Are you ready to experience the ultimate comfort food? Forget bland, dry cornbread – this Cock of the Walk Cornbread recipe is bursting with flavor and texture, a true testament to Southern cooking. It's surprisingly easy to make, perfect for weeknight dinners or a special Sunday brunch. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this delicious, golden-brown masterpiece! This recipe delivers a quick dinner idea, a healthy meal option (when using whole wheat flour), and is a fantastic example of homemade cooking at its best.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (or a blend of all-purpose and whole wheat for a healthier twist)
- ¾ cup yellow cornmeal
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 4 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup finely chopped jalapeños (optional, for a spicy kick!)
- ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for extra cheesy goodness)
Instructions:
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Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease an 8x8 inch baking pan or a cast iron skillet for that authentic Southern feel. This simple step is crucial for easy removal and perfectly golden edges.
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Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Ensure all the dry ingredients are thoroughly combined to prevent pockets of baking powder from creating uneven rising.
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Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, oil, and egg until well blended. Don't overmix; a few gentle whisks are sufficient.
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Combine: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a tough cornbread, so be careful! If adding jalapeños and cheese, fold them in now.
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Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. This is your best indicator of doneness; don't rely solely on the timer.
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Cool and Serve: Let the cornbread cool in the pan for a few minutes before cutting and serving. It’s best enjoyed warm, perhaps with a pat of butter melting on top!
Tips for the Best Cock of the Walk Cornbread:
- Buttermilk Magic: If you don’t have buttermilk, 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.
- Sweet or Savory?: Adjust the sugar to your preference. For a sweeter cornbread, add up to ½ cup of sugar. For a more savory version, omit the sugar entirely.
- Add-ins Galore: Feel free to experiment with different add-ins! Bacon bits, corn kernels, or even crumbled sausage would make delicious additions.
Variations:
- Jalapeño Cheddar Cornbread: Follow the recipe above, adding the jalapeños and cheddar cheese for a spicy and cheesy twist.
- Sweet Cornbread: Increase the sugar to ½ cup and add ½ cup of creamed corn for extra sweetness and moisture.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate, using all-purpose flour):
- Calories: Approximately 250
- Fat: 10g
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
This Cock of the Walk Cornbread recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It's one of the best recipes for easy and delicious homemade cooking, perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!