Are you looking for a quick and easy side dish that's bursting with flavor and Southern charm? Look no further! This Albers Corn Meal Corn Bread recipe is the perfect addition to any meal, from a casual weeknight dinner to a special Sunday feast. Made with simple ingredients and requiring minimal effort, this recipe delivers a deliciously moist and slightly sweet cornbread that will have everyone asking for seconds. This is homemade cooking at its finest – and it's a healthy option too! Let's get started!
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups Albers yellow cornmeal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 4 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil
- 1 large egg
- Optional: ½ cup chopped jalapenos for a spicy kick
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease and flour an 8x8 inch baking pan. This ensures your cornbread doesn't stick and allows for easy removal.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Make sure all the dry ingredients are well combined to prevent pockets of baking powder from making your cornbread uneven.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, vegetable oil, and egg. If adding jalapenos, stir them in now.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry
Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a tough cornbread, so be sure to stop mixing as soon as the ingredients are moistened.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should be golden brown and slightly firm to the touch.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Let the cornbread cool in the pan for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This allows it to set and makes it easier to cut.
Tips for the Best Cornbread:
- Don't overmix: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough cornbread. Mix only until the ingredients are just combined.
- Use fresh baking powder and soda: Old baking powder and soda can lead to a flat cornbread. Check the expiration dates before you begin.
- Adjust sweetness to taste: If you prefer a less sweet cornbread, reduce the sugar to ½ cup.
- Add-ins: Feel free to experiment with add-ins! Chopped chives, cheddar cheese, or crumbled bacon are all delicious additions.
Variations:
- Jalapeño Cheddar Cornbread: Add ½ cup chopped jalapeños and 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese to the batter.
- Sweet Corn Cornbread: Add 1 cup of frozen or canned corn kernels to the batter for extra sweetness and texture.
- Creamy Cornbread: Replace the buttermilk with an equal amount of sour cream or heavy cream for a richer, more moist cornbread.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 250 Fat: 10g Carbohydrates: 35g Protein: 4g
Note: Nutritional information may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
This Albers Corn Meal Corn Bread recipe is a fantastic example of easy recipes that deliver big on flavor. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, making it a versatile addition to your recipe collection. Enjoy!