Tired of the same old side dishes? Craving something comforting, cheesy, and bursting with flavor? Then look no further! This Broccoli Cheddar Cornbread recipe is the perfect answer. It's a fantastic blend of savory broccoli, sharp cheddar, and the classic sweetness of cornbread, making it a delicious addition to any meal. This easy recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or a special occasion, proving that homemade cooking doesn't have to be complicated. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this quick dinner idea!
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup yellow cornmeal
- ¾ teaspoon baking powder
- ¾ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup buttermilk
- ¼ cup melted unsalted butter
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup chopped fresh broccoli florets (about 1 small head)
Instructions:
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Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease an 8x8 inch baking pan. This ensures your cornbread will bake evenly and release easily.
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Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornmeal, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and pepper. Make sure all the dry ingredients are well combined to avoid pockets of baking powder or soda.
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Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, melted butter, and egg.
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Combine Wet and Dry: Gently pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a tough cornbread, so be gentle!
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Add Cheese and Broccoli: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and chopped broccoli. Ensure the broccoli is evenly distributed throughout the batter.
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Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Cool & Serve: Let the cornbread cool slightly in the pan before cutting and serving. Enjoy warm as a delicious side dish!
Cooking Tips for the Best Broccoli Cheddar Cornbread:
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Fresh Broccoli: Using fresh broccoli florets makes a big difference in taste and texture. Avoid using frozen broccoli as it can release excess moisture, potentially making your cornbread soggy.
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Don't Overmix: Gently fold the wet and dry ingredients together until just combined. Overmixing will develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough cornbread.
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Check for Doneness: Use a toothpick to check if the cornbread is fully baked. If it comes out clean, it's ready!
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Customize Your Cheese: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a blend of cheeses would all be delicious additions.
Variations:
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Spicy Cornbread: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to the batter for a spicy kick.
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Jalapeño Cheddar Cornbread: Incorporate diced jalapeños for a flavorful twist.
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Herb Cornbread: Add fresh herbs like chives, parsley, or thyme for an aromatic touch.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 250
- Fat: 12g
- Protein: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
This Broccoli Cheddar Cornbread recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It's a healthy meal option packed with vegetables and the satisfying comfort of cornbread. It's simple enough for beginners yet delicious enough to impress even experienced cooks. So, gather your ingredients and give it a try – you won't be disappointed! Enjoy!