Description
Cornbread is a timeless classic that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish for a hearty chili, a delicious accompaniment to a southern-style meal, or enjoying it on its own with butter and honey, this easy and flavorful cornbread recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. With just a few ingredients, you can whip up a batch of light, fluffy cornbread that’s packed with flavor. Let’s dive into this simple yet irresistible recipe.
Ingredients
To make this perfect cornbread, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cornmeal
- ⅔ cup white sugar
- 3 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 whole egg
- 1 cup milk
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil
These ingredients come together to create a sweet and savory cornbread with a slightly crumbly texture that’s just the right balance of moist and fluffy.
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease a 9-inch round cake pan, a 9-inch skillet, or prepare 12 muffin cups with cooking spray. - Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cornmeal, white sugar, baking powder, and salt. Stir until everything is evenly distributed. - Add Wet Ingredients
Next, stir in the egg, milk, and vegetable oil. Mix until the batter is smooth and all ingredients are well combined. Be careful not to overmix; just combine everything until there are no dry spots. - Bake the Cornbread
Pour the batter into your prepared pan or muffin cups. If you’re using a cake pan or skillet, bake for about 20-25 minutes. For muffins, bake for approximately 15 minutes. The cornbread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. - Serve and Enjoy
Once the cornbread is golden and baked through, remove it from the oven. Allow it to cool slightly, and then serve with butter and/or honey for an extra touch of sweetness.
Notes
Serving Tips:
- Pairing Suggestions:
Cornbread is a perfect accompaniment to a variety of dishes. Serve it alongside chili, stew, fried chicken, or barbecue for a comforting meal. It’s also great with soups like vegetable or potato soup. - Toppings:
To enhance the flavor, serve warm cornbread with a dollop of butter or a drizzle of honey. You can also try adding a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar for a sweet twist or enjoy it with jam for a breakfast treat. - Leftovers:
If you have leftover cornbread, it can be served the next day. Simply warm it up in the microwave for a few seconds or reheat it in the oven for a crispy texture.
Storage Tips:
- At Room Temperature:
Store any leftover cornbread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. This will keep it fresh and moist. - In the Refrigerator:
If you want to keep your cornbread for a longer period, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last for about 5-7 days, though it may dry out slightly. You can warm it up in the microwave or oven to restore some of its original texture. - Freezing Cornbread:
To store cornbread for an extended time, freeze it! Wrap individual slices or the whole cornbread tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil or place it in a freezer bag. Cornbread can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it at room temperature or reheat it in the oven.
By following these serving and storage tips, you can ensure that yo