🍯 1. Classic Southern Cornbread
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup sugar (optional, depending on preference)
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup buttermilk (or milk + 1 tbsp vinegar as substitute)
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup melted butter or vegetable oil
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Grease a cast-iron skillet or baking dish with butter or oil and preheat it in the oven for 5 minutes.
- In a bowl, combine cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk together buttermilk, eggs, and melted butter.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined (don’t overmix).
- Pour batter into the hot skillet (you should hear a slight sizzle).
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Serve warm with butter, honey, or jam.
🌽 2. Sweet Honey Cornbread
For a sweeter, cake-like version:
- Add ⅓ cup honey and ½ cup sugar to the batter.
- Use ½ cup melted butter instead of oil.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes.
Perfect for pairing with chili or barbecue!
🌶️ 3. Jalapeño Cheddar Cornbread
Additions:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1–2 finely chopped jalapeños
- Optional: ½ cup corn kernels
Instructions:
Mix in the cheese, jalapeños, and corn just before baking. This gives a savory, spicy edge to the cornbread — great with stews or soups.
🧈 4. Skillet Cornbread with Crispy Edges
Trick for extra crispiness:
- Preheat a cast-iron skillet with 2 tbsp bacon grease or butter.
- Pour the batter into the hot skillet so it sizzles immediately.
- Bake until the edges are golden and crunchy — about 20 minutes.