Are you looking for a quick and easy side dish that’s guaranteed to impress? Look no further than this delightful Quaker Yellow Cornmeal Cornbread recipe! This recipe uses readily available ingredients and minimal effort to create a deliciously moist and subtly sweet cornbread, perfect alongside chili, soups, stews, or even enjoyed on its own. It's a fantastic addition to any meal, transforming a simple dinner into a truly satisfying experience. Let's get baking!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup Quaker Yellow Cornmeal
- 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:
Getting Started: Preheat & Prep
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease an 8-inch square baking pan or a similar-sized cast iron skillet. This prevents sticking and ensures even baking.
Combining Dry Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the yellow cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Make sure all the dry ingredients are well combined to ensure even leavening.
Combining Wet Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, vegetable oil, and egg until everything is well blended.
Bringing it Together:
- 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 streaks remain.
Baking to Perfection:
- Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan and spread evenly. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cooling & Serving:
- Let the cornbread cool in the pan for a few minutes before cutting and serving. Enjoy warm!
Tips for the Best Cornbread:
- Don't overmix: Overmixing develops gluten, resulting in a tough cornbread. A few gentle stirs are all you need.
- Use fresh baking powder: Old baking powder can lead to a flat cornbread. Check the expiration date before you begin.
- Adjust sweetness: For a less sweet cornbread, reduce the sugar to 2 tablespoons. Conversely, increase it to 1/3 cup for a sweeter treat.
- Add-ins: Get creative! Try adding in ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese, chopped jalapeños, or corn kernels for extra flavor and texture.
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 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese or Monterey Jack cheese for a savory twist.
- Sweet Corn Cornbread: Add 1 cup of fresh or frozen corn kernels to the batter for extra corn flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 200-250
- Fat: 8-10g
- Carbohydrates: 30-35g
- Protein: 4-5g
This Quaker Yellow Cornmeal Cornbread recipe is a fantastic example of easy recipes and healthy meals that can be prepared quickly. It's a perfect quick dinner idea and a testament to the power of homemade cooking. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a kitchen novice, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your recipe book. Enjoy the delicious results of this simple yet satisfying cornbread!