Hatch Green Chile Cornbread Recipe

Nov 3, 2023

Grilling Hatch Chile cornbread can be a delicious way to enjoy the smoky flavor of the grill combined with the spicy kick of Hatch Chiles. Here's a simple recipe to make Hatch Chile cornbread on a grill:

Ingredients:

1 cup yellow cornmeal

1 cup all-purpose flour

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1 tablespoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 large eggs

1 cup buttermilk

1/4 cup melted butter

2-3 Hatch Chiles, roasted, peeled, seeded, and finely chopped (adjust to your preferred level of spiciness)

1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

Instructions:

First, preheat your grill to medium heat (about 350-375°F or 175-190°C). Next, in a large mixing bowl, combine the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Thirdly, in a separate bowl, beat the eggs, then add the buttermilk and melted butter. Mix well. Next, pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cornbread tough. Lastly, gently fold in the chopped Hatch Chiles and shredded cheddar cheese (if using). The chiles will add a mild to hot spiciness, depending on your preference. Grease a cast-iron skillet or a grill-safe baking dish to prevent sticking. Pour the cornbread batter into the skillet or baking dish. Place the skillet or dish on the preheated grill and cover it.

Grill for about 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the cornbread is golden brown. The cooking time may vary depending on your grill's temperature, so keep an eye on it to avoid burning. You can also rotate the skillet to ensure even cooking. Once the cornbread is done, carefully remove it from the grill and allow it to cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Serve the Hatch Chile cornbread as a side dish for grilled meats or as a tasty addition to a barbecue feast.

Coyote C1HY50 grill with an open lid

Grilling Tips:

Grill Setup

When grilling cornbread, it's essential to have both direct and indirect heat zones on your grill. Place the skillet with the cornbread on the indirect heat side to prevent the bottom from burning. You can also use a grilling stone or baking sheet under the skillet for further heat dispersion.

Flavor Variations

Get creative with the flavors. Consider adding ingredients like diced bacon, green onions, or corn kernels to the batter for added texture and taste. You can also experiment with different cheese options, such as pepper jack or monterey jack, for a unique twist.

Char the Chiles

For extra smoky flavor, char the Hatch Chiles directly on the grill before roasting, peeling, and chopping them. Simply place the chiles on the grill grates and turn them occasionally until the skin blisters and chars. Then, place them in a sealed plastic bag for a few minutes to steam and make peeling easier.

a slice of cornbread plated with a bowl of chili

a slice of cornbread plated with a bowl of chili

Serving Suggestions:

Honey Butter

Serve the cornbread with a side of honey butter. Simply mix softened butter with honey to taste, and spread it on warm slices of the cornbread. The sweetness of the honey butter complements the spicy Hatch Chiles beautifully.

Grilled Meats

Pair your Hatch Chile cornbread with grilled meats like BBQ chicken, ribs, or pulled pork. The combination of the smoky flavors from the grill and the spicy cornbread is a match made in barbecue heaven.

Southwestern Salad

Create a Southwestern-themed meal by serving the cornbread alongside a vibrant salad with ingredients like black beans, roasted corn, avocado, and a cilantro-lime dressing.

Chili or Soup

Use the cornbread as a side for chili or hearty soups. The spicy and slightly sweet cornbread can balance out the heat and depth of flavor in your chili.

a baking dish filled with cornbread stuffing

a baking dish filled with cornbread stuffing

Leftover Ideas:

If you have leftover Hatch Chile cornbread, consider these ideas:

Cornbread Croutons

Cut the cornbread into small cubes, toss them in some olive oil, and grill them for a few minutes until they're crispy. These cornbread croutons can be used to top salads or soups.

Cornbread Stuffing

Cube the cornbread and use it as a base for a delicious stuffing to accompany your holiday turkey or chicken.

Cornbread Panzanella Salad

Combine leftover cornbread with fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, and a vinaigrette dressing to create a flavorful panzanella salad.

Get Grilling!

The history of grilling hatch green chilies is deeply rooted in New Mexico, where these flavorful peppers have been a culinary staple for centuries due to its unique climate and soil conditions. The tradition of roasting hatch green chilies over an open flame or on a grill dates back generations. It's a communal and celebratory event that usually takes place in late summer or early fall during the chili harvest season.

Grilling hatch green chilies brings out their distinct flavors and adds a charred, smoky dimension to the peppers. It's a process that requires careful attention—chilies are placed on a hot grill, turned frequently to ensure even roasting, and then often placed in a covered container to steam, making the peeling process easier.

The roasted hatch green chilies are then used in various dishes, from traditional New Mexican cuisine like green chili stew, enchiladas, or salsa to more innovative creations like burgers, salads, or even cocktails. Their versatile and robust flavor makes them a favorite ingredient for many grill enthusiasts seeking to add a Southwestern flair to their dishes.

The grilling of hatch green chilies has become a cultural and culinary tradition in New Mexico, celebrating both the rich agricultural heritage of the region and the unique flavor profile of these beloved peppers. It's a time-honored practice that continues to bring communities together and delight taste buds worldwide.

Grilling Hatch Chile cornbread is a fantastic way to add a Southwestern twist to your barbecue menu, and it is a memorable and versatile dish. Still hungry? Check out our recipe collection – a curated selection of utter deliciousness! Need a grill? We’ve got those too! Find The Outdoor Appliance Store on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn for more expert tips, top-notch product insights, and mouthwatering recipes.

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