A Taste of Tradition: Grandma’s Classic Cornbread
As a child, the sweet aroma of cornbread baking in my grandmother’s kitchen was a sign that something special was about to happen. Each autumn, as the leaves turned golden and pumpkins filled the markets, my family would gather for a rustic feast. Grandma’s cornbread was always the star of our table, its crisped edges and soft, buttery center inviting everyone to dig in. Whether it was topped with honey or crumbled into a hearty bowl of chili, this cornbread held the warmth of family connection and the joy of shared meals.
As the days get shorter and the evenings cooler, I’m reminded of those cherished moments, and I’d like to share this recipe, ensuring that its comforting flavors remain part of our family tradition. With just a handful of wholesome ingredients, you’ll be on your way to creating a cozy dish that brings the heart and soul of American cuisine into your home.
Why You’ll Love This Cornbread Recipe
- Classic Comfort Food: This dish embodies traditional American flavors.
- Easy to Make: One-bowl recipe means less mess and more joy.
- Perfectly Soft & Fluffy: A delightful texture with every bite.
- Versatile: Great as a side dish, breakfast, or snack.
- Kid-Approved: The sweet flavor makes it a hit with all ages.
Ingredients
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- Optional: 1 cup corn kernels or jalapeños for an extra kick
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease an 8×8 inch baking dish or cast-iron skillet.
Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
Combine Wet Ingredients
- In another bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, and melted butter until frothy.
Combine & Mix
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; the batter should be lumpy for the best texture.
Add Optional Ingredients
- If desired, fold in corn kernels or jalapeños at this stage for added flavor.
Bake
- Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish or skillet. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Tips & Variations
- Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Sweeten It Up: Add a bit more sugar or drizzle honey into the batter for a sweeter cornbread.
- Herbs & Cheese: Incorporate fresh herbs like chives or shredded cheese for an extra layer of flavor.
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to a week.
- Freeze: Slice and freeze the cornbread in a resealable bag for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or microwave individual slices for 30 seconds.
Nutritional Information
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 25 minutes
- Total time: 35 minutes
- Calories per serving: Approximately 170 calories
- Servings: 9
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use cornmeal mix instead of cornmeal and flour?
Yes, you can substitute with a cornbread mix, following the package instructions for wet ingredients.
2. How can I make this cornbread savory?
Add diced onions, cooked bacon, or shredded cheese to the batter for a more savory version.
3. What can I serve this cornbread with?
It pairs excellently with chili, soups, or as a breakfast with eggs and sausage.
4. How do I know when it’s done?
The top should be golden brown, and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean.
Serving Suggestions or Pairings
Enjoy this cornbread warm alongside a bowl of chili, a robust stew, or a simple green salad. It’s also delightful with butter and honey for a comforting breakfast treat. For beverages, pair it with sweet iced tea or a classic American lemonade.
Final Thoughts
Preparing my grandmother’s cornbread recipe always brings a wave of nostalgia and warmth into my kitchen. I hope it fills your home with the same joy and comfort it has provided my family over the years. Share your variations or leave a comment below, as I would love to hear how you make this recipe your own. Happy cooking!
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Grandma’s Classic Cornbread
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A nostalgic, comforting cornbread recipe with a soft, fluffy texture, perfect for family gatherings or cozy meals.
Ingredients
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- Optional: 1 cup corn kernels or jalapeños
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease an 8×8 inch baking dish or cast-iron skillet.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, and melted butter until frothy.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined; batter should be lumpy.
- Fold in optional corn kernels or jalapeños for added flavor.
- Pour the batter into the prepared dish or skillet. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze slices in a resealable bag for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 170
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg