Are you looking for the perfect side dish to complement your next dinner? Or perhaps a delightful treat to enjoy on its own? Look no further! This moist honey butter cornbread recipe is guaranteed to become a family favorite. It's incredibly easy to make, even for beginner cooks, and the combination of sweet honey and rich butter creates a flavor explosion that's simply irresistible. Get ready to experience homemade cooking at its finest with this quick dinner idea that's both healthy and delicious!
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup yellow cornmeal
- ¾ 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 honey
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for topping)
Instructions:
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Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan. This ensures your cornbread doesn't stick and allows for easy removal.
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Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Thoroughly combining the dry ingredients prevents pockets of baking powder from creating uneven rising.
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Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, melted butter, egg, and honey. Make sure the honey is well incorporated into the wet ingredients for even distribution of sweetness.
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Combine: Gently pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Overmixing can result in a tough cornbread, so aim for a few gentle stirs until no dry flour remains.
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Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and drizzle with the extra 2 tablespoons of melted butter. This creates a beautiful golden-brown crust and adds extra richness. 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. This allows it to set and prevents it from crumbling.
Tips for the Best Honey Butter Cornbread:
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Buttermilk Magic: Buttermilk adds incredible moisture and a slightly tangy flavor that complements the sweetness of the honey beautifully. 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.
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Don't Overmix: As mentioned earlier, overmixing the batter can lead to a tough cornbread. Mix just until the dry ingredients are moistened.
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Perfect Golden Brown: For an extra crispy top, broil the cornbread for the last minute of baking, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
Variations:
- Spicy Cornbread: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to the batter for a kick.
- Cheesy Cornbread: Stir in ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese or Monterey Jack cheese for a savory twist.
- Jalapeño Cornbread: Incorporate diced jalapeños for a spicy and flavorful addition.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: 250-300 | Fat: 10-15g | Carbohydrates: 35-40g | Protein: 4-5g
Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
This easy recipe for moist honey butter cornbread is a fantastic addition to any meal. It's perfect for potlucks, holiday gatherings, or simply a comforting weeknight dinner. Enjoy this delicious, homemade dish!