Are you craving a warm, comforting side dish that's both incredibly flavorful and surprisingly easy to make? Look no further than this Trader Joe's Cornbread recipe! This recipe elevates the classic cornbread using readily available ingredients from Trader Joe's, resulting in a deliciously moist and slightly sweet cornbread that's perfect alongside chili, soup, or simply enjoyed on its own. It's a fantastic addition to your repertoire of quick dinner ideas and healthy meals, perfect for weeknight homemade cooking.
Ingredients:
- 1 box Trader Joe's Cornbread Mix
- 1 cup milk (whole milk recommended for best results)
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter (plus extra for greasing the pan)
- 1/4 cup Trader Joe's Everything but the Bagel Sesame Seasoning (optional, but highly recommended!)
Instructions:
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Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease an 8x8 inch baking pan with butter. This simple step ensures your cornbread won't stick and will have a beautiful golden crust.
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Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and melted butter until well combined. Make sure there are no unmixed lumps of egg.
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Mix it Up: Add the Trader Joe's cornbread mix to the wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. Don't overmix; a few lumps are okay. Overmixing can result in a tough cornbread.
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Season (Optional): If using, stir in the Everything but the Bagel Sesame Seasoning. This adds a delicious savory and slightly nutty flavor that complements the sweetness of the cornbread beautifully.
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Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly. 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. Enjoy warm!
Cooking Tips for Perfect Cornbread:
- Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing develops gluten, leading to a tough cornbread. Mix just until the ingredients are moistened.
- Use fresh ingredients: Using fresh eggs and milk will result in a more flavorful and moist cornbread.
- Check for doneness: Start checking for doneness around the 20-minute mark to prevent overbaking. Every oven is a little different.
- Experiment with add-ins: Feel free to experiment with add-ins like chopped jalapeños, shredded cheddar cheese, or crumbled bacon for a customized flavor profile.
Delicious Variations:
- Spicy Cornbread: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to the batter for a spicy kick.
- Cheesy Cornbread: Stir in 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese or Monterey Jack cheese for a cheesy twist.
- Sweet Cornbread: Add 1/4 cup of granulated sugar to the batter for a sweeter cornbread.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and will vary depending on the specific ingredients used. This recipe serves approximately 9.
- Calories: Approximately 200-250
- Fat: 8-10g
- Protein: 4-5g
- Carbohydrates: 30-35g
- Fiber: 2-3g
This easy Trader Joe's cornbread recipe is a perfect example of how delicious homemade cooking can be quick and simple. It's a versatile side dish that's sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!