Traditional Cornbread

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook: 25 min
🍽 Serves: 8
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This traditional cornbread recipe is a timeless classic that brings a taste of comforting Southern charm to your table. It's perfect for a cozy family dinner or a delightful addition to your holiday spread. Simple yet satisfying, this cornbread is sure to become a household favorite.

Ingredients for Traditional Cornbread

Cornmeal is the star here, giving the bread its distinctive texture and hearty flavor. We balance it with some all-purpose flour to achieve the right crumb and structure. A touch of granulated sugar adds a hint of sweetness, but not too much — it’s still unmistakably savory. The baking powder ensures your cornbread rises nicely, creating a light and fluffy texture. A pinch of salt enhances all the flavors, rounding out the taste.

For the wet ingredients, we use eggs to bind everything together and add richness. Milk provides moisture, and finally, melted butter brings a buttery flavor that makes each bite utterly irresistible.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use stone-ground cornmeal for a more authentic texture and flavor.
  • If you prefer a sweeter cornbread, add an extra tablespoon of sugar.
  • To make cleaning easier, consider lining your baking pan with parchment paper.
  • If you're out of milk, buttermilk makes a great substitute and adds a slight tang.

Serving Suggestions

This cornbread is a versatile side that pairs wonderfully with chili, soups, or a classic Southern barbecue. For a special treat, serve it warm with a pat of butter and a drizzle of honey on top. It’s also a fantastic companion to a hearty stew or a vibrant salad.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this cornbread gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure it’s one designed for baking.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover cornbread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to a month.
Can I add other ingredients to the batter?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in some shredded cheese, jalapeños, or corn kernels for added flavor and texture.

Traditional Cornbread Recipe Walkthrough

First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), ensuring it's nice and hot when you're ready to bake. Grab a 9-inch square baking pan and give it a good greasing; this will help prevent sticking.

Now, let’s mix up the dry ingredients. In a large bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Make sure they’re well combined — you want every bite to be perfectly seasoned.

In another bowl, beat the eggs until they’re well blended. Add the milk and melted butter, whisking until everything’s smooth and homogeneous.

Time to bring it all together. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry, stirring just until everything’s moistened. Be careful not to overmix — a few lumps are perfectly fine and ensure a tender crumb.

Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan, smoothing out the top with a spatula for an even bake. Pop it in the oven and let it bake for 20-25 minutes. You'll know it's done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Once baked, let the cornbread cool for a few minutes — just enough so you can handle it without burning yourself. Then slice and serve while it’s still warm.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Perfectly moist with a golden, crispy crust.
  • Quick and easy to make — ready in under 30 minutes.
  • Uses pantry staples you likely already have on hand.
  • Versatile side dish that pairs well with a variety of meals.

Ingredients

2 cups of cornmeal
1 cup of all-purpose flour
1/4 cup of granulated sugar
1 tablespoon of baking powder
1 teaspoon of salt
2 large eggs
1 1/4 cups of milk
1/4 cup of melted butter

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a 9-inch square baking pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In another bowl, beat the eggs and then add the milk and melted butter, mixing well.
4. Combine the wet ingredients with the dry ingredients, stirring just until moistened.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top evenly.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Let the cornbread cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

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