Southern Cornbread

Southern cornbread is a type of bread that is commonly found in the southern region of the United States. It is a savory bread made from cornmeal, flour, eggs, milk or buttermilk, and a leavening agent such as baking powder or baking soda.

Southern cornbread can be made in a variety of ways, with some recipes calling for additional ingredients such as sugar, bacon drippings, or chopped jalapenos for added flavor. The texture of the cornbread can also vary from dense and crumbly to light and fluffy, depending on the recipe and method of preparation.

One distinctive feature of southern cornbread is its use of a cast iron skillet for baking. The skillet is preheated in the oven or on the stovetop before the batter is poured in, which gives the cornbread a crispy, golden brown crust. Some recipes also call for the addition of a small amount of oil or butter to the skillet before baking to help further enhance the flavor and texture of the cornbread.

Southern cornbread is a staple food in many southern households and is often served alongside other traditional southern dishes such as barbecue, collard greens, and fried chicken. It can also be enjoyed as a snack or used as a base for other dishes such as cornbread dressing or cornbread stuffing.

SERVINGS: 4

PREPARATION TIME: 25 minutes (including baking time)

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp. baking powder
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1/4 tsp. baking soda
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 2 tbsp. melted unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp. honey

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda.
3. In a separate bowl, mix together the egg, buttermilk, melted butter, and honey.
4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Pour the batter into a 9-inch cast iron skillet or a 9×9-inch baking dish that has been greased.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS OR ADDITIONAL TIPS:

• For a savory cornbread, add in 1/2 cup of diced onions, jalapenos, or diced cooked bacon.
• For a sweeter cornbread, add in 1/4 cup of diced apples or 1/2 cup of frozen corn kernels.