Discover the 2 Best Cornbread Recipes for a Mouthwatering Meal

If there’s one thing that can bring people together, it’s a plate of delicious, warm cornbread. A staple in Southern cuisine, cornbread has gained widespread popularity thanks to its versatility, taste, and easy preparation. In this article, we will explore the 2 best cornbread recipes you need to try today!

A Brief History of Cornbread

Cornbread traces its roots back to the Native Americans who introduced Europeans to maize (corn) in the 16th century. Over time, settlers found new ways to incorporate cornmeal into their cooking methods. Cornbread became popular in the South due to the abundance of corn, and it evolved into various forms using ingredients like sugar, baking powder, and salt. Today, cornbread is enjoyed all over the world as a perfect side to any meal.

The Classic Cornbread Recipe: Tried and True Favorite

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup buttermilk or whole milk
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• Vegetable oil or non-stick spray

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease an 8-inch square baking pan with vegetable oil or non-stick spray.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients.
3. In a separate bowl, gently beat the egg and combine with the buttermilk or whole milk. Pour this mixture into the well created in the dry ingredients.
4. Add the melted butter to the batter, stirring with a wooden spoon until just combined. Do not overmix; it is normal for the batter to be slightly lumpy.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly using a spatula. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Allow the cornbread to cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

This classic cornbread recipe is perfect as a side dish for savory dinners like chili, barbecue, and soups. It can also be enjoyed any time of the day with a pat of butter or drizzle of honey.

Sweet Southern-style Cornbread: A Scrumptious Twist on Tradition

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar (or more if you prefer a sweeter cornbread)
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup buttermilk or whole milk
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (optional)
• Vegetable oil or non-stick spray

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan or cast-iron skillet with vegetable oil or non-stick spray.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients.
3. In a separate bowl, gently beat the eggs and combine with the buttermilk or whole milk.
4. Add in the melted butter and vanilla extract, if using.
5. Pour the wet ingredients into the well created in the dry ingredients and mix with a wooden spoon until just combined. Do not overmix; it is normal for the batter to be slightly lumpy.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared pan or skillet and spread evenly using a spatula. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Allow the cornbread to cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Sweet Southern-style cornbread pairs exceptionally well with savory dishes like fried chicken, smoked sausage, collard greens, and ham. For those with a sweet tooth, it can also be served as a dessert alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or dollop of whipped cream.

Customizing Your Cornbread: Endless Possibilities

These two cornbread recipes provide a solid foundation to customize according to your tastes. To add some flair to your classic cornbread, consider the following ideas:

• Add 1 cup of grated cheddar cheese or Monterey Jack for a cheesy twist.
• Mix in sliced jalapeños or green chiles for some heat and zing.
• Include fresh corn kernels, chopped scallions, or cooked bacon bits to enhance the flavor and texture.

Sweet Southern-style cornbread can also be jazzed up with your favorite add-ins like blueberries, pecans, cinnamon, or even chocolate chips.

No matter which recipe you choose or how you customize it, rest assured that these two best cornbread recipes will have you coming back for seconds. Happy baking!