Are you craving a taste of the South? Nothing says comfort food quite like a batch of warm, golden corn sticks. These crispy little delights are surprisingly easy to make, and they're perfect as a side dish, a snack, or even a fun appetizer. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a kitchen novice, this recipe will guide you to cornbread perfection. Get ready to enjoy the irresistible combination of sweet corn and savory cornmeal in these delightful homemade treats!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup yellow cornmeal
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup creamed corn (optional, for extra corn flavor)
Instructions:
-
Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 12-cup corn stick pan generously with butter or cooking spray. This is crucial for easy removal and perfectly golden-brown corn sticks.
-
Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Ensuring all the dry ingredients are well combined prevents lumps in your batter.
-
Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, buttermilk, melted butter, and creamed corn (if using). The creamed corn adds a wonderful depth of corn flavor, but it's entirely optional.
-
Combine: Gently pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Don't overmix; a few lumps are okay. Overmixing can lead to tough corn sticks.
-
Bake: Fill each cup of the prepared corn stick pan about ¾ full. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes, as ovens can vary.
-
Cool & Serve: Let the corn sticks cool in the pan for a few minutes before carefully inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely. Serve warm and enjoy!
Tips for Perfect Corn Sticks:
- Don't overmix: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cornbread. Mix until just combined.
- Grease well: Properly greasing your corn stick pan is essential for easy removal. Don't skimp on the butter or cooking spray!
- Fresh ingredients: Using fresh baking powder and baking soda will ensure your corn sticks rise beautifully.
- Adjust sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet cornbread, reduce the sugar to 2 tablespoons.
Variations:
- Spicy Corn Sticks: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to the batter for a kick.
- Cheesy Corn Sticks: Stir in 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese or Monterey Jack cheese for a savory twist.
- Herb Corn Sticks: Add 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh herbs like chives or parsley for extra flavor.
Nutritional Information (per corn stick, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 100-120
- Fat: 5-7g
- Protein: 2-3g
- Carbohydrates: 15-20g
These delicious corn sticks are a great addition to any meal. They're a simple yet satisfying recipe that's perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a casual weekend brunch, or a festive gathering. Enjoy the delightful crunch and the comforting taste of these homemade treats!