Jalapeño Honey Butter Cheddar Corn Biscuits Recipe
I’m so excited to share this Jalapeño Honey Butter Cheddar Corn Biscuits Recipe with you—it’s genuinely one of my favorite ways to add a little kick and sweetness to classic biscuits. These biscuits are fluffy and tender, with just the right amount of sharp cheddar and sweet corn kernels folded right into the dough. What really sets them apart is the zingy jalapeño honey butter that melts over the top, creating a glorious balance of spicy, sweet, and buttery flavors.
Whether you’re serving a brunch spread, dinner side, or just want a cozy treat with your afternoon tea, these biscuits shine. I first made these on a chilly weekend and they instantly became a staple in my kitchen. I promise, once you try this Jalapeño Honey Butter Cheddar Corn Biscuits Recipe, you’ll want to keep it in your regular rotation too.
Why This Recipe Works
- Flavor Harmony: The sharp cheddar and sweet corn play beautifully off the spicy jalapeño honey butter for layers of taste in every bite.
- Texture Perfection: Cornmeal adds a subtle crunch and rustic texture while keeping the biscuits tender inside.
- Buttery Richness: Using cold butter shredded into the dry ingredients creates just the right flakiness in the dough.
- Simple Yet Special: Straightforward ingredients and steps that elevate your biscuit game without stressing you out.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Every ingredient in this Jalapeño Honey Butter Cheddar Corn Biscuits Recipe is chosen for flavor and texture balance. From the cornmeal giving a slight crunch, to the cheddar’s sharpness, it all comes together perfectly. Here’s a quick peek at why each one matters so much.
- All-purpose flour: The biscuit base – provides structure but keeps the crumb tender.
- Cornmeal: Adds a rustic texture and subtle corn flavor that complements the cheddar and jalapeño.
- Baking powder: Your leavening agent to make these biscuits rise light and fluffy.
- Garlic powder: Brings a savory depth that dances well with the cheddar and spices.
- Onion powder: Adds a subtle umami flavor that’s surprisingly comforting.
- Salt: Essential to balance sweetness and bring out all the flavors.
- Fresh or frozen corn: The surprise bursts of sweetness that make these biscuits unique and fresh.
- Cold salted butter (shredded): Cold butter creates flaky layers; shredding it in means it blends evenly without melting before baking.
- Sharp cheddar cheese: I love a cheese that packs personality — it adds a punch and smooth creaminess throughout.
- Buttermilk: Gives moisture and a slight tang to balance the richness of butter and cheese.
- Honey: Used in the dough and butter, it adds sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the jalapeño heat.
- Jalapeño: Seeds removed if you want less heat, but I personally love the subtle kick that wakes up your taste buds.
- Fresh thyme or parsley: Fresh herbs add a bright, fragrant note to the bubbling honey butter.
- Garlic powder & sea salt: Enhances the jalapeño honey butter and adds a final savory finish.
Tweak to Your Taste
One of the things I love most about this Jalapeño Honey Butter Cheddar Corn Biscuits Recipe is how adaptable it is. Feel free to adjust the heat level or swap fresh corn for canned if that’s what you have on hand. I’ve played around with different cheeses too, and I’m excited to tell you what worked for me.
- Variation: When I wanted to tone down spice, I used just half a jalapeño and added a bit more honey—still deliciously balanced but gentler for heat-sensitive eaters.
- Cheese swap: Sharp white cheddar is my go-to, but smoked gouda or pepper jack both add interesting twists you might enjoy.
- Dairy-free option: Subbing with plant-based butter and cheese alternative works well, though I’d reduce the honey slightly as those versions can be sweeter.
- Herbs: I’ve tried rosemary and chives instead of thyme—both freshen it up nicely but change the flavor profile subtly.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Jalapeño Honey Butter Cheddar Corn Biscuits Recipe
Step 1: Get your cast iron ready and preheat
Start by heating your oven to 425°F and greasing a 10-inch cast iron skillet with butter. I love using cast iron here because it gives the biscuits a beautifully crisp bottom crust, which you won’t get with a regular baking sheet. If you don’t have cast iron, a greased baking pan works too, just keep an eye on the bottom for browning.
Step 2: Mix dry ingredients with corn and cheese
In a large bowl, combine all-purpose flour, cornmeal, baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and fresh or frozen corn kernels. Using your hands makes a difference here—I like that tactile feeling you get mixing cheese and butter bits through the dry stuff. Add the shredded butter and sharp cheddar cheese last, and gently work it in until it’s evenly distributed but still crumbly.
Step 3: Add buttermilk and honey and form the dough
Pour the buttermilk and honey over the dry mix. Stir just until combined; you want the dough a little sticky but not overly wet. Turn it onto a floured surface and pat out into a 1-inch thick rectangle. Now, fold it like a letter – fold one side into the middle, then the other side over the top. Turn the dough horizontally, flatten again, and repeat the folding two more times. This layering gives you those flaky, tender layers inside your biscuit.
Step 4: Cut and bake
Roll or pat the dough into about 3/4-inch thick rectangle, then use a 3-inch biscuit cutter to cut out rounds. Don’t twist the cutter—straight down and up to keep edges tall and fluffy. Re-roll scraps gently to avoid toughening the dough. Arrange the biscuits in your buttered skillet close but not crowded. Brush tops with milk and scatter a few knobs of butter between the biscuits. Bake for 20-22 minutes until golden and puffed. The smell at this point totally wins me over every single time.
Step 5: Make the Jalapeño Honey Butter
While the biscuits bake, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a small pan over low heat. Stir in honey, chopped jalapeño, fresh thyme (or parsley), and garlic powder. Let the flavors meld gently for a minute or two. Be careful not to overcook or brown it. This butter is the magic finishing touch that transforms these biscuits from great to unforgettable.
Step 6: Serve warm with a drizzle
When your biscuits come out hot and golden, serve immediately with a generous spread of the jalapeño honey butter and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt if you have it. The combo of warm, tender biscuit with sweet-spicy butter is just unbeatable. Trust me, this is one recipe where leftovers disappear fast!
Pro Tips for Making Jalapeño Honey Butter Cheddar Corn Biscuits Recipe
- Keep Butter Cold: Always shred cold butter into the flour mixture to create flaky layers that bake up tender.
- Don’t Overwork: Fold gently and avoid overkneading to keep your biscuits light, not dense.
- Test Oven Hotspot: I noticed my first batch baked unevenly, so I rotate the skillet halfway through baking for even golden color.
- Adjust Jalapeño Heat: Remove seeds for milder spice—start small and add more next time if you want it hotter.
How to Serve Jalapeño Honey Butter Cheddar Corn Biscuits Recipe
Garnishes
I usually add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt and a few fresh thyme leaves on top of the buttered biscuits—it adds a touch of elegance and fresh herb brightness. If I’m feeling bold, a drizzle of extra honey balances the heat perfectly. Some chopped chives tossed on are also a beautiful green pop and mild oniony flavor to round everything out.
Side Dishes
These biscuits pair wonderfully with rich foods like fried chicken, chili, or creamy soups. I love serving them alongside a mixed green salad and roasted veggies to balance the richness. They also make incredible breakfast companions—think scrambled eggs and smoky bacon with these warm bites on the side.
Creative Ways to Present
For a brunch gathering, I’ve arranged these biscuits in rustic baskets lined with linen napkins, topped with little ramekins of extra jalapeño butter. Another fun idea is serving them stacked with layers of honey butter and slices of sharp cheddar in between for a gooey biscuit “sandwich.” They also make lovely bite-sized sliders when sliced in half and filled with pulled pork or smoked turkey.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled completely, I store leftover biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. I find they keep their moisture best when wrapped tightly in foil or plastic wrap. Avoid refrigerating as that tends to dry them out quicker.
Freezing
These biscuits freeze beautifully! I like to flash freeze them first on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months. When you want some, just pop them straight into a warm oven or toaster oven without thawing.
Reheating
To reheat, I typically wrap the biscuits in foil and warm them in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes so they stay soft and moist inside. Alternatively, a quick zap in the microwave with a small damp paper towel also works in a pinch, but I prefer oven reheating for that just-baked texture.
FAQs
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Can I make this Jalapeño Honey Butter Cheddar Corn Biscuits Recipe without buttermilk?
Yes! If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can make a simple substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it slightly curdles, then use it in the recipe as a buttermilk alternative.
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How spicy are the biscuits?
The spice level depends on how much jalapeño you use and whether you keep the seeds. For a mild heat, remove the seeds and use one jalapeño. If you love spicy food, include the seeds or add extra jalapeño. The honey butter also balances the heat with sweetness.
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Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the biscuit dough, shape, and cut the biscuits, then cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just increase the baking time by a few minutes when baking from cold.
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What if I don’t have a cast iron skillet?
No worries! A greased baking dish or sheet can be used instead, though you might miss out on that extra crisp crust. Just monitor the biscuits closely to avoid overbrowning the bottom.
Final Thoughts
This Jalapeño Honey Butter Cheddar Corn Biscuits Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s comfort food with a twist—simple enough to make any day but special enough for guests. It’s that perfect balance of sweet, spicy, cheesy, and buttery that feels like home but a little adventurous too. I hope you try it soon and find it just as irresistible as I do, whether for family dinners, weekend brunch, or just because. Trust me, these biscuits are well worth the little bit of extra love they take!
PrintJalapeño Honey Butter Cheddar Corn Biscuits Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Total Time: 42 minutes
- Yield: 9 biscuits
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Jalapeño Honey Butter Cheddar Corn Biscuits are a delightful twist on classic biscuits, combining the rich flavors of sharp cheddar, sweet corn, and a touch of heat from jalapeño. Perfectly golden and tender, they’re topped with a luscious jalapeño honey butter that adds a sweet and spicy kick, making them an irresistible side for any meal.
Ingredients
Biscuit Dough
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup cornmeal
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup fresh or frozen yellow corn
- 1 stick (8 tablespoons) cold salted butter, shredded
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 teaspoons honey
Jalapeño Honey Butter
- 4 tablespoons salted butter
- 1-2 teaspoons honey
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and chopped
- 1-2 tablespoons fresh thyme or chopped parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- sea salt
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Skillet: Preheat the oven to 425°F. Rub a 10-inch cast iron skillet thoroughly with butter to prevent sticking and add flavor.
- Mix Dry Ingredients and Corn: In a large bowl, combine the flour, cornmeal, baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and corn. Mix well to ensure even distribution.
- Incorporate Butter and Cheese: Using your hands, mix in the shredded cold butter and shredded sharp cheddar cheese with the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Pour the buttermilk and honey over the dry mixture. Stir gently until just combined into a sticky dough, taking care not to overmix.
- Shape the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Pat it into a 1-inch-thick rectangle. Fold one side into the center, then fold the other side over the top like a letter. Rotate the dough horizontally and flatten into a rectangle again. Repeat folding and flattening one more time, then flatten the dough to about 3/4-inch thickness.
- Cut Biscuits: Use a 3-inch biscuit cutter to cut circles out of the dough. Re-roll any remaining dough and cut more biscuits until all dough is used.
- Arrange and Bake: Place the biscuit rounds closely together in the prepared skillet. Brush the tops with milk and dot the skillet with 2 tablespoons of butter around the biscuits. Bake in the preheated oven for 22 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Prepare Jalapeño Honey Butter: While the biscuits bake, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a small pan over low heat. Stir in honey, chopped jalapeño, fresh thyme or parsley, and garlic powder until well combined and warmed through.
- Serve: Remove biscuits from the oven and brush generously with the jalapeño honey butter. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt if desired and serve warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For extra heat, leave some seeds in the jalapeño when making the butter.
- Use cold butter and handle the dough minimally to ensure flaky biscuits.
- Buttermilk can be substituted with milk mixed with a tablespoon of lemon juice if needed.
- The biscuits can be reheated in a warm oven and refreshed with a brush of jalapeño butter before serving.
- If you don’t have a cast iron skillet, use a baking dish but increase buttering to prevent sticking.
- Fresh corn gives the best flavor, but frozen corn works well; just thaw and drain excess moisture before using.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 biscuit
- Calories: 240 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 23 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg