Cornbread, a staple in Southern cuisine and a beloved side dish across the country, is surprisingly easy to make. This guide will walk you through creating a moist, flavorful cornbread that will impress your family and friends. Whether you prefer a sweet or savory version, we've got you covered!
Ingredients for Classic Cornbread
This recipe yields a standard 8x8 inch pan of cornbread. Adjust ingredient quantities accordingly for larger or smaller batches.
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure for your cornbread.
- 1 cup cornmeal: The star of the show! Use fine or medium grind, depending on your preference for texture.
- ¼ cup granulated sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness, balancing the savory elements.
- 4 teaspoons baking powder: The leavening agent, crucial for a light and fluffy texture.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
- 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds richness.
- 1 cup milk: Provides moisture. Buttermilk will result in a tangier flavor.
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil: Adds moisture and tenderness. Melted bacon grease adds amazing flavor!
- Optional additions: Consider adding ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese, chopped jalapeños, or even some crumbled bacon for extra flavor and texture.
Step-by-Step Instructions: Making Perfect Cornbread
1. Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease and flour an 8x8 inch baking pan. This prevents sticking and ensures even baking.
2. Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Make sure everything is well combined to prevent lumps.
3. Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, and oil.
4. Combine Wet & Dry: Gently pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a tough cornbread, so don't overdo it! A few lumps are okay.
5. Add-ins (Optional): If using any optional ingredients like cheese, jalapeños, or bacon, add them now and gently fold them into the batter.
6. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Cool & Serve: Let the cornbread cool in the pan for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy warm!
Tips for the Best Cornbread
- Don't overmix: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough cornbread.
- Use fresh baking powder: Old baking powder can lose its potency, resulting in a flat cornbread.
- Adjust sweetness: For a sweeter cornbread, add more sugar. For a savory version, reduce or omit the sugar altogether.
- Experiment with add-ins: Get creative with your cornbread! Add different cheeses, vegetables, herbs, or even fruits.
Serving Suggestions
Cornbread is incredibly versatile. It's delicious on its own, with butter, honey, or chili. It's also a fantastic accompaniment to soups, stews, chili, and BBQ.
This guide provides a solid foundation for making delicious cornbread. Now get baking and enjoy the delicious results! Remember to share your creations and tag us! Happy baking!
