Cornbread is a delightful and versatile side dish that pairs well with a variety of meals, from barbecues to soups and stews. This recipe is quick and easy, ensuring that your whole family will be satisfied with its delicious taste and fluffy texture. Follow these simple steps to create a perfect cornbread that will leave everyone asking for more.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of cornmeal
- 1 cup of all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup of sugar
- 1 tablespoon of baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1 cup of milk
- 1/3 cup of vegetable oil or melted butter
- 2 large eggs
- 1 can of sweetened condensed milk (optional for extra sweetness and moisture)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that your oven is hot and ready for baking as soon as your batter is prepared.
- Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of cornmeal, 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup of sugar, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Use a whisk to mix these dry ingredients thoroughly, ensuring that the baking powder and salt are evenly distributed throughout the flour and cornmeal.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat 2 large eggs. Add 1 cup of milk and 1/3 cup of vegetable oil or melted butter to the eggs. If you prefer a richer and sweeter cornbread, add a can of sweetened condensed milk to the wet ingredients. Mix well until all the wet ingredients are fully combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Using a spatula or a wooden spoon, stir the mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can result in a dense and tough cornbread. The batter should be slightly lumpy but evenly moistened.
- Prepare the Baking Pan: Grease a 9-inch square baking pan or a similarly sized cast-iron skillet with butter or cooking spray. This prevents the cornbread from sticking to the pan and makes it easier to remove after baking.
- Pour the Batter: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Smooth the top of the batter to ensure an even bake. If you are using a cast-iron skillet, you can place it in the oven for a few minutes to heat up before adding the batter, which helps create a crispy crust.
- Bake the Cornbread: Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the cornbread is browning too quickly, you can cover it with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the cornbread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This allows the cornbread to set and makes it easier to cut into squares. Serve warm, and enjoy the delightful taste of freshly baked cornbread.
Tips and Variations:
- Add-Ins: Customize your cornbread by adding ingredients such as shredded cheese, chopped jalapeños, or corn kernels to the batter for extra flavor and texture.
- Honey Butter: For a sweet and creamy topping, mix softened butter with honey and spread it on the warm cornbread.
- Cornbread Muffins: Instead of a baking pan, you can use a muffin tin to make individual cornbread muffins. Adjust the baking time to 15-20 minutes.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Vegan Option: Replace the eggs with a flaxseed mixture (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water per egg) and use plant-based milk and oil.
This easy cornbread recipe is perfect for any meal, providing a delicious and satisfying side dish that complements a variety of dishes. With its fluffy texture and sweet, moist flavor, this cornbread will quickly become a family favorite. Whether you serve it with chili, soup, or a barbecue feast, it is sure to delight everyone at the table. Enjoy the simplicity and goodness of homemade cornbread, and don’t be surprised when it disappears quickly!
