Are you craving the comforting taste of cornbread but need to avoid gluten and dairy? Don't worry, you're not alone! This gluten-free dairy-free cornbread recipe is here to rescue you from bland, disappointing alternatives. It's incredibly easy to make, surprisingly moist, and bursting with that classic cornbread flavor you love – all without compromising on taste or texture. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a comforting side dish, or even a delightful breakfast treat, this recipe is a must-try for anyone seeking delicious and healthy meals. This recipe is a fantastic example of easy recipes and healthy meals that are quick to prepare.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (ensure it contains xanthan gum)
- ¾ cup yellow cornmeal
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 4 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup dairy-free milk (almond, soy, or oat milk work well)
- ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- 1 large egg (or flax egg for vegan option: 1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water)
Instructions:
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Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease an 8x8 inch baking pan or a similar sized cast iron skillet. This step ensures easy removal and prevents sticking.
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Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour blend, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Thoroughly combining the dry ingredients ensures even leavening and a consistent texture.
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Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the dairy-free milk, applesauce, oil, and egg (or flax egg).
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Combine: Gently pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a tough cornbread, so aim for a few gentle folds until no dry flour remains.
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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. Keep an eye on it during the last few minutes as ovens can vary.
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Cool & Serve: Let the cornbread cool in the pan for a few minutes before cutting and serving. Enjoy warm!
Tips for the Best Gluten-Free Dairy-Free Cornbread:
- Flour Blend: Using a high-quality gluten-free flour blend is crucial for the best texture. Make sure it already contains xanthan gum, a key ingredient for binding.
- Don't Overmix: Gentle mixing is key to preventing a tough cornbread. Just mix until the dry ingredients are moistened.
- Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet cornbread, reduce the sugar to ¼ cup.
- Add-ins: Feel free to get creative! Add ½ cup of chopped jalapeños for a spicy kick, or mix in some shredded cheddar cheese (if you can tolerate dairy) for extra flavor.
Variations:
- Jalapeño Cornbread: Add ½ cup of chopped jalapeños to the batter for a spicy twist.
- Cheddar Cornbread: Stir in ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese (if dairy is tolerated).
- Sweet Corn Cornbread: Add one cup of fresh or frozen corn kernels for added sweetness and texture.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 200-250
- Protein: 4-5g
- Fat: 8-10g
- Carbohydrates: 30-35g
- Fiber: 2-3g
This gluten-free dairy-free cornbread recipe is a great addition to your collection of homemade cooking recipes. It's a perfect example of delicious dishes that are both healthy and easy to make. Whether you're a beginner or experienced cook, you'll appreciate the simplicity and delicious results. Enjoy!