Are you craving that warm, slightly sweet, and undeniably delicious cornbread you get at your favorite restaurant? Stop dreaming and start baking! This Redstone Restaurant-inspired cornbread recipe is surprisingly easy to make, even for beginner bakers. It’s the perfect side dish for chili, soups, stews, or simply enjoyed on its own with a pat of butter. Get ready to experience the magic of homemade comfort food – this recipe will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. It's one of those easy recipes that always delivers delicious results, perfect for healthy meals and quick dinner ideas.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup yellow cornmeal (fine or medium grind)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 4 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for extra sweetness)
Instructions:
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Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease and flour an 8x8 inch baking pan or a cast iron skillet for that extra rustic charm. This simple step ensures your cornbread doesn't stick and results in perfectly golden edges.
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Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Make sure all the dry ingredients are evenly distributed to avoid pockets of baking powder or soda. This is a crucial step for a light and fluffy texture.
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Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, oil, egg, and honey (if using). The honey adds a subtle depth of flavor that many find irresistible.
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Combine: Gently pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and whisk until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a tough cornbread, so be sure to mix until no dry streaks remain but do not continue beyond that.
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Bake: Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on it.
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Cool & Serve: Let the cornbread cool in the pan for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy warm, perhaps with a dollop of butter or a smear of your favorite jam.
Cooking Tips for the Best Cornbread:
- Don't overmix: As mentioned above, overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough cornbread. Mix until just combined.
- Fresh baking powder: Use fresh baking powder for the best rise. Old baking powder can result in a flat cornbread.
- Cast iron skillet: For extra crispy edges and a deeper cornbread flavor, bake it in a cast iron skillet.
Variations:
- Spicy Cornbread: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to the batter.
- Cheesy Cornbread: Stir in ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese or your preferred cheese.
- Jalapeño Cornbread: Incorporate some diced jalapeños for a delightful kick.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Around 250
- Fat: Around 10g
- Carbohydrates: Around 40g
- Protein: Around 4g
(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.)
This Redstone Restaurant-inspired cornbread recipe is a testament to the beauty of simple, homemade cooking. It's a quick and easy recipe that's perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or any occasion where you want to impress your guests with a delicious and comforting side dish. It’s truly one of the best recipes for those seeking healthy meals without sacrificing taste. Give it a try and experience the magic of this delightful treat!