Cornbread is a beloved staple in Southern cuisine, known for its warm, comforting texture and slightly sweet flavor. Whether served alongside a hearty bowl of chili, as a side to collard greens, or enjoyed on its own with a pat of butter, cornbread is a versatile dish that brings a taste of the South to any table. This easy recipe will guide you through making the perfect cornbread that is golden, fluffy, and utterly delicious. Let’s get started with this delightful recipe, brought to you by I WUV COOKING.
What Makes It Special
What makes Southern cornbread special is its unique blend of flavors and textures. The use of cornmeal gives it a distinct taste and a slightly gritty texture, while the addition of buttermilk or milk ensures a moist crumb. This recipe strikes the perfect balance between sweet and savory, making it a fantastic accompaniment to a variety of dishes. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to whip up, making it a go-to recipe for both novice and experienced bakers alike!
Ingredients
To make a delicious 9-inch skillet of cornbread, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk (or regular milk)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- Optional: 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned) for added texture
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create your own perfect cornbread:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place a 9-inch cast-iron skillet in the oven to heat up.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, eggs, and melted butter until smooth.
- Combine Mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay. If using, fold in the corn kernels at this stage.
- Prepare the Skillet: Carefully remove the hot skillet from the oven (use oven mitts!). Pour a little melted butter into the skillet, swirling it around to coat the bottom and sides.
- Bake: Pour the cornbread batter into the hot skillet, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cornbread to cool in the skillet for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm with butter, honey, or your favorite jam.
Nutritional Information (per serving, based on 8 servings)
- Calories: 180
- Total Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
- Sodium: 200mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 25g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 4g
- Protein: 4g
Helpful Cooking Tips
- Buttermilk Substitute: If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a quick substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup of milk and letting it sit for 5-10 minutes.
- Add-ins: Feel free to customize your cornbread by adding ingredients like shredded cheese, jalapeños, or herbs for extra flavor.
- Storage: Store leftover cornbread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. It can also be frozen for longer storage.
Conclusion
This Southern cornbread recipe is sure to become a favorite in your home, bringing warmth and comfort to your meals. Its delightful texture and flavor make it a perfect companion to a variety of dishes. We hope you enjoy making and sharing this delicious cornbread with your family and friends! How did your cornbread turn out? Let us know, and don’t forget to follow us for more delightful recipes!
Homemade Cornbread: Perfectly Moist and Deliciously Simple
Ingredients
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 2 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk (or regular milk)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to sour the milk if using regular milk
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, mix buttermilk, melted butter, and corn kernels.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
- Pour the batter into a greased baking dish or skillet.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy warm with butter.
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