Delicious Southern Corn Bread Recipe Perfect for Any Meal
Welcome to my Southern Corn Bread Recipe! As a chef specializing in Southern-style cuisine, I can confidently say that there’s nothing quite like a good piece of cornbread. A staple of our culture, it’s as much a part of our meals as the sunshine is to our days.
This recipe is simple yet packed with flavor that will absolutely knock your socks off. Whether you’re looking for something sweet or savory, moist or dry, vegan or non-vegan, this recipe has got you covered. From the traditional old-fashioned cornbread to the bacon dripping infused one, everyone will find something that suits their taste buds.
Plus, it’s an incredibly versatile dish that can be paired with anything from homemade chili to fried chicken. You can even serve it alongside some of our Southern-style dressings – quite possibly the best comfort food around – and experience a taste paradise.
So join me on this journey as we tweak and perfect this classic Southern delicacy. Trust me; with this recipe under your belt, you’re sure to become the ultimate Southern cuisine guru amongst your family and friends.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Folks, let me tell you why this Southern Cornbread recipe is one you won’t want to miss out on. Forget the dry, crumbly cornbread of the past and get ready for a moist and delicious treat. This isn’t your run-of-the-mill cornbread straight out of a box – this is real, homemade, oh-so-Southern cornbread made from scratch.
You’ll love this recipe for its simplicity and flexibility. With just a few basic ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry, you can whip up a batch of cornbread that will transport you straight to the heart of Dixie. Plus, with a variety of variations and substitutions listed in the following sections, you can make this recipe truly your own.
Not only is this cornbread moist and flavorful, but it’s also incredibly versatile. It makes an excellent side dish for any savory meal or can be served as dessert paired with honey or jam. It’s also perfect for using in traditional Southern dishes like cornbread dressing or fried cornbread.
This recipe is easy enough for even novice bakers to successfully create while also being sophisticated enough to impress even the most experienced chefs. So, whether you’re looking for a simple comfort food or something fancy to bring to a potluck, you’ll find that this Southern Cornbread recipe has got you covered. Don’t miss out on this classic dish that will remind you of simpler times and real Southern hospitality.
Ingredient List
Before we start with this delightful Southern Corn Bread recipe, let’s take a look at the essential ingredients we need to achieve that perfect fluffy and moist cornbread with a crispy golden crust.
Ingredients 1x:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup yellow cornmeal
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 teaspoons baking powder
Ingredients 2x:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups yellow cornmeal
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 8 teaspoons baking powder
Ingredients 3x:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 cups yellow cornmeal
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 3 teaspoons salt
- 12 teaspoons baking powder
These ingredient measurements will give you a perfect balance of sweet and savory cornbread. You can easily adjust the amount of sugar according to your taste preference. Also, if you prefer a gluten-free option, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour. Let’s move forward and prepare our ingredients for the recipe how-to section.
The Recipe How-To
First, preheat your oven to 425°F. In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups of cornmeal, 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 4 teaspoons of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 2 teaspoons of salt, and 2 tablespoons** of granulated sugar.
In another bowl, whisk together 2 large eggs until they are beaten. Add in 3 cups of buttermilk or whole milk and stir until combined. Then, slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and whisk everything together until you have a batter with a thick consistency.
Finally, stir in 6 tablespoons of melted butter or vegetable oil and combine well. Don’t overmix the batter as it may toughen the bread.
Baking the Southern Cornbread
Next is baking. Use an iron skillet or a baking dish to cook your cornbread. Grease it lightly with butter or bacon drippings before pouring the batter onto the skillet to prevent sticking.
Place it in the oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes or until golden brown on top and a toothpick comes out clean when inserted into the center of the bread. Once done, transfer it to a rack and let cool for about 5-10 minutes before slicing.
Skillet Cornbread
If you prefer making skillet cornbread, preheat your oven to the same temperature mentioned above. Put some butter or bacon drippings in a cast-iron skillet and place it into the hot oven to melt.
When melted, remove from oven and pour in the batter. Smooth out the top with a spoon then bake for about 20-25 minutes depending on how thick your cornbread is; make sure not to overbake or it will dry out.
Once ready, take out from oven and let cool for about 10 minutes in the skillet, then slice and serve.
Vegan Cornbread
If you are looking for a vegan variation of this recipe, use plant-based milk such as almond or soy instead of buttermilk or dairy milk. You can also substitute butter with vegetable oil and use maple syrup instead of honey or sugar.
You may need to adjust the amount of liquid you add to the batter because different types of flours and cornmeal have different absorption rates.
That’s it! You now have a flavorful, Southern-style cornbread that is perfect for any occasion.
Substitutions and Variations
Y’all, if you’re lookin’ to mix things up with your Southern cornbread recipe, there are plenty of substitutions and variations to give it a personal touch. Here are some ideas I came up with:
– Stone Ground Cornmeal: For a more rustic flavor and coarser texture, switch out the yellow cornmeal for stone-ground cornmeal. It’s an old fashioned way of milling corn that creates a bolder taste and texture.
– Buttermilk Cornbread: If you want to make your cornbread even more moist and tangy, substitute the milk with buttermilk. It provides a rich, creamy texture that blends well with the cornmeal.
– Skillet Cornbread: The best way to enjoy Southern-style cornbread is by cooking it in a cast-iron skillet! The result is a crispy crust that surrounds a fluffy and moist center.
– Jalapeno Cornbread: For those who like their dishes with a bit of heat, add some diced jalapenos to the mix. This will give your cornbread an extra kick, making it perfect for serving as a side dish with your favorite spicy chili or gumbo.
– Cheddar Cheese Cornbread: You can experiment by adding shredded cheddar cheese to the batter for a cheesy twist on traditional Southern-style cornbread. This is also perfect for pleasing kids who might be picky about their food.
Whether you’re vegan, gluten-free or keto-oriented, there’s always room for creativity in the kitchen. Try these variations or experiment with your own unique ingredients to create your version of the perfect homemade cornbread recipe that ticks all the boxes!
Serving and Pairing
Now that you’ve baked a Southern-style corn bread that’s golden brown and delicious, it’s time to think about how to serve it. This traditional staple is a versatile food that deserves a spot on any table. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish, a snack or as a meal on its own, there are plenty of ways to make the most out of your homemade cornbread.
One classic Southern way to enjoy cornbread is with a smear of butter or drizzle of honey on top. When served this way, the simple yet divine flavor of the cornbread really shines through. It’s also great when slathered with some bacon drippings or paired with ham for a savory twist.
If you’re looking for something unconventional, try pairing hot and savory cornbread with cold and sweet ice cream. The contrast of the hot and savory cornbread against the creamy, cold texture of ice cream creates an unforgettable taste sensation.
Another option is to use your cornbread to make a satisfying cornbread dressing or as crumbled topping for a cheesy vegetable casserole. It’s also popular to prepare southern-style chili with crumbled corn bread on top. These recipes are perfect for large gatherings and potlucks.
When hosting guests, a basket full of warm home-baked Southern cornbread accompanied by plain or flavored butter and assorted jams can be an ideal appetizer. You can even serve it in small bites as an appetizer at your party.
Cornbread is also perfect for breakfast when paired with some bacon and eggs or scrambled tofu for vegan options. Those who love heat can add some jalapeno peppers or cheddar cheese for an extra kick.
Lastly, serving cornbread with some homemade fried chicken or ribs can create the ultimate Southern-inspired meal.
No matter how you decide to serve it, homemade Southern-style cornbread is always food that brings family together!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
As a chef, I know that sometimes we need to get ahead of our cooking game. Southern cornbread is a great option when you want to have a delicious side ready to go for your dinners or potlucks in advance.
To make-ahead, bake the cornbread the night before or earlier in the day and let it cool completely. Once cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep it moist and fresh. You can store it at room temperature for up to two days or keep it in the fridge for up to a week. If you plan on keeping it for longer than two days, I suggest storing it in the fridge.
If you need to reheat your cornbread, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), unwrap your cornbread and pop it in the oven for about 8-10 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, you can slice and toast it up in a dry skillet on medium heat until crispy on the outside but still moist on the inside.
You could also freeze your southern-style cornbread! To do this, wrap slices or squares individually with plastic wrap and then stack them together inside an airtight container or freezer ziplock bag for up to 3 months. When ready to use, thaw at room temperature for a couple of hours before reheating.
One of the beauties of homemade cornbread is its versatility. It can be served as a sweet, moist side dish on its own or used as a base ingredient in many classic southern dishes like dressing or savory puddings. No matter how you serve it, following these make-ahead, storing and reheating tips will ensure that your guests enjoy every bite.
Tips for Perfect Results
Now that you have all the ingredients and step-by-step instructions for the perfect southern cornbread, it’s time to ensure that your results turn out flawless. Here are some tips that will help you create the most delicious and moist cornbread every time.
Firstly, make sure your oven is preheated to exactly 400 degrees Fahrenheit before you start mixing the ingredients. This will give your cornbread a chance to cook evenly on all sides, resulting in a beautiful golden crust.
Another tip is to use a cast-iron skillet or an oven-safe dutch oven. These types of cookware retain heat better than other materials and distribute it more evenly, giving your cornbread a crispy outer layer and a soft, moist center.
If you prefer sweeter cornbread, try adding more sugar or using a combination of both granulated and brown sugar in the recipe. However, if you prefer savory cornbread, opt for less sugar or even leave it out altogether.
For a unique twist on this southern classic, consider adding in some jalapeño peppers or shredded cheddar cheese to the mix for an extra burst of flavor.
Lastly, keep in mind that different brands of flour and cornmeal can vary slightly in texture and flavor, so don’t be afraid to experiment with different combinations until you find your perfect match.
With these tips in mind, you can create the best homemade cornbread that will make any meal complete.
FAQ
Now that you have tried making our delightful Southern Corn Bread Recipe, you may have some questions about certain ingredients or steps in the process. Let me help by providing some of the frequently asked questions and their answers.
What makes Southern cornbread different?
When it comes to cornbread, the Southern version has its own distinct characteristics. It is known to be sweeter compared to the Northern style and uses white or yellow cornmeal. The addition of more eggs in the recipe produces a texture that is similar to cake, giving it a buttery finish.
Do Southerners put sugar in cornbread?
To achieve the traditional taste of original Southern cornbread, it’s recommended to swap out the common additions of flour and sugar for stone-ground cornmeal according to Serious Eats.
What is the best Southern cornbread mix?
Here are some popular cornmeal mixes that are often used to make Southern-style cornbread and corn muffins: Tenda-Bake Cornmeal Mix, Martha White Buttermilk Cornbread, White Lily Cornmeal Mix, Zatarain’s Cheddar Jalapeño Cornbread Mix, Causey Cornmeal Mix, Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix, and Krusteaz Southern Cornbread Mix.
Is it better to use milk or buttermilk in cornbread?
When it comes to making cornbread, using buttermilk instead of regular milk is a game-changer. Not only does buttermilk contribute a buttery flavor, but it also has a magical way of making baked goods tender and moist.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this Southern cornbread recipe is a simple and traditional dish that has been passed down for generations. With its sweet and savory flavors, it is the perfect accompaniment to any meal or a satisfying snack all on its own. Whether you prefer it baked in the oven or fried in a cast iron skillet, this recipe can easily be adapted to fit your personal taste preferences.
So next time you’re in the mood for something real and simple, give this homemade cornbread a try. I guarantee that once you taste it, you’ll understand why it has become such a beloved staple of Southern cuisine. And with the tips and substitutions provided in this recipe article, you can experiment with different variations to make your own unique twist on this classic dish. So fire up the oven, grab your ingredients, and get ready to experience the comfort and warmth of true Southern style cooking.
Southern Corn Bread Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 eggs
- 1 1/4 cups milk
- 1 1/2 cups cornmeal
- 3/4 cup flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Mix in a large mixing bowl eggs, milk, and oil until emulsified. Add remaining ingredients and mix well. Pour into a well buttered 8 inch square baking pan. Bake about 30 minute until done. Cut and serve hot. Makes 6 large, hearty pieces or 12 regular size puny pieces.