Traditional Corn Bread

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook: 25 min
🍽 Serves: 8
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This traditional corn bread recipe is a comforting classic that brings a touch of warmth to any meal. With its golden crust and moist, tender crumb, it's a perfect companion for hearty stews or a simple afternoon snack.

Ingredients for Traditional Corn Bread

The star of the show is cornmeal, which gives the bread its distinctive texture and flavor. We use equal parts all-purpose flour to balance that texture, ensuring the bread is tender yet holds together. A touch of granulated sugar adds a subtle sweetness, complementing the savory notes. Baking powder is our leavening agent, helping the bread rise to perfection. A pinch of salt enhances all the flavors. Milk adds moisture, while unsalted butter brings richness and a slight buttery flavor. Lastly, a large egg helps bind everything together.

Tips & Tricks

  • For an extra crispy crust, use a cast-iron skillet instead of a baking dish.
  • Don't skip the cooling step; it helps the crumb set for cleaner slices.
  • If you prefer a slightly sweeter bread, increase the sugar to 1/3 cup.

Serving Suggestions

This corn bread pairs beautifully with chili or a hearty soup. For a sweet twist, try serving it with honey butter or a dollop of homemade jam. It's also fantastic as a side for barbecue dishes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
What type of cornmeal should I use?
Medium-grind cornmeal works best for a balanced texture.
Can I use buttermilk instead of regular milk?
Yes, buttermilk adds a tangy flavor and extra moisture. It's a great substitute.

Traditional Corn Bread Recipe Walkthrough

First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and get your 8-inch square baking dish ready by greasing it well. This ensures that your corn bread won't stick, making it easier to serve later.

In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Make sure they are well combined, as this will help the bread bake evenly.

In another bowl, combine the wet ingredients. Pour the milk, melted butter, and egg into the bowl and mix them together until you have a consistent liquid. This mixture will bring the dry ingredients to life.

Now, it's time to bring everything together. Pour the wet mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients. Gently stir them until they're just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine.

Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish and smooth out the top with a spatula. This will help the bread cook evenly and look nice and tidy once it's baked.

Pop it into the oven and let it bake for 20-25 minutes. You'll know it's done when the top is a lovely golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Once baked, let the corn bread cool for a few minutes before slicing it up and serving. This short cooling period allows the bread to firm up slightly, making it easier to cut.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • The balance of flavors is spot on, with just a hint of sweetness.
  • It's quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
  • The texture is delightfully moist and crumbly.
  • Made with pantry staples, you won't need a special trip to the store.

Ingredients

1 cup cornmeal
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup milk
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 large egg

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease an 8-inch square baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In another bowl, combine milk, melted butter, and egg. Mix well.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Let cool slightly before slicing and serving.

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