We’ve always been fans of tamales, those steamy pockets of goodness wrapped in corn husks that hail from Mexican traditions. Our Cheese and Jalapeno Tamale Recipe puts a fiery twist on the classic, blending melted cheese with spicy jalapenos for a flavor explosion that’ll have you coming back for more.
What makes this dish special is its perfect balance of heat and comfort, ideal for family dinners or festive occasions. We’ll guide you through simple steps to create these homemade delights that capture authentic tastes with a modern edge.
Ingredients
In our Cheese and Jalapeno Tamales recipe, we gather fresh, high-quality ingredients to craft a dish that balances creamy cheese with the fiery zest of jalapenos. This selection ensures authentic flavors that make our tamales irresistible for any occasion.
Dough Ingredients
We start with the base for our tamale dough, as it’s the foundation that wraps around the spicy filling:
- 2 cups masa harina (the key flour for our dough, ensuring a soft and pliable texture)
- 1 cup lard or vegetable shortening (whipped to create a light, fluffy consistency that enhances the tamales’ mouthfeel)
- 1 ½ cups chicken or vegetable broth (warmed to help bind the dough and infuse subtle savory notes)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder (for a gentle rise, making our tamales tender and airy)
- 1 teaspoon salt (to season the dough perfectly, highlighting the natural corn flavor of the masa)
Filling Ingredients
Next, we prepare the star elements—cheese and jalapeno—which bring the spicy twist to our tamales:
- 2 cups shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese (melty and rich, providing a comforting creaminess that contrasts the heat)
- 4 fresh jalapenos (seeded and finely chopped for a bold, fiery kick that elevates the dish’s spice level without overwhelming it)
- 1 small onion (diced for added depth and a slight sweetness that complements the jalapenos’ heat)
Wrapping and Assembly Ingredients
Finally, we include items for wrapping and steaming, as they are used in the final preparation steps:
- 20-25 dried corn husks (soaked in warm water for 1 hour to become pliable and impart an earthy flavor to our tamales)
With these ingredients, we create tamales that deliver a vibrant blend of spicy, cheesy goodness in every bite, staying true to the authentic Mexican tradition while adding our contemporary flair.
Required Tools and Equipment
To bring our Cheese and Jalapeno Tamale Recipe to life, we rely on essential tools and equipment that streamline the process from dough preparation to steaming. Building on the fresh ingredients we’ve outlined, these items ensure efficiency and authentic results in our homemade tamales.
We recommend gathering the following key tools, organized by their role in the recipe:
- Large Mixing Bowls: Two or three sturdy bowls (at least 4 quarts each) for combining masa harina, broth, and other dough components, allowing for easy blending without spills.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: A set of precise measuring tools for accurate quantities of ingredients like salt and baking powder, which are crucial for achieving the perfect tamale texture.
- Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer: A powerful mixer with dough hooks for whipping the masa mixture with lard or shortening, creating a light and airy dough in just minutes.
- Steamer Pot or Large Pot with Basket: An essential steamer (capable of holding at least 12 tamales upright) for cooking the wrapped tamales evenly, preserving their moist, flavorful interior.
- Sharp Knife and Cutting Board: A high-quality knife for finely dicing fresh jalapenos and onions, ensuring the filling’s spicy elements are evenly distributed.
- Spatula or Wooden Spoon: A durable spatula for folding ingredients and spreading dough onto corn husks, making assembly quick and mess-free.
- Timer: A simple kitchen timer to track steaming times accurately, helping us avoid overcooking and maintain the tamales’ tender consistency.
With these tools in hand, we’re set to transition seamlessly into the preparation steps, turning our vibrant ingredients into delicious, spicy tamales.
Instructions
Now that we have our ingredients and tools prepared, let’s guide you through the steps for our Cheese and Jalapeno Tamale Recipe. We’ll break it down for seamless execution, ensuring you achieve perfectly balanced, spicy tamales every time.
Prepare the Masa Dough
To create the soft, pliable base of our tamales, start by gathering the key components from our ingredients list. In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of masa harina with 1 teaspoon of baking powder and 1 teaspoon of salt for the perfect rise and flavor.
- In the same bowl, cut in 1 cup of lard or vegetable shortening using a stand mixer on medium speed until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, which takes about 2-3 minutes for a light, airy texture that enhances the tamale’s softness.
- Gradually pour in 1.5 cups of warm chicken or vegetable broth, mixing on low speed until a smooth, spreadable dough forms. The dough should feel moist and slightly sticky, with a subtle corn aroma that promises authentic comfort—adjust with extra broth if needed to reach this ideal consistency.
Prepare the Cheese and Jalapeno Filling
For the bold, spicy heart of our Cheese and Jalapeno Tamale Recipe, focus on fresh, vibrant flavors that deliver a satisfying kick. Begin by prepping the vegetables and cheese on your cutting board.
- Dice 2 fresh jalapenos (remove seeds for milder heat) and 1 small onion into small, uniform pieces using a sharp knife, yielding about 1 cup total for even distribution in every bite.
- In a medium bowl, toss together 2 cups of shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese with the diced jalapenos and onion, ensuring the ingredients are well mixed. This combination creates a fiery, cheesy blend with a crisp texture that contrasts beautifully against the masa, evoking the warmth of traditional Mexican spices.
Assemble the Tamales
With the dough and filling ready, it’s time to bring our tamales together, wrapping them in dried corn husks for that authentic, steamy finish. Soak 20-24 corn husks in warm water for 30 minutes beforehand to make them pliable.
- Take a soaked corn husk and spread 2-3 tablespoons of masa dough evenly over the center, leaving a 1-inch border on all sides—the dough should be about 1/4-inch thick for the right tenderness.
- Spoon 1-2 tablespoons of the cheese and jalapeno filling down the middle of the dough, then fold the sides of the husk over the filling to enclose it, followed by folding the bottom up. Secure if needed, creating neat packages that lock in the spicy, melted cheese aroma for irresistible results.
- Repeat with the remaining husks, arranging them standing upright in your steamer pot as you go—aim for 20 tamales to serve 4-6 people, depending on portion sizes.
Steam the Tamales
Finally, steam your assembled tamales to achieve that tender, flavorful perfection in our Cheese and Jalapeno Tamale Recipe, ensuring even cooking for the best taste and texture.
- Place the tamales upright in a steamer basket over boiling water in your steamer pot, cover tightly, and steam for 1-1.5 hours. Check water levels every 30 minutes to prevent the pot from drying out.
- Test for doneness by unwrapping one tamale—the dough should pull away easily from the husk and feel fluffy with a mild heat from the jalapenos, indicating it’s ready. Once done, let them rest for 5-10 minutes to enhance the cheesy, spicy flavors before serving.
| Steaming Time Guideline | Minimum Time | Maximum Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Based on batch size | 1 hour | 1.5 hours | Adjust for altitude; add 10-15 minutes if above 3,000 feet for optimal texture. |
Conclusion
We’ve shared this cheese and jalapeno tamale recipe to spark your kitchen adventures. It’s a flavorful twist that brings warmth and spice to any gathering.
Now it’s your turn to whip up a batch and savor the joy of homemade goodness. Trust us it’s a hit that elevates everyday meals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Cheese and Jalapeno Tamale?
A Cheese and Jalapeno Tamale is a spicy twist on traditional Mexican tamales, featuring a soft masa dough wrapped around a filling of melted cheese, fresh jalapenos, and onions. This recipe balances heat and comfort, perfect for family dinners or celebrations, while keeping authentic flavors with a modern kick.
What ingredients are needed for the Cheese and Jalapeno Tamale Recipe?
You’ll need masa harina, lard or vegetable shortening, chicken or vegetable broth, baking powder, salt for the dough; shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese, fresh jalapenos, and diced onion for the filling; plus dried corn husks for wrapping. Focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
How do I prepare the tamale dough?
Mix masa harina, baking powder, salt, lard or shortening, and warm broth in a bowl until smooth and spreadable. Use a mixer for a light texture. This step ensures the dough is pliable for wrapping around the filling.
What tools are essential for making this recipe?
Key tools include large mixing bowls, measuring cups and spoons, a stand or hand mixer, a steamer pot, a sharp knife and cutting board, spatula, and a kitchen timer. These help streamline preparation, assembly, and cooking for perfect results.
How long does it take to steam the tamales?
Steam the tamales for 1 to 1.5 hours in a steamer pot. Check for doneness by unwrapping one— it should be firm and pull away easily. This ensures they’re fully cooked with a soft texture.
Can I customize the Cheese and Jalapeno Tamale Recipe?
Yes, swap cheeses for varieties like pepper jack for extra spice, or add proteins like shredded chicken. Adjust jalapenos for heat level, and use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version while keeping the core flavors intact.
How should I store leftover tamales?
Store cooled tamales in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 3 months. Reheat by steaming or microwaving to restore moisture and flavor.