Best Southern Cornbread Recipes
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Cornbread is a beloved comfort food that has been embraced by many cultures. It has evolved from basic cornmeal recipes to include various styles, such as Southern cornbread, sweet cornbread, and savory variations. This transformation reflects regional preferences and the creativity of bakers who strive to develop the best cornbread recipes.
How to make cornbread more flavorful
Southern recipe developers and soul food cooks have created some of the best cornbread recipes. You can transform traditional recipes into something unique and spectacular by adding ingredients such as butter, creamed corn, cranberries, or heavy whipping cream.
For example, a cornbread recipe with sweet creamed corn kernels or cranberry sauce cornbread is a delightful option for the holidays, highlighting the versatility of cornmeal as a base beyond the typical box recipe that only requires eggs and milk.
Each variation, whether skillet cornbread or muffins, tells a story, reflects a soulful tradition or explores new flavors and textures. The diverse range of recipes available, including gluten-free and vegan options, ensures everyone can enjoy this staple, regardless of dietary restrictions.
What’s the difference between cornbread and Southern cornbread?
Northern cornbread, generally less sweet and more savory, relies heavily on cornmeal and avoids sugar. Southern cornbread recipes, by contrast, include sugar and are often topped with honey, resulting in a cake-like consistency.
Both variations have their place. The former is a staple alongside chili or greens. The latter is often a favored treat at holiday gatherings. Each represents a cherished tradition, whether for daily sustenance or festive celebration.
Best Southern soul food cornbread recipes
Cornbread is best enjoyed anytime, especially during Sunday dinners and as part of a Southern Christmas and soul food Thanksgiving menu. Check out my best cornbread recipes from scratch, best easy Southern cornbread, and even doctored-up box cornbread recipes.
Best cornbread dressing recipes
Whether it’s sweet or savory, combined with chicken to make the best cornbread dressing, or a delicious old-fashioned dressing recipe, cornbread is always a good idea and a meal staple when talking Southern soul food!
What do Southerners eat with cornbread?
The possibilities are endless! These delicious cornbread recipes pair perfectly with a variety of favorite soul food sides and soul food dinner ideas, including a Southern turkey recipe, Southern fried chicken, soul food baked mac and cheese, black-eyed peas, and collard greens.
Equipment
- Hand-held or stand mixer with a mixing bowl
- 8″ cast-iron skillet or an 8"x8" baking pan
Ingredients
- 1 cup yellow cornmeal medium grind
- ⅔ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 4 tablespoons butter unsalted
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 tablespoon sugar granulated
- ⅔ cup cream cheese softened or whipped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
- Place the butter in an 8-inch baking pan or skillet and melt in the oven for approximately 5 minutes.
- While the butter is melting, combine the dry ingredients (cornmeal, flour, baking powder, sugar) with the cream cheese and heavy cream in a medium-size mixing bowl.
- Pour the melted butter from the skillet or baking pan into the mixing bowl and mix all the ingredients until thoroughly combined and smooth.
- Pour the cornbread batter into the baking pan or skillet.
- Bake at 350 degrees F for 20-25 minutes or until the cornbread’s edges are crisp and the top is golden. (You can insert a toothpick into the center of the bread and then pull it out. The cornbread is not fully cooked if the toothpick comes out with moist crumbs.)
- Remove the cornbread from the oven and let it rest for about 5-10 minutes to make slicing easier. After resting, slice, serve, and enjoy!
Nutrition
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