Bite.
Print
Pepper Cheese Corn Muffins
- Total Time: 43 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Warm, cheesy muffins made with cornmeal, cheddar, and pimiento peppers, perfect for breakfast, lunch, or a snack.
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups yellow cornmeal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 4 ounces shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 3/4 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 jars diced pimiento peppers, drained and patted dry
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley leaves
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375ºF. Grease a muffin tin with cooking spray.
- In a bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, baking soda, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper. Stir in cheddar cheese.
- In another bowl, whisk eggs, milk, and melted butter. Fold in pimiento peppers and parsley.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients, stirring gently until mixed.
- Spoon batter into muffin tin, filling each cup about 3/4 full. Bake for 24-28 minutes until golden.
- Cool slightly on a wire rack and serve with pimiento cheese.
Notes
Do not overmix the batter. Drain pimiento well to keep batter from getting soggy. Use room-temperature ingredients for even mixing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 28 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 muffin
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: muffins, cheese, corn, breakfast, snack