Hearty Joy Of Cooking Cornbread Recipe for Southern Meals

Cornbread from the Joy of Cooking emerges as a golden symphony of comfort that transforms humble ingredients into pure culinary magic.

Southern kitchens whisper tales of this crumbly masterpiece, a beloved companion to robust meals.

Crisp, buttery edges embrace a tender heart that melts on your tongue with delightful simplicity.

Each slice tells a story of tradition, carrying the warmth of generations within its golden crumbs.

Families gather around this humble bread, savoring its rich, slightly sweet essence that speaks of home and hearth.

The aroma wafting from the oven promises more than just sustenance, it offers connection, memories, and pure deliciousness.

Grab your skillet and let’s embark on a delectable journey that will make your taste buds dance with joy.

Pro Tips for Cornbread Texture and Flavor

Explore delicious ways to elevate this classic recipe.

Add jalapeños, diced green chilies, or red pepper flakes for a zesty kick that transforms the cornbread into a bold, flavorful side dish.

Fold in shredded cheddar, crumbled feta, or pepper jack cheese to create a rich, melty texture that takes the cornbread to the next level.

Stir in crispy bacon bits, corn kernels, or chopped herbs like chives and rosemary to add exciting layers of flavor and texture to the traditional recipe.

Swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make this cornbread accessible for those with dietary restrictions without compromising on taste or texture.

Best Ways to Serve Cornbread

• Pair with Hearty Stews: Serve warm cornbread alongside rich, thick chili or beef stew for a comforting meal that soaks up delicious broth.
• Create Breakfast Delight: Crumble cornbread over scrambled eggs or top with honey and fresh berries for a sweet morning treat.
• Classic Southern Companion: Enjoy with barbecue pulled pork, fried chicken, or as a side to traditional Southern comfort foods for an authentic culinary experience.
• Quick Snack Option: Break into chunks and serve with softened butter, drizzle with honey, or use as a base for a quick appetizer topped with cream cheese and herbs.

How to Store and Freeze Cornbread

• Meal Planning & Storage Advice
• Preserve Freshness: Store cornbread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil at room temperature for 2-3 days to maintain optimal moisture and texture.
• Refrigerate Wisely: When storing in the refrigerator, place cornbread in an airtight container to prevent drying out, and consume within 5-7 days for best quality.
• Freeze for Later: Cut cornbread into individual portions, wrap each piece separately in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze up to 3 months for convenient future enjoyment.
• Revive and Reheat: Warm refrigerated or frozen cornbread in the oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes, or microwave for 15-20 seconds to restore its soft, warm texture and delightful flavor.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 210 kcal

Servings: 8

Cornbread Ingredients Overview

• All-Purpose Flour: Select unbleached flour for richer flavor and better texture.
• Cornmeal: Choose stone-ground cornmeal for more authentic, rustic taste and enhanced nutrition.
• Sugar: Opt for granulated white sugar for consistent sweetness.
• Salt: Use fine sea salt for even distribution and balanced seasoning.
• Baking Powder: Pick aluminum-free baking powder for cleaner taste.

• Butter: Select unsalted butter for precise seasoning control.
• Vegetable Oil: Use neutral-flavored oil like canola for smooth consistency.
• Milk: Whole milk provides richer, creamier texture.
• Egg: Fresh, room-temperature egg ensures better mixing and rising.

• Butter: Creamy, high-quality butter enhances cornbread's richness.
• Honey: Choose raw, local honey for deeper, more complex sweetness.

Equipment Checklist for Cornbread Baking

• 9-inch round cake pan or cast iron skillet: Perfect for creating a crispy, evenly baked cornbread.
• Medium mixing bowl: Essential for combining dry ingredients smoothly.
• Whisk: Helps blend flour, cornmeal, and other dry ingredients without lumps.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures precise ingredient quantities for perfect texture.
• Knife: Used to check doneness by inserting into the center of the cornbread.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for gently stirring the batter without overmixing.

Cornbread Instructions You Can Follow Easily

• Prep Your Cooking Canvas

Coat a round baking dish or sturdy skillet with a generous layer of grease. Fire up the oven to a toasty 400°F, creating the perfect warm environment for your cornbread adventure.

• Craft the Dry Foundation

Grab a mixing bowl and whisk together flour, cornmeal, sugar, salt, and baking powder until they’re perfectly blended, creating a smooth dry mixture that’ll be the backbone of your delicious bread.

• Bring the Batter to Life

Carve a small pocket in the center of your dry ingredients. Pour in melted butter, milk, and a fresh egg. Swirl and fold the ingredients with a light touch, mixing just until everything combines. Your goal is a silky batter without overmixing – think gentle and smooth.

• Bake and Celebrate

Transfer the batter into your greased pan, spreading it evenly. Slide the pan into the heated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Watch for a golden-brown top and listen for that magical moment when a knife comes out clean. Let it rest briefly, then dive in while it’s warm. A dollop of butter or drizzle of honey takes this cornbread from great to extraordinary.

Rustic Joy Of Cooking Cornbread Recipe

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• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Homemade Southern Cornbread celebrates classic American comfort cuisine with rich buttermilk and golden cornmeal. Skillet-baked perfection delivers crispy edges and tender center for delightful home-style eating.

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Ingredients

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• 1 cup (240 ml) yellow cornmeal
• 1 cup (240 ml) all-purpose flour
• ⅔ cup (133 g) granulated sugar
• 3 ½ tsps (17.5 ml) baking powder
• 1 tsp (5 ml) salt
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup (240 ml) milk
• ⅓ cup (80 ml) neutral oil or melted butter

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Instructions

1. Pan Preparation: Generously grease a 9-inch round cake pan or cast iron pot with butter or cooking spray to ensure effortless release.
2. Oven Setup: Position the oven rack in the center and preheat to 400°F (204°C) for optimal baking conditions.
3. Dry Ingredient Fusion: Whisk flour, cornmeal, sugar, salt, and baking powder in a medium bowl until thoroughly integrated, eliminating any potential lumps.
4. Wet Ingredient Integration: Form a well in the center of dry ingredients, then pour melted butter, whole milk, and beaten egg into the crater, gently folding with a spatula until just combined without overmixing.
5. Batter Distribution: Smoothly transfer the mixture into the prepared pan, ensuring an even surface and consistent thickness throughout.
6. Baking Process: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, rotating midway to guarantee uniform golden-brown coloration and consistent texture.
7. Doneness Verification: Test cornbread’s readiness by inserting a knife or toothpick into the center; it should emerge clean, with the top displaying a rich, appetizing golden hue.
8. Cooling and Serving: Allow the cornbread to rest in the pan for 5-10 minutes, then slice and serve warm for maximum flavor and optimal texture.

Notes

• Butter Brilliance: Use room temperature butter for smoother mixing and better cornbread texture, ensuring even distribution of fat throughout the batter.
• Mixing Mastery: Fold ingredients gently to avoid tough, dense cornbread; stop mixing when just combined to keep the texture light and tender.
• Pan Perfect: Cast iron skillet creates a crispy, golden crust that elevates the cornbread’s flavor and provides professional-level presentation.
• Temperature Trick: Let ingredients like eggs and milk sit at room temperature before mixing to help them blend more evenly and create a more consistent batter.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 14 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 33 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 25 mg