Are you looking for a simple yet scrumptious side dish that's perfect for any occasion? Look no further! This bread machine corn bread recipe delivers a moist, flavorful, and utterly irresistible cornbread that's ready in a fraction of the time compared to traditional methods. Forget lengthy baking times and complicated techniques; this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend brunches. It's one of those easy recipes that consistently delivers amazing results, making it a staple in our home. Let's get baking!
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups 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
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon melted butter (optional, for extra richness)
Instructions:
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Prepare your bread machine: Ensure your bread machine is clean and ready to use. Most models will have a specific order for adding ingredients – consult your machine’s manual for the correct sequence. Generally, dry ingredients go in first.
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Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl (or directly into your bread machine's pan if your model allows), whisk together the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Make sure everything is well combined to prevent lumps.
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Add wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, vegetable oil, egg, and melted butter (if using).
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Combine wet and dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Gently stir until just combined; don't overmix. A few lumps are okay. Overmixing can lead to a tough cornbread.
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Bread machine magic: Pour the batter into your bread machine pan. Select the "quick bread" or "dough" setting (depending on your machine). Follow your bread machine's instructions regarding baking time; it usually takes around an hour.
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Check for doneness: Once the baking cycle is complete, carefully remove the cornbread from the machine and let it cool slightly in the pan before slicing and serving.
Tips for the Best Cornbread:
- Fresh buttermilk is best: If you don't have buttermilk on hand, you can easily make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes before using.
- Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough cornbread. Mix just until the ingredients are moistened.
- Adjust sweetness to your taste: If you prefer a less sweet cornbread, reduce the sugar to ½ cup.
- Add some spice: For a little kick, add a teaspoon of chili powder or a half teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the dry ingredients.
- Get creative with add-ins: Feel free to experiment with different add-ins like shredded cheddar cheese, chopped jalapeños, or corn kernels for extra flavor and texture.
Variations:
- Jalapeño Cheddar Cornbread: Add ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese and ½ cup of chopped jalapeños to the batter.
- Sweet Corn Cornbread: Add one cup of frozen or canned corn kernels to the batter.
- Savory Herb Cornbread: Add 1 tablespoon of dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano to the dry ingredients.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Fat: 10-15g
- Carbohydrates: 35-40g
- Protein: 4-5g
Please note that nutritional information may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
This bread machine cornbread recipe is a delightful addition to any meal. It’s a quick dinner idea, perfect for a simple weeknight meal or a special occasion. The ease of using a bread machine makes this healthy meal incredibly convenient, even for novice cooks, while the homemade cooking experience elevates the dish beyond the ordinary. Enjoy!