Easy Masa Harina Cornbread Muffins
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Some recipes are just meant to be together—like these masa harina cornbread muffins and my late mother-in-law’s award-winning chili.
And yes, I say award-winning with a wink, because while she did take home the prize, she also happened to be the only contestant. But that’s the best kind of win, isn’t it?
Her chili was rich, comforting, and full of heart, and these muffins? The perfect companion. Soft, slightly sweet, and just sturdy enough to hold up to a good dunk.
One day, I’ll share her legendary chili recipe, but for now, let’s talk cornbread muffins—with a twist.
Why Use Masa Harina?
Masa harina might look like cornmeal, but it’s processed differently. Unlike cornmeal, which is simply ground dried corn, masa harina undergoes nixtamalization—a process where dried corn is soaked in an alkaline solution before being ground. This enhances the flavor, improves digestibility, and makes important nutrients—like niacin—more bioavailable.
So what does that mean for your cornbread?
A deeper, richer corn flavor – You’ll notice a warm, almost toasty aroma that standard cornmeal just doesn’t have.
Better nutrition – Nixtamalization unlocks essential nutrients, making them easier for your body to absorb.
A softer, smoother texture – No more gritty cornbread! Masa harina creates a tender, light crumb.
Masa harina also absorbs liquid differently than cornmeal, so it’s not always a 1:1 swap. This recipe balances it with all-purpose flour for just the right texture.
What You’ll Need
These muffins come together with just a few simple ingredients, but choosing the right ones can make a big difference in both flavor and nutrition.
Masa Harina – The star of the show! Its rich, authentic corn flavor and nutrient boost make these muffins extra special.
Organic All-Purpose Flour – If possible, go for organic to avoid unnecessary pesticides and additives. A good-quality flour keeps these muffins light and fluffy.
Baking Powder – Helps them rise to perfection.
Milk (or Dairy-Free Alternative) – Regular milk works great, but if you’re dairy-free, oat milk or almond milk are excellent swaps.
Eggs – For structure and moisture.
Butter or a Better for You Oil – Butter adds classic richness, but if you want a dairy-free option, coconut oil or avocado oil are fantastic choices—no seed oils necessary!
Optional: Cheese & Jalapeños – A little spice and melty goodness never hurt anyone.
It’s easy to find! King Arthur Flour has an organic masa harina, and I’ve seen most grocery stores carry Bob’s Red Mill masa harina in the baking or international aisle.
Storage Tips:
These muffins freeze beautifully! Once completely cooled, store them in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container, and they’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy, just reheat in the oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes or microwave in 15-second bursts until warm. Perfect for quick meals, meal prep, or last-minute chili nights
These masa harina cornbread muffins aren’t just delicious—they’re practical, nutrient-dense, and full of flavor.
Whether you’re dunking them into a bowl of chili, serving them alongside barbecue, or just enjoying one with a drizzle of honey, they’re a must-try!
Let me know in the comments how they turned out and if you added your own twist! Hugs!
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Updated on: 03/24/2025
