Are you looking for a quick and easy side dish that's bursting with flavor? Look no further! This Quaker Corn Meal Cornbread recipe is the perfect addition to any meal. It's incredibly simple to make, even for beginner cooks, and delivers that classic, slightly sweet, and wonderfully crumbly cornbread texture we all crave. Get ready to elevate your weeknight dinners and impress your friends and family with this homemade delight! This recipe uses readily available ingredients, making it a perfect addition to your collection of easy recipes and quick dinner ideas.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup Quaker yellow cornmeal (finely ground)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 4 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/4 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. This step ensures your cornbread doesn't stick and allows for easy removal once baked.
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Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Thoroughly combining the dry ingredients prevents lumps in your final product.
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Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, oil, and egg. This simple step ensures the wet ingredients are evenly distributed.
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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 stirs until no dry flour remains.
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Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on your cornbread during the last few minutes of baking, as ovens can vary.
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Cool and Serve: Let the cornbread cool in the pan for a few minutes before cutting and serving. Enjoy warm, alongside your favorite chili, soup, or stew!
Tips for the Best Cornbread:
- Don't Overmix: As mentioned earlier, overmixing the batter can result in a tough cornbread. Mix only until the ingredients are just combined.
- Fresh Baking Powder: Ensure your baking powder is fresh for optimal leavening. Old baking powder might not rise properly.
- Buttermilk Substitute: If you don't have buttermilk on hand, you can easily 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.
- Sweet or Savory: Experiment with adding different ingredients to customize your cornbread. Try adding shredded cheddar cheese, jalapenos, or corn kernels for a savory twist.
Variations:
- Jalapeño Cheddar Cornbread: Add 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese and 1/4 cup chopped jalapeños to the batter.
- Sweet Corn Cornbread: Stir in 1 cup of frozen or canned corn kernels for extra sweetness and texture.
- Cranberry Cornbread: Add 1/2 cup dried cranberries for a festive twist, perfect for holiday meals.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 200-250
- Protein: 4-5g
- Fat: 8-10g
- Carbohydrates: 30-35g
This Quaker Corn Meal Cornbread recipe is a testament to the fact that delicious dishes don't have to be complicated. It's a simple, healthy meal addition that's perfect for busy weeknights. Enjoy this easy recipe, and don't hesitate to share your culinary creations with us!