Pimiento Cheese Corn Muffins Recipe

If you’re looking for a truly irresistible snack or crowd-pleasing side dish, you simply have to try Pimiento Cheese Corn Muffins. Imagine all the down-home flavor of classic Southern pimiento cheese, baked right into golden, tender corn muffins with little pops of sweet pimiento, gooey cheddar, and the perfect hint of warmth—these muffins are a pure joy to eat. Whether you’re welcoming neighbors for brunch or just want to jazz up a weeknight meal, these muffins are full of personality, color, and classic comfort.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Pimiento Cheese Corn Muffins come together with a handful of simple, vibrant ingredients. Each one brings something special, whether it’s creamy richness, a punch of color, or the core cornbread texture we all crave.

• Cornmeal: This gives the muffins their signature crumb and earthy, comforting flavor.
• All-purpose flour: Ensures a soft, tender muffin that holds together beautifully.
• Granulated sugar: Just a touch adds balance and enhances each ingredient’s natural flavors.
• Baking powder: Your reliable leavener—it makes these rise tall and fluffy!
• Kosher salt: Heightens the cheesy, savory notes and prevents blandness.
• Whole milk: Adds creaminess to the batter, making every bite moist.
• Large eggs: Essential for binding everything together and creating light structure.
• Unsalted butter (melted): Gives richness and that classic bakery edge.
• Sharp cheddar cheese (shredded): The heart of this muffin! It melts into gooey pockets and adds bold, salty flavor.
• Jarred pimientos (drained & chopped): For bites of juicy sweetness and beautiful red flecks all over.
• Hot sauce: Just a dash for subtle Southern warmth—pick your favorite!

How to Make Pimiento Cheese Corn Muffins

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Muffin Tin

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a standard 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease each well. This ensures easy release and no sticking—plus, you’ll get the perfect muffin top every time.

Step 2: Stir Together the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. This even mixing means your muffins will bake up uniformly, with a tender crumb and balanced flavor in every bite.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk the milk, eggs, and cooled melted butter until fully combined. This mixture is your ticket to a rich, velvety batter, so take a moment to whisk out any stubborn egg streaks.

Step 4: Mix Wet into Dry

Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Gently fold them together using a spatula. It’s okay if the batter is a bit lumpy. Over-mixing is the enemy of tender Pimiento Cheese Corn Muffins.

Step 5: Add the Cheese, Pimientos, and Hot Sauce

Sprinkle in the cheddar cheese and chopped pimientos, then add a dash or two of hot sauce right into the batter. Fold it all together until just combined—the cheese and pimientos should be generously dispersed, promising big flavor in every bite.

Step 6: Fill and Bake

Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups. For impressively domed Pimiento Cheese Corn Muffins, fill each cup nearly to the top. Slide the tin into your preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the tops are golden and a toothpick comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

Let the muffins rest in the pan for a few minutes, then transfer them to a rack to cool. They’re wonderful warm (the cheese will be deliciously melty) but just as irresistible at room temperature.

How to Serve Pimiento Cheese Corn Muffins

Garnishes

A little garnish can turn these muffins from humble to eye-catching! Try scattering extra shredded cheddar, a few chopped scallions, or a pinch of paprika over the tops after baking. A little softened butter on a warm muffin is pure bliss—don’t hold back!

Side Dishes

Pimiento Cheese Corn Muffins pair beautifully with Southern classics like chili, fried chicken, or a fresh summer salad. They’re a natural alongside barbecue, but also fantastic with scrambled eggs and bacon for breakfast. They soak up stews and soups, too, adding a sweet-savory bite to every spoonful.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to show off your muffins, pile them high in a bread basket lined with a cheerful napkin. Or, for a more elegant touch, slice each muffin open and tuck in a thin slice of ham or roasted turkey for a Southern slider. Mini muffin versions make adorable appetizers at parties, too!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Pimiento Cheese Corn Muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. The flavors actually meld beautifully overnight, with the cheese and pimiento aroma deepening just a bit. For best freshness, avoid refrigerating unless your kitchen is quite warm.

Freezing

If you want to keep your muffins longer, let them cool completely, then wrap them individually in plastic wrap or foil. Tuck the wrapped muffins into a freezer bag, squeezing out excess air. They’ll keep perfectly for up to two months. Just remember to label them—you’ll want to spot these easily for impromptu snacks!

Reheating

To reheat, pop a muffin straight from the freezer into the microwave for about 30 seconds, or wrap in foil and warm in a 300°F oven for 10-15 minutes. This brings back that just-baked magic and revives the gooey pockets of cheese—so worth it!

FAQs

Can I make Pimiento Cheese Corn Muffins gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Be sure your baking powder is GF, and you’ll have muffins everyone can enjoy.

What kind of cheese works best?

Sharp cheddar is the traditional choice for Pimiento Cheese Corn Muffins, giving both tang and melty texture. You could also mix in mild cheddar or even a touch of pepper jack for extra spice. Just grate your cheese fresh for the best flavor and melt.

Can I use fresh pimientos instead of jarred?

Yes, if you have access to fresh pimientos, roast and peel them first for maximum flavor. Most folks find the jarred variety super convenient and tasty—but feel free to experiment if you’re feeling ambitious!

How spicy are these muffins?

That’s up to you! The basic recipe has just a gentle warmth from hot sauce, but you can add extra for more kick, or even mix in minced jalapeños if you adore spicy food.

Can I make mini Pimiento Cheese Corn Muffins for parties?

Definitely. Use a mini muffin tin and reduce the baking time to 10-12 minutes. They’re adorable and totally snackable—perfect for gatherings or potlucks.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about baking up a batch of Pimiento Cheese Corn Muffins—the aroma, the nostalgia, the way every bite brings comfort and a touch of excitement. I hope you’ll try them for your next get-together (or just to treat yourself), and discover why this Southern-inspired favorite inspires such devotion. Happy baking!

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