Are you craving a taste of the South? Nothing satisfies that craving quite like a warm, fluffy slice of homemade cornbread. Forget those dry, crumbly disappointments you might find in a box; this recipe delivers the perfect balance of sweetness and a delightful crumbly texture. It's surprisingly easy to make, even for beginner cooks, and perfect for everything from a simple weeknight dinner to a festive gathering. This cornbread recipe is a family favorite, and I'm excited to share it with you!
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup yellow cornmeal (fine or medium grind)
- 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
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 extra Southern touch. Dusting with cornmeal helps prevent sticking.
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Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, 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.
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Combine: Gently pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined; don’t overmix. A few lumps are okay – overmixing leads to tough cornbread.
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Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Cool and Serve: Let the cornbread cool in the pan for a few minutes before cutting and serving. It’s delicious warm, but also enjoyable at room temperature.
Tips for the Perfect Cornbread:
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Buttermilk Magic: Buttermilk adds incredible flavor and moisture. 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. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
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Don't Overmix: This is crucial for light and fluffy cornbread. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough texture.
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Cast Iron Advantage: Baking in a cast iron skillet adds a wonderful crispy bottom and enhances the overall flavor.
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 kick.
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Cheesy Cornbread: Stir in ½ to 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese or your preferred cheese.
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Jalapeño Cornbread: Dice some jalapeños and mix them into the batter for a southwest twist.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Around 250
- Fat: Around 10g
- Protein: Around 4g
- Carbohydrates: Around 40g
This easy cornbread recipe is a true crowd-pleaser. It’s a perfect side dish for any meal, and its versatility allows for endless customization. Enjoy experimenting with different flavors and variations to find your perfect cornbread recipe! Let me know in the comments how your cornbread turns out – I’d love to hear from you!