Delicious Southern Cornbread Muffins recipe
Greetings and salutations, dear reader! I am incredibly excited to introduce you to my recipe for Southern Cornbread Muffins. When it comes to comfort food, there is nothing quite like a warm, buttery cornbread muffin fresh out of the oven. It’s a dish that has been a staple in Southern cooking for generations and is sure to bring some warmth and joy to your dinner table.
If you’ve been looking for an easy yet delicious recipe that will leave you feeling satisfied and content, then look no further. These cornbread muffins are a great addition to any meal, be it breakfast, lunch, or dinner. They are simple to make and require only a few key ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry.
In this article, I’ll guide you through the step-by-step process of making these mouth-watering Southern Cornbread Muffins from scratch. Whether you’re an experienced cook or just starting out in the kitchen, my tips and tricks will help you achieve perfect results every time.
So, let’s get started and bring a little taste of the South into your home with this delightful cornbread muffins recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
My dear readers, let me tell you why you’ll fall head over heels in love with this southern cornbread muffins recipe.
Firstly, let’s talk about its aroma. As soon as these little golden muffins come out of the oven, your senses will be overwhelmed with the scent of buttery goodness mixed with a hint of sweetness. It’s a smell that can only be recreated in the heart of the south.
Now onto the texture, oh my! These muffins have a crumbly outside yet are still moist and fluffy on the inside – a perfect contrast. You won’t find yourself craving any other bread once you try these heavenly cornbread muffins.
But what really makes this recipe stand out are its versatile ingredients. It calls for basic pantry staples like flour, sugar, cornmeal and buttermilk, allowing for easy preparation without any special shopping trips.
Plus, what’s better than a warm batch of mouth-watering muffins to accompany your favorite southern dishes? From smoky barbecue to spicy gumbo – these muffins complete every meal.
Trust me when I say that these southern cornbread muffins hold true to tradition and deliver all the flavors we love in the south. Give them a try, and I promise you won’t regret it.
Ingredient List
Get ready to collect your muffin ingredients to make your southern cornbread muffins recipe delicious! Be sure you have preheated your oven to 375°F before beginning the preparation steps. Let’s check out your ingredient list:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ¾ cup yellow cornmeal
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 1 ¼ cups buttermilk
- ¼ cup melted unsalted butter
In a separate bowl, whisk together:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups yellow cornmeal
- 4 tablespoons sugar
Don’t forget a measuring cup for the liquids and dry ingredients. Please double-check you have all of your ingredients before beginning your recipe.
The Recipe How-To
Let me take you on a journey down South with this delicious Southern Cornbread Muffins Recipe. This is one of my all-time favorite recipes, and I hope it will become one of yours too!
Ingredients
Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make the perfect southern-style cornbread muffins:
- 1 cup yellow cornmeal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 1 ½ cups buttermilk
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil
- 1 large egg
Step-by-step instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F.
- Grease your muffin tin or line it with muffin cups.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the yellow cornmeal, all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar.
- In another medium bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, vegetable oil, and egg.
- Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients mixture and pour in the wet ingredients mixture. Use a wooden spoon to mix until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix!
- Divide the batter equally between the muffin cups using a measuring cup or ice cream scoop.
- Put the muffin tin into your preheated oven and bake for 18–20 minutes or until golden brown on top and an inserted toothpick comes out clean.
Tips for perfect results
- To make sure you get that authentic Southern flavor, use yellow cornmeal instead of white or stone-ground.
- Don’t over-mix your batter – this can result in dry and tough muffins.
- For an extra golden color on top, brush melted unsalted butter onto each muffin as soon as they come out of the oven.
- Serve your Southern Cornbread Muffins warm with a drizzle of honey or slathered in butter.
Now that you’ve nailed this recipe for Southern Cornbread Muffins, you can move onto exploring other cornbread variations such as sweet potato cornbread, cast iron skillet cornbread, and creamed corn muffins. There are so many possibilities!
Substitutions and Variations
Dear reader, if you’re looking to mix things up a bit with this classic southern cornbread muffin recipe, there are several substitutions and variations that you can try. Allow me to offer some suggestions for ways to customize this recipe to your liking.
Firstly, if you don’t have buttermilk on hand, fear not. You can easily make a substitute by combining 3/4 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes and then use it as a replacement for the buttermilk called for in the recipe.
If you’re looking to cut down on dairy, you can also swap the butter in the recipe for margarine or vegetable oil. Keep in mind that using margarine or oil may change the texture of the muffins slightly.
For a sweeter twist, consider adding in some creamed corn or swapping out some of the yellow cornmeal for sweet cornmeal. You can also add in a tablespoon or two of honey or maple syrup to the batter.
Alternatively, if you prefer a more savory flavor profile, you can add in some chopped jalapenos or green onions. For those who prefer a spicier kick, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
Lastly, if you don’t have a muffin tin on hand, don’t worry! You can make these as mini-muffins using a mini-muffin tin or bake them as one large cast iron skillet cornbread instead.
Remember that cooking is an art and everyone has different tastes and preferences. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make this recipe your own!
Serving and Pairing
Is there anything more delicious than a fresh-out-of-the-oven Southern cornbread muffin? These savory treats are perfect served alongside a steaming bowl of chili, soup, or stew. They also pair perfectly with barbeque, fried chicken or any southern-style comfort food.
When serving these mouth-watering muffins with chili or soup, I like to top them with a dollop of sour cream or grated cheese. You can also drizzle some honey on top for a little sweetness to balance the savory flavors. If you are looking for variety, try making mini muffins to serve as appetizers or as an option in a bread basket.
For a complete meal, you can serve these fluffy muffins along with collard greens, fried okra, or mac & cheese. The options are endless! For breakfast, they taste great toasted and slathered with butter and jam.
Do not hesitate to experiment and come up with your ideas on pairing these heavenly muffins. Be creative, have fun with it, and indulge yourself with comfort food at its best!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
As with most baked goods, these Southern Cornbread Muffins are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven. However, if you find yourself with leftovers, fear not! There are a few things you can do to make sure your muffins stay fresh and delicious.
If you’re planning on making these muffins ahead of time, it’s best to store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. You can also freeze them for up to three months by wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and placing them in a resealable freezer bag.
To reheat your muffins, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the muffins on a baking sheet. Bake for about 5-7 minutes until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave each muffin on high for about 10-15 seconds.
One thing to note is that while reheating will warm up your muffins, it won’t bring back their original texture. If you want to enjoy the same crispy edges and soft center that you had when they were fresh out of the oven, I recommend serving them at room temperature or warming them in the oven instead of microwaving them.
With these tips, you can ensure that your Southern Cornbread Muffins stay as delicious as the day you made them.
Tips for Perfect Results
As a Southern chef, I have learned that making the perfect cornbread muffins involves a few key tips and tricks. Here are my top recommendations for achieving the best results with this delicious recipe:
1. Use cast iron skillets or muffin tins: The type of cookware you use can make a big difference in the outcome of your cornbread muffins. Cast iron skillets and muffin tins tend to produce the best results because they heat evenly and retain heat well.
2. Preheat your oven: Make sure your oven is preheated before you begin baking your cornbread muffins. This ensures that they will cook evenly and turn out perfectly.
3. Don’t overmix: When mixing the wet and dry ingredients together, be careful not to overmix the batter. Overmixing can lead to tough muffins.
4. Measure accurately: Accuracy is key when it comes to measuring out ingredients. Be sure to use measuring cups and spoons rather than estimating amounts to ensure your cornbread muffins turn out just right.
5. Choose quality ingredients: Using high-quality ingredients will give your cornbread muffins a better flavor and texture. I recommend using all-purpose flour, yellow cornmeal, buttermilk, granulated sugar, unsalted butter, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
6. Experiment with variations: While the recipe is great as-is, don’t be afraid to add in some extra ingredients like jalapeno peppers or cheddar cheese to give your cornbread muffins an extra kick.
7. Let them cool before serving: It’s important to let your cornbread muffins cool for a few minutes before serving them – this allows them to firm up and makes them easier to handle without burning yourself.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to make perfectly delicious Southern cornbread muffins every time!
FAQ
As with any recipe, there may be questions or concerns about ingredients, substitutions, and techniques. Here are some frequently asked questions and answers about this Southern Cornbread Muffins Recipe to help you achieve the perfect results each time you bake it.
What is the difference between cornbread and Southern cornbread?
When it comes to cornbread, there are two distinct styles: northern and southern. The northern version is less sweet and uses a combination of yellow cornmeal and fewer eggs to create a dry, crumbly texture. On the other hand, southern-style cornbread can be made with either white or yellow cornmeal and calls for more eggs, which results in a moist and cake-like texture. Additionally, southern-style cornbread has a delightful, buttery taste that sets it apart from the northern variety.
What’s the difference between cornbread and cornbread muffins?
Cornbread and corn muffins are both delicious Southern-style quick breads made with cornmeal. However, they differ in their shape, texture, and sweetness. Cornbread is typically cooked in a skillet and is usually unsweetened, while corn muffins are baked in muffin tins and have high sugar content which makes them more cake-like in texture.
Why do Southerners not put sugar in cornbread?
According to historical accounts, southern-style cornbread is traditionally made without sugar or wheat flour, and instead utilizes coarsely ground white cornmeal. In fact, it was seen as taboo for southern cooks to tamper with the natural flavor of the cornbread by adding sweeteners.
What’s the difference between Jiffy cornbread and corn muffin?
Cornbread muffins are essentially the same as regular cornbread, with the only difference being the shape in which they are baked. The batter is prepared in the usual manner and poured into muffin tins rather than a baking pan for a different presentation.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, if you are a fan of southern-style cuisine, this Southern Cornbread Muffins recipe is undoubtedly an essential addition to your cookbook! With its perfect combination of crispy exterior and fluffy interior texture, it makes for the perfect snack or side dish to bring some southern charm to any meal. This recipe offers a plethora of substitutions and variations, enabling you to make it as sweet or savory as you’d like. Furthermore, with our tips for perfect results and make-ahead, storing and reheating advice, you’re guaranteed to achieve lip-smacking muffins every time!
Now it’s your turn to give this recipe a try in your kitchen. Don’t be scared to experiment with different variations and substitutions to create your own version of this classic southern delicacy. And don’t forget to serve it with some mouth-watering dishes such as collard greens, barbeque chicken or macaroni and cheese.
So what are you waiting for? Grab those ingredients and preheat that oven! There’s nothing better than the smell of freshly baked Southern Cornbread Muffins wafting through your kitchen. Whether it’s a quick snack or a casual dinner party, these muffins are sure to be the cherry on top of any meal. Enjoy!
Southern Cornbread Muffins Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups cornmeal
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 3/4 cups buttermilk
- 1 egg, beaten
- 2 tablespoons butter or 2 tablespoons margarine, melted
Instructions
- Combine cornmeal, four, sugar, salt, and baking soda in a large bowl, mixing well.
- Combine buttermilk, egg, and butter, mixing well.
- Add to dry ingredients stirring just until moistened.
- Spoon into greased muffin pans. Bake at 425 for 15 minutes or until edges begin to brown.
- Yield is 1 dozen regular muffins or 6 Texas sized.