Are you looking for a recipe that's both incredibly easy and surprisingly delicious? Then look no further! This Hot Honey Cornbread recipe is a game-changer, transforming a classic side dish into a sweet and spicy masterpiece. It's perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a casual get-together, or even a sophisticated brunch. Forget dry, crumbly cornbread; this recipe delivers a moist, flavorful cornbread with a kick that will leave you wanting more. It's one of those easy recipes that consistently impresses, proving that homemade cooking doesn’t have to be complicated to be amazing.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup cornmeal (fine or medium grind)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 4 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- ¼ cup melted unsalted butter
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup hot honey (recipe below or store-bought)
For the Hot Honey (if making your own):
- 1 cup honey
- ½ cup red pepper flakes (adjust to your spice preference)
Instructions:
Making the Hot Honey (Optional):
- Combine honey and red pepper flakes in a small saucepan over low heat.
- Stir gently and heat for about 5-7 minutes, or until the pepper flakes have infused the honey with color and a slight spice. Do not boil.
- Remove from heat and let cool completely.
Making the Cornbread:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease an 8x8 inch baking pan or a cast iron skillet. This ensures even baking and easy removal.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Thoroughly combining the dry ingredients prevents lumps in your final product.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, melted butter, and egg.
- 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.
- Stir in ¼ cup of hot honey.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Ovens vary, so keep an eye on it!
- Let the cornbread cool in the pan for a few minutes before serving.
Tips for the Best Hot Honey Cornbread:
- For extra moisture, use freshly-ground cornmeal and don't overmix the batter.
- Don't be afraid to experiment with the amount of hot honey. If you prefer a milder flavor, start with less and add more to taste.
- A cast iron skillet will give your cornbread a wonderfully crispy crust.
- Serve warm with butter for a classic combination, or enjoy it on its own as a delicious side dish or even a light dessert.
Variations:
- Cheesy Hot Honey Cornbread: Add ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the batter.
- Jalapeño Hot Honey Cornbread: Add ¼ cup of finely chopped jalapeños to the batter for an extra layer of heat.
- Sweet Corn Hot Honey Cornbread: Add 1 cup of frozen or canned corn kernels to the batter for a sweeter cornbread.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary based on specific ingredients used. For a precise calculation, use a nutrition calculator with your exact ingredients. However, expect this to be a relatively high-calorie item due to the butter, sugar and honey.
This Hot Honey Cornbread recipe is a delightful addition to your repertoire of quick dinner ideas and healthy meals. It’s a simple recipe that delivers big on flavor, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. Enjoy this delicious dish and discover the joy of easy, homemade cooking!