Are you a fan of Famous Dave's BBQ? Do you crave that sweet, crumbly cornbread that perfectly complements their mouthwatering ribs? Then you're in luck! This recipe is your ticket to recreating that legendary cornbread at home. Forget complicated techniques and long ingredient lists; this recipe is surprisingly easy, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend BBQ feast. Get ready to experience the joy of homemade cooking with a taste that rivals the best BBQ joints. This is a quick dinner idea that’s both healthy and delicious. Let's dive into this easy recipe!
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups yellow cornmeal
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 4 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- 1 large egg
- Optional: 1 tablespoon honey or molasses (for extra sweetness)
Instructions:
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Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease an 8x8 inch baking pan or a cast iron skillet – cast iron gives that extra crispy bottom.
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Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Make sure everything is evenly distributed to prevent pockets of baking powder.
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Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, oil, egg, and optional honey or molasses.
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Combine: Gently pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Don't overmix; a few lumps are okay. Overmixing can result in a tough cornbread.
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Bake: Pour the batter into your prepared 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 in the pan for a few minutes before cutting and serving. It's delicious warm, straight from the oven!
Tips for the Best Cornbread:
- Buttermilk Magic: Buttermilk adds incredible moisture and tang to the cornbread. If you don't have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough cornbread. Mix until just combined.
- Cast Iron Advantage: Baking in a cast iron skillet adds a delightful crispness to the bottom of the cornbread.
- Sweet or Savory?: Adjust the sweetness to your liking by adding more or less sugar or honey/molasses. You can even experiment with savory additions like shredded cheddar cheese or chopped jalapeños.
Variations:
- Jalapeño Cheddar Cornbread: Add ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese and ½ cup of chopped jalapeños to the batter.
- Creamy Cornbread: Stir in ½ cup of creamed corn for extra moisture and sweetness.
- Spicy Cornbread: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a kick.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the specific ingredients used. The following is an estimate for one serving of the basic recipe:
- Calories: Approximately 200-250
- Fat: 8-10g
- Carbohydrates: 30-35g
- Protein: 4-5g
This delicious and easy cornbread recipe is a fantastic addition to any meal. Whether you're serving it alongside BBQ ribs, chili, or simply enjoying it on its own, this copycat Famous Dave's cornbread is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy the simple joy of homemade cooking and the satisfying taste of a true BBQ classic!