Delicious Southern Batter Bread Recipe – Easy and Quick!
Southern-style cuisine is all about comfort, warmth and traditions that have been passed down for generations. There’s something truly special about savoring the rich flavors of southern classics that bring a sense of nostalgia and joy. Today, I would like to introduce you to my Southern Batter Bread recipe – a delicious and easy-to-make quick bread that will quickly become a family favorite.
Living in the south, I have always appreciated the simplicity and versatility of quick breads. They are perfect for any meal of the day and can be transformed into sweet or savory dishes depending on your mood or occasion. One of my all-time favorites is Southern Batter Bread; full of cornmeal, milk, eggs and margarine, this bread has a slightly sweet taste and a light texture that can be enjoyed on its own, dipped in gravy or served next to some smoky barbecue.
This bread will make your kitchen smell like a little piece of heaven! As it bakes, the aroma from the cornmeal mix and melted butter blend together for an unforgettable fragrance that will instantly get your mouth watering. This old fashioned Southern-style bread recipe is easy to whip up in no time at all and requires only common household ingredients.
So come along with me as we journey through my Southern Batter Bread recipe. Whether you’re a seasoned pro at baking or just starting out, this step-by-step guide will take you through each stage of the process to ensure you end up with beautifully moistened batter that’s lumpy in just the right way. With a little love and patience, you’ll soon be enjoying one of the most delectable quick breads that the south has to offer.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re searching for an easy and quick bread recipe that can be served with almost anything, then Southern Batter Bread Recipe should definitely be on top of your list! This recipe is perfect for a variety of occasions, whether you’re hosting a family gathering, having friends over for dinner, or want something to serve alongside your morning coffee.
What makes this bread recipe so special is the combination of ingredients used. Made from cornmeal, baking powder, salt, water, milk, butter and eggs, Southern Batter Bread is a perfect mix of savory and sweet flavors. Plus, the recipe calls for margarine instead of oil, which gives it an extra layer of richness.
This bread recipe is also incredibly versatile. You can adjust the amount of sugar and salt used in the batter to suit your preferences. In fact, if you prefer a sweeter flavor or want to make it more suitable for breakfast or as a dessert option then you can add more sugar to the recipe.
Not only does this batter bread taste amazing, but it is also incredibly easy to make. The recipe requires minimal effort and practically no kneading at all. Simply mix all the ingredients together in a large mixing bowl and pour into a baking dish before baking in the oven.
Another great feature of this recipe is that it allows for plenty of substitutions and variations. For instance, you may want to switch up the flour used and try using self-rising flour instead. Or go for a different type of quick bread like banana bread or beer bread. You can even elevate it further by adding some chopped nuts or dried fruits into the dough.
In conclusion, Southern Batter Bread Recipe is an absolute crowd-pleaser that everyone will enjoy! It’s easy to make, versatile and tastes absolutely incredible. So why not give this delicious quick bread recipe a try today?
Ingredient List
For this recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups cornmeal
- 1/2 cup self-rising flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup milk
- 3 tablespoons margarine
Note: If you don’t have self-rising flour, you can make your own by combining 1 cup of all-purpose flour with 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
You can use any kind of milk, including whole milk, low-fat milk, or even almond milk. However, I recommend using whole milk for the best results. If you don’t have margarine, you can use butter instead. Additionally, if you want to make this bread vegan-friendly, you can use a plant-based milk and margarine.
The Recipe How-To
Now that we have gone through the ingredients in detail, let’s start making our delicious southern batter bread recipe! Don’t worry, this is an easy and straightforward recipe that even novice bakers can follow.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, mix together 1 1/2 cups of cornmeal, 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, and 1 teaspoon of salt.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
Add 1 1/2 cups of milk, 3 tablespoons of melted margarine or butter, and 1 egg, and beat until well combined.
Step 4: Pour Batter into Pan
Now it’s time to pour the batter into a greased cast iron skillet or baking dish. Make sure you spread it evenly.
Step 5: Bake the Batter Bread
Bake the southern batter bread for about 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown on top.
Pro Tip: If you want to test if your bread is done, insert a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean, your bread is ready to be taken out of the oven.
Once it’s ready, take it out from the oven and let it cool for a couple of minutes before serving.
That’s it! Your delicious southern-style batter bread is now ready to serve!
Substitutions and Variations
Southern-style cuisine is all about tradition and creativity, and this Southern Batter Bread recipe is no exception. While the classic version of this recipe is undoubtedly delicious, there are a few substitutions and variations that you can try to make it more interesting.
Firstly, if you don’t have cornmeal on hand or simply prefer a different taste and texture, you can substitute it with an equal amount of self-rising flour. This will give your bread more of a biscuit-like texture while retaining its lightness.
Alternatively, for a richer and creamier version of the batter bread, you can use whole milk instead of regular milk, and swap out the margarine for melted butter. This will add a nutty flavor to the bread that complements its sweetness perfectly.
If you’re feeling daring, you can even experiment with adding different ingredients to your batter bread! For a fruity twist, try adding mashed banana or peaches to the batter, along with a pinch of cinnamon. Or, for a savory version of this recipe, you can replace some or all of the sugar with grated cheese and add herbs such as thyme or rosemary.
And if you want to take it up another notch, why not try making this batter bread with beer instead of water? The subtle bitterness of the beer enhances the natural sweetness of the cornmeal and makes for an outstanding flavor profile.
Whatever variation you choose to make, just be sure to follow the same basic recipe instructions and guidelines – mix well but not too much so your batter remains lumpy in texture before baking. Try these substitutions and variations on your own pace until you find your personal favorite edition to this traditional quick-bread masterpiece.
Serving and Pairing
Southern batter bread is perfect for serving as a side to your favorite Southern dishes. Pair it with some succulent grilled or fried chicken, hearty beef ribs or pork chops, and watch as the warm, fresh, and comforting bread balances the savory flavors of your main dish with its light, fluffy texture.
You can also enjoy southern batter bread by itself or with a dollop of honey butter for an indulgent treat. For breakfast, toast a slice of this bread and serve it with jam, honey, or even as a base for eggs benedict. It’s versatile and delicious enough to complement any meal or snack.
For those who love a good wine pairing, opt for a bold, full-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot. These wines pair perfectly with the savory taste of Southern cuisines and can counterbalance the deep flavor of your meaty meals. Alternatively, you can serve this bread with cold beer on a hot afternoon.
No matter how you decide to serve it, southern batter bread is sure to elevate any meal to a whole new level of comfort and satisfaction.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Once you’ve baked your Southern Batter Bread, the next step is to store it for later use. Fortunately, this bread can be stored well and reheated to perfection.
If you plan to make-ahead of time, allow the bread to cool completely before wrapping it in plastic wrap and foil. Then, store the loaf in airtight containers or a zip-top freezer bag for up to three months. The bread can be sliced and reheated as desired.
To reheat Southern Batter Bread, preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Remove the wrapping from the bread and place it on a baking sheet. For a softer texture, brush with melted butter or margarine before reheating. Reheat in the preheated oven for about 10-15 minutes until thoroughly heated but not dried out.
If you prefer a different method of reheating or storing, try slicing the bread into individual portions and freezing them separately. This will allow you to pull out individual slices as needed for quick and easy meals.
In conclusion, Southern Batter Bread can be made ahead of time, easily stored, and reheated with excellent results. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish, snack or main course, this recipe offers tremendous convenience without sacrificing taste.
Tips for Perfect Results
To achieve the perfect Southern Batter Bread, there are a few tips and tricks to keep in mind.
Firstly, it is important to use a large mixing bowl to make the batter. This will give you enough room to mix all the ingredients well without making a mess in your kitchen.
Additionally, make sure that all the ingredients are at room temperature. Cold eggs or milk can affect the texture of the bread negatively, while warm margarine can cause the batter to separate or become lumpy.
When mixing the wet and dry ingredients, do not overmix the batter. Stir until just combined to prevent gluten from forming and making the bread tough.
It’s also important to preheat your oven according to the recipe instructions and use a baking dish that is appropriate for batter breads. Cast iron is an excellent option as it distributes heat evenly and helps produce a crispy crust.
If you want to add some additional flavor or texture, consider adding mix-ins like chopped nuts or shredded cheese before baking.
Finally, let your Southern Batter Bread cool properly before slicing. This will prevent it from falling apart and ensure that it keeps its shape.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to prepare a delicious and authentic Southern Batter Bread that will leave everyone wanting more!
FAQ
Before we conclude, it is important to answer any frequently asked questions about this Southern Batter Bread recipe. I understand that some readers may have doubts or concerns about certain ingredients or steps, and I am here to provide you with the answers you need to make this recipe a success. Let’s delve into the most common queries together.
What is bread batter made of?
Let’s get started on our southern-style bread recipe! Grab a large mixer bowl and mix together 3 1/2 cups of flour, sugar, salt, and yeast until it’s all fully combined. After that, add some water and shortening or oil to the mix in order to make it moist. Mix at a low speed until it’s all nicely combined and then switch to medium speed for three minutes of beating. Once the three minutes are up, stir in the remaining flour gradually to make a stiff batter.
What quick breads are made from pour batters?
Batters suitable for pouring are the base for quick breads such as pancakes, waffles, gingerbread, and popovers.
What are quick breads elaborate on the two types of batter?
There are two primary classifications of quick breads; batters and doughs. Muffins, cornbread, banana bread and zucchini bread are all made with batters while biscuits and scones are made with doughs.
Why is it called spoon bread?
If you’re looking for a Southern-style quick bread with a texture that’s similar to Yorkshire pudding, then spoon bread is the perfect dish for you. Spoon bread gets its name from the fact that it needs to be scooped with a spoon to be served. While it may be similar to cornbread, its consistency is more like that of a soufflé.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this Southern Batter Bread recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves the taste of old-fashioned southern-style cuisine. With its moist and flavorful texture and perfect blend of ingredients such as cornmeal, milk, eggs, and margarine, this bread will make an excellent addition to any meal or gathering.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or someone just starting to experiment with quick breads, this recipe is easy to follow and delivers amazing results every time. So why not give it a try? You won’t be disappointed.
And if you’re looking for variations or substitutions, feel free to play around with the ingredients to suit your tastes. Some great variations include banana bread, peach bread, beer bread, pumpkin bread, or even sally lunn’s bread. Whatever variation you choose, just remember to keep the basic batter bread recipe intact for best results.
So grab your favorite cast iron skillet or baking dish and get ready to enjoy one of the best southern batter breads you’ll ever taste. Let this recipe become a staple in your kitchen and impress your friends and family with your culinary skills. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked!
Southern Batter Bread Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 3 tablespoons margarine
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 1/3 cups milk
- 2 medium eggs
Instructions
- Bring the water and margarine to a boil on the stove or in the microwave. While it is heating, combine the cornmeal, salt and baking powder in a large bowl. Pour the boiling water into the cornmeal mixture. Stir it up quickly with a whisk to prevent lumps. The cornmeal will swell up and absorb the water. Slowly add the milk to the hot cornmeal. If you add it to fast it will wind up lmpy, which is not real bad, but it's better if you try to keep it smooth. So slowly stir in the milk, a little at a time. When all the milk is added, break the eggs into the bowl too. You don't add the eggs before the milk because the hot cornmeal will cook them. Beat up the batter until the eggs are well incorporated. Then turn the batter into a well oiled 2-quart casserole, or 8-inch square pan, or even a ten inch iron skillet. Bake the bread at 375F for abot40 minutes. The top will be nicely browned and the mixture will jiggle a little bit when you shake the pan. Take it out of the oven and serve it hot.