Savor the South with this Cornmeal Bread Recipe
Welcome, my culinary enthusiasts! It is my pleasure to share with you a recipe that will transport you to the heart of Southern cuisine. Get your aprons on and your bread machines ready because today we are making Southern Cornmeal Bread (Bread Machine)!
When it comes to Southern cuisine, cornbread is an integral part of the gastronomy. It’s a simple and traditional recipe that has been passed down generations and has captivated everyone’s hearts with its sweet and savory flavors. I’ve always loved cornbread but never managed to perfect it until I discovered this nifty recipe. This recipe combines all the goodness of traditional Southern cornbread with the ease of a bread machine.
Now, I know what you’re thinking – why use a bread machine when you can make cornbread easily in a skillet? Let me tell you, the bread machine not only saves you time and energy but also guarantees that perfect texture and consistency every time. This method elevates the beloved cornmeal bread to new heights, making it even more irresistible.
Preparing this dish is effortless: dump everything into the bread machine, set it up, and let the machine work its magic while you indulge in other daily chores or relax for a while.
With this recipe’s unparalleled ease and incredible taste, Southern Cornmeal Bread (Bread Machine) is sure to become a staple in your household, specifically for those times when you have chili or fried chicken for dinner. The hearty meal deserves that great complement- so let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Picture yourself sitting at a family dinner table in the middle of a hot, southern summer, enjoying a generous slice of warm, cornmeal bread straight from the oven. If you can relate to this comforting scenario, then this southern cornmeal bread recipe is made for you!
Firstly, it’s extremely easy to make using a bread machine. No more fussing around with multiple mixing bowls or kneading by hand, simply add your ingredients into the machine and let it do the work for you. Secondly, this recipe produces buttery, moist and crumbly bread that pairs perfectly with many traditional southern dishes. Its slightly sweet flavor and cornmeal crunch make it the ideal complement to chili, fried chicken or any other hearty meal.
What sets this recipe apart from traditional southern cornbread recipes is that it uses a combination of bread flour and cornmeal resulting in a light texture that is less dense than normal cornbread but still has all the classic flavors. A little hint of honey and egg in the mixture provides additional sweetness and texture.
Whether you’re looking for that perfect side to serve with your next BBQ feast or just craving some homemade bread in your life, this mouthwatering southern cornbread will satisfy all your cravings while leaving your taste buds begging for more. Give our recipe a try and experience the feeling of true southern hospitality on your plate!
Ingredient List
The Southern Cornmeal Bread requires a few basic ingredients. You may already have them on your pantry shelf, but you should take care to check before starting or making substitutions. Here’s what you will need:
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 2 cups bread flour
- 2 teaspoons bread machine yeast or instant yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 egg
- 3/4 cup water
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Be sure to measure each ingredient accurately using measuring cups and spoons. Creamed corn can be added for more sweetness, and jalapeno can be added for a spicy kick. Make sure to use the appropriate ingredients and amounts as any changes might affect the texture and taste of the bread.
The Recipe How-To
Adding the Ingredients
First of all, Get your bread machine ready and add 1 cup of water and 2 tablespoons of honey into the bread pan. Quick tip: measure the honey in a greased measuring cup for easy measurement.
Next, mix together 1 cup of bread flour and 1 cup of cornmeal in a separate bowl. Add this mixture to the bread pan on top of the water and honey.
Add 1 beaten egg and 2 tablespoons of melted butter to the bread pan. Pro tip: make sure everything is at room temperature for best results.
Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of salt on one side of your bread pan, followed by 2 teaspoons of bread machine yeast on the other side. Note: The reason for adding salt and yeast separately is that salt can kill yeast.
(Do not let the two substances touch each other.)
Kneading and Rising
Select the “Dough” setting on your bread machine and press start. Allow your bread dough to knead and rise for about 90 minutes until it’s doubled in size.
Once it has risen, transfer your dough onto a floured surface and form it into a smooth ball by tucking the edges under. Place this ball into a greased 8-inch loaf pan.
Allow the dough to rise again for around 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size once more.
Baking
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place your loaf pan on the middle rack.
Bake for approximately 25-30 minutes till it turns golden brown.
Once done, remove from oven and set aside for a few minutes before removing it from the pan.
Now slice up your deliciously fluffy cornmeal bread as needed.
This recipe makes some yummy southern cornmeal bread that’s great to serve for breakfast, lunch or dinner.
Substitutions and Variations
As someone who has spent countless hours experimenting with different ingredients and methods in the kitchen, I know that sometimes you don’t have everything you need to make a recipe exactly as it’s written. But worry not, because this southern cornmeal bread can be adapted to your liking! Let me walk you through some substitutions and variations that will work well with this recipe.
Firstly, let’s talk about the cornmeal. While yellow or white cornmeal is traditionally used for Southern cornbread, you could also use corn flour instead. Corn flour is finely ground cornmeal that produces a smoother texture in your bread. If you prefer a sweeter cornbread, try using sweet cornmeal or adding a small amount of sugar to the recipe.
Next up, let’s talk about flour. The recipe calls for bread flour, which has a higher protein content than all-purpose flour and helps make the bread more elastic and chewy. However, if you don’t have bread flour on hand, all-purpose flour can be substituted. Keep in mind that the texture of your final product may vary slightly.
Honey is used as a natural sweetener in this recipe, but it can be swapped out for other sweeteners such as maple syrup, agave nectar or brown sugar for a different flavor profile. If you are vegan or avoiding animal products, you can substitute honey with maple syrup too.
The recipe also calls for eggs, but if you’re vegan or have an egg allergy, feel free to use an egg substitute like mashed banana or applesauce instead. However, keep in mind that the texture of your finished product may differ slightly.
Lastly, if you want to add some extra flavor to your southern cornmeal bread, try adding jalapenos to give it some heat or creamed corn for sweetness and moisture. Additionally, experiment with different herbs and spices like basil or cumin to give your bread a unique flavor profile.
In conclusion, this recipe provides ample room for substitutions and variations, making it a great choice for experimenting and adapting to your own personal taste.
Serving and Pairing
Once you’ve mastered the recipe for Southern Cornmeal Bread, it’s time to think about what to serve it with. This bread is a versatile addition to any meal and pairs well with both savoury and sweet foods alike.
For a classic Southern meal, serve slices of cornmeal bread alongside a piping hot bowl of chili or hearty fried chicken. The sweet and savory flavors will balance perfectly for a delicious and satisfying meal.
If you’re looking for something on the sweeter side, try using this bread as the base for your own variation of bread pudding. Just cube the bread, top it with a drizzle of honey or maple syrup, and let it bake in the oven until golden brown.
Another great way to enjoy this cornmeal bread is to use it as sandwich bread. Slice it into thin rounds or thick slabs and stack on your favorite deli meats and cheeses for a hearty sandwich that will last you through the day.
No matter how you choose to enjoy this Southern Cornmeal Bread recipe, just remember that it goes great with anything! Experiment with different toppings and fillings to find your own favorite way to enjoy this delicious homemade bread.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Once you have made this delicious Southern Cornmeal Bread in your bread machine, you may wonder how to keep it fresh and flavorful. Fear not, for I have some tips on how to make-ahead, store, and reheat this yummy bread!
To make ahead, prepare the dough as instructed in the recipe but do not bake it. Instead, shape it into a round loaf and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking or freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, just thaw the dough at room temperature and let it rise for about 1 hour before baking.
Storing freshly baked cornmeal bread is easy! Just wrap a cooled loaf in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap the bread first with plastic wrap and then with aluminum foil and freeze for up to three months.
To reheat leftover cornmeal bread, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and either slice the bread or leave it whole if desired. Wrap the bread tightly in aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out and place it on a baking sheet. Bake for approximately 10 to 15 minutes or until heated through.
If you prefer to microwave your cornmeal bread, lightly moisten a paper towel with water and place it over the bread slice(s). Microwave on high power in 15-30 second intervals until heated through.
Remember that homemade cornmeal bread tastes best when served fresh out of the oven. However, these tips will help you enjoy your Southern Cornmeal Bread for days after baking.
Tips for Perfect Results
Baking bread can seem daunting, but with a little bit of practice and patience, anyone can do it. In this section, I’ll go over some tips and tricks for making the perfect Southern Cornmeal Bread in a bread machine.
First and foremost, using good quality ingredients is crucial in any recipe, especially for bread. Make sure to use fresh bread machine yeast or instant yeast to ensure your bread rises properly. Additionally, using high-quality cornmeal and bread flour adds an extra layer of flavor and texture to your finished product.
Another important factor to consider is the temperature of your ingredients. Make sure that your eggs are at room temperature before adding them to the mixture, as they will incorporate more easily into the dough. Similarly, using lukewarm water instead of cold will help activate the yeast faster and produce a better rise.
When measuring out your ingredients, be as precise as possible. Use measuring cups and spoons rather than eyeballing it to ensure consistency in your results. Additionally, make sure you are adding the ingredients in the order listed in the recipe, as this can make a big difference in how your bread turns out.
It’s also important not to overmix the dough. Once everything is added to the bread machine, mix until just combined – overmixing can result in a tough or dense loaf.
Finally, remember to let the bread cool completely before slicing into it. Although it can be tempting to cut it right away and slather on some butter, allowing your loaf to cool for at least 30 minutes will give it time to “settle” and make for easier slicing.
By following these tips for perfect results, you’ll end up with a delicious, homemade Southern Cornmeal Bread that’s sure to impress your family and guests!
FAQ
Before we come to a close with this recipe, I’ve compiled some frequently asked questions that may be of help to you. Below are some clarifications and answers that could further improve your understanding of the ingredients, process, and outcome of this southern cornmeal bread recipe. So, let’s get to it!
What is the difference between cornbread and Southern cornbread?
There are variations of cornbread across different regions. Northern cornbread has a crumbly texture and is less sweet, while Southern-style cornbread is richer in flavor with a softer, cake-like texture. The difference lies in the type of cornmeal used and the number of eggs added. Southern-style cornbread is made with more eggs and butter for a smooth, almost dessert-like finish.
What does cornmeal do in bread?
Incorporating cornmeal into the dough can add a delightful crunch to the final product and can also serve as a helpful anti-stick agent. The grain acts like tiny spheres, reducing the roughness of the surface. However, if the dough is extremely sticky, it is advisable to utilize parchment paper for optimal results.
Can I use corn meal instead of corn flour?
When it comes to cooking, both corn flour and cornmeal can be utilized in recipes, but it is crucial to understand the slight differences between these two ingredients. Keep in mind that substituting one for the other can affect the texture of the final product. For instance, using cornmeal as a replacement for corn flour in pancake or muffin recipes could result in a coarser texture.
What is cornmeal bread called?
Cornbread, a type of bread that is prepared using cornmeal, has its roots in Native American cuisine and is widely associated with Southern American cuisine.
Bottom Line
in the style of Ernest Hemingway:
In the end, there is no denying the simple pleasure of Southern cornmeal bread. Whether baked in a traditional skillet, made by hand, or using a bread machine, this comforting and hearty bread will surely bring warmth and joy to your soul. With its golden crust and tender crumb, it’s the perfect complement to any meal – be it a bowl of chili or a fried chicken feast. So next time you’re in the mood for some old-fashioned goodness, whip out your ingredients and get baking. Your taste buds will thank you.
Southern Cornmeal Bread (Bread Machine) Recipe
Ingredients
1 1/2 Pound Loaf
- 1 cup water
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup nonfat dry milk powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 3/4 cups bread flour
- 1/2 cup cornmeal
- 1 teaspoon bread machine yeast or 1 teaspoon instant yeast
Instructions
- Measure ingredients into baking pan in the order recommended by the manufacturer.
- Insert pan into the oven chamber.
- Select Sweet Cycle.
- When the baking cycle ends, immediately remove the bread from the pan and place it on a rack.
- Let cool to room temperature before slicing.