Mouth-watering Southern sweet cornbread recipe
Southern Sweet Cornbread is a beloved staple of southern cuisine, with a crispy golden crust and an irresistibly moist and crumbly texture. In this budget-friendly recipe, I am excited to share my twist on traditional southern cornbread that is easy, inexpensive and delicious to make. You don’t have to spend a lot of money or time to enjoy a taste of the south!
Cornbread is a versatile side dish that pairs perfectly with fried pork chops, barbecue ribs or chili. It’s also great served as a snack or breakfast with a dollop of honey butter or alongside a glass of sweet tea. With just a few simple ingredients such as yellow cornmeal, flour, milk, egg, and sugar you can easily make your own homemade cornbread from scratch.
This Sweet Cornbread recipe is not only budget-friendly but also customizable to suit your preferences. You can add crushed rosemary for an extra layer of flavor or substitute the milk with buttermilk for a tangy twist. Whether you are new to baking or experienced in the kitchen, this recipe will yield delicious cornbread that everyone loves. Let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you looking for a budget-friendly and delicious southern-style cornbread recipe? Look no further than this Southern Sweet Cornbread recipe!
What makes this cornbread special is its sweet and savory balance. The addition of sugar to the traditional cornmeal batter makes it sweet, but not overwhelmingly so. It is the perfect complement to savory dishes like fried pork chops, collard greens, or a hearty bowl of chili.
Not only is this recipe easy to make from scratch, but it also has variations that can add a unique twist to the traditional southern cornbread. Try adding rosemary for a fragrant kick or swapping some of the yellow cornmeal with corn flour for a creamier texture.
Furthermore, this recipe only requires simple pantry staples like flour, baking powder, milk, and vegetable oil. You don’t need to break the bank to have savory and delicious cornbread on your dinner table.
Lastly, this Southern Sweet Cornbread is versatile and can be served on any occasion – from a casual weeknight meal to a holiday feast. Pair it with a refreshing glass of sweet tea or top it off with honey butter for extra indulgence.
Trust me when I say that once you try this Southern Sweet Cornbread, it will become a staple in your household.
Ingredient List
Let’s get started on the ingredient list for this Southern Sweet Cornbread recipe. Don’t worry, you won’t need anything too fancy to make this delicious twist on traditional Southern cornbread. In fact, you can even make it on a budget-friendly shopping trip. Here’s what you’ll need:
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup yellow cornmeal
- 1/4 cup granulated white sugar
- 4 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups milk (can be substituted with buttermilk)
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil (can be substituted with melted butter)
- 1 large egg
And that is it! You probably already have most of these ingredients in your pantry or refrigerator, which makes this recipe even more convenient. If you don’t have some of these, no worries. There are many substitutions and variations possible for this southern sweet cornbread recipe. Let’s explore them in the next section of this article.
The Recipe How-To
Now that we have our ingredients ready for our Southern Sweet Cornbread, let’s get to making it! Here are the steps on how to make this easy and delicious cornbread recipe:
Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Skillet
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Next, take a 10-inch cast iron skillet and coat it with vegetable oil. Then, place it in the oven to preheat.
Mix the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of cornmeal mix, 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, 1/4 cup of white sugar and 1 teaspoon of salt. Mix them well.
In another bowl, whisk together one beaten egg, 1 cup of milk and 1/4 cup of vegetable oil. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
Bake the Cornbread
Carefully remove the skillet from the oven and pour the batter into the skillet. Make sure the batter is spread evenly across the skillet.
Bake for around 24-27 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean when inserted in the center of the cornbread.
Let Cool and Serve
Remove from oven and let cool for at least five minutes before serving. This Southern Sweet Cornbread can be served with honey butter, jam or just plain butter.
Enjoy your scrumptious homemade cornbread that everyone will love!
Substitutions and Variations
Southern sweet cornbread is a classic favorite among many American families, and there are countless ways to give it a unique twist. For those who prefer a more savory version of the dish, try adding chopped rosemary to the batter or serving it with honey butter on top.
Additionally, there are several ingredient substitutions that can be made to suit varying dietary needs or tastes. For those who prefer not to use self-rising cornmeal mix, substitute with a mix of all-purpose flour and baking powder. To make the cornbread gluten-free, try substituting with corn flour or using a gluten-free cornbread mix.
For a sweeter, more indulgent version of the classic recipe, add an extra 1/4 cup of sugar to the batter. This variation pairs perfectly with sweet tea or served alongside Southern-style BBQ dishes like fried pork chops.
For a healthier twist on traditional Southern cornbread, consider using alternative ingredients such as almond milk or Greek yogurt in place of milk and sour cream respectively. Swap white sugar for honey or maple syrup for a more natural sweetness.
Don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment with different variations of this Southern classic. Whether you’re making homemade cornbread from scratch or using a box jiffy mix, there are endless possibilities for making this dish uniquely yours.
Serving and Pairing
Southern Sweet Cornbread is a versatile dish that can be served in many different ways. The best way to enjoy this budget-friendly and easy-to-make cornbread is warm, fresh out of the oven. It’s perfectly sweet and fluffy on the inside with a crisp exterior. Serve it with a dollop of honey butter and you’ll have a lip-smacking treat in your hands.
Another great way to enjoy Southern Sweet Cornbread is to pair it with savory dishes such as fried chicken or barbecue pork ribs. The sweetness of the cornbread balances the saltiness and smokiness of the meat, creating a perfect harmony of flavors. It also pairs wonderfully with sweet potato casserole or collard greens.
For a breakfast twist, try pairing this sweet cornbread with some scrambled eggs and bacon for a filling Southern-style breakfast. Or if you’re feeling adventurous, use it as the base for a mouth-watering dessert like Jiffy Cornbread Cake topped with ice cream or whipped cream.
When serving Southern Sweet Cornbread, it’s always recommended to cut it into wedges using a sharp knife or a cast iron skillet if you made it that way. This allows for easy sharing and also adds to the rustic look of this Southern classic.
No matter how you serve it, Southern Sweet Cornbread is sure to please everyone at your table. It’s comfort food at its finest – easy, flavorful, and budget-friendly – and is perfect for any occasion from weeknight dinners to weekend brunches.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Southern sweet cornbread can be made in advance and stored for later use or reheated for leftovers. Once cooked, let the cornbread cool completely before transferring it to a plastic container with an airtight lid or wrapped in foil. This will keep it from drying out and maintain its texture and moisture levels.
You can store the cornbread at room temperature for up to two days, but if you would like to store it for longer, you should refrigerate it. When stored properly, your cornbread should remain fresh and delicious for up to a week.
To reheat your southern sweet cornbread, cut a slice or two and warm it up in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. Alternatively, you could wrap the slices in foil and heat them in the oven at 300°F until they are warmed through.
Suppose you want to make some variations or repurpose leftover cornbread as an ingredient. In that case, you can crumble the cornbread into smaller pieces and use them as a base for stuffing or whisking them into your scrambled eggs for added texture and flavor. You can also toast small chunks of cornbread for crunchy croutons to sprinkle on top of salads.
Overall, southern sweet cornbread is a versatile dish that can easily accommodate your schedule and save time. Whether you’re making it from scratch or using a mix, with proper storage techniques and reheating options, you can have delicious sweet cornbread on hand whenever you need it!
Tips for Perfect Results
One of the challenges in making great Southern Sweet Cornbread is achieving perfect consistency and texture. Here are some tips to ensure your cornbread comes out perfectly every time.
Firstly, do not over mix the batter. Over mixing will make your cornbread tough and chewy instead of light and fluffy. Mix until everything is well combined, then stop and let it rest for a few minutes.
Secondly, choose the right pan. A cast iron skillet is the best choice for Southern Sweet Cornbread as it produces a crispy golden crust. However, if you don’t have a cast iron skillet, a non-stick oven-safe pan or baking dish will work just fine.
Thirdly, preheat your oven to ensure even cooking throughout the bread. Be sure to adjust your baking time based on the size of the pan you’re using.
When combining dry ingredients, sift them beforehand to avoid lumps that can make the bread crumbly rather than smooth.
Next, try adding some extras like rosemary or chopped jalapenos to add more flavor and variety, but don’t go overboard with these additions.
Finally, resist the urge to open the oven door while baking to prevent any loss of heat and thus moisture from escaping – this can cause uneven cooking and negatively affect the texture of your cornbread.
Follow these tips when making your next batch of Southern Sweet Cornbread for guaranteed delicious results every time!
FAQ
Now that you know how to create the perfect southern-style sweet cornbread, you may have some questions about the recipe. In this section, we will address some commonly asked questions and concerns to help ensure your cornbread turns out perfectly every time. From substitutions to troubleshooting, we’ve got you covered. So, let’s dive into the FAQ section and get your questions answered!
What is the difference between cornbread and Southern cornbread?
When it comes to cornbread, the North and South have different approaches. Northern cornbread is less sweet and made with yellow cornmeal and fewer eggs to achieve a crumbly consistency. Meanwhile, Southern-style cornbread can use white or yellow cornmeal, has a buttery flavor, and requires more eggs, resulting in a more cake-like texture.
Why do Southerners not put sugar in cornbread?
Traditionally, Southern-style cuisine does not sweeten their cornbreads, as they view it as a risk to the integrity of the dish. According to reports from the 1930s, Kentucky cornbread is made with coarsely ground white cornmeal and never contains wheat flour or sugar.
Should Southern cornbread be sweet?
When it comes to Southern-style cornbread, the ideal version should have a moist texture with a naturally sweet taste, complemented by a crisp and golden crust. The corn itself should offer a sweet flavor that’s enjoyable, but not overwhelmingly sugary. To top it off, the perfect cornbread can be dunked into some flavorful collard greens potlikker, resulting in a truly delicious experience.
Why is northern cornbread sweet?
Southern cornbread is typically less sweet, with a dryer texture. In contrast, Northern cornbread is known for being sweeter and more cake-like, thanks to the addition of molasses as a sweetener. Instead of using buttermilk, Northern cornbread recipes may call for regular milk.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, Southern sweet cornbread is the perfect addition to any meal and this recipe is a budget-friendly and easy twist on the traditional Southern recipe. With simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry and kitchen, you can whip up a delicious batch of sweet cornbread in no time. The recipe can also be adjusted to suit your taste preferences by using different types of flour, adding rosemary or even making it without oil.
This Southern staple pairs perfectly with fried pork chops or even as a mid-day snack with a tall glass of sweet tea. With these easy-to-follow instructions, you can make homemade cornbread that is just as delicious as the ones you would usually buy from the store. So why not ditch the boxed mix and try making this Southern delicacy from scratch? Your taste buds will thank you!
Southern Sweet Cornbread - Budget Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 (8 ounce) box Jiffy corn muffin mix
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 0.5 (14 ounce) can sweet creamed corn (or 1 small can)
- rosemary (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- In medium sized mixing bowl, combine corn muffin mix, milk, and egg.
- Add creamed corn to mix and use a wooden spoon or wire whisk to mix.
- Scrape into 2 quart casserole dish, spreading evenly.
- Sprinkle top with rosemary if desired.
- Bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes, or edges are brown and toothpick comes out clean.
- ENJOY!