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At the heart of Southern kitchens, cornbread serves as a testament to the rich history of soul food. For generations, this staple has nourished Native American and African American families, becoming an integral part of Southern culture.

Southern Soul Food Cornbread - Black Folks Southern Homemade Cornbread

Today, I am reimagining this traditional dish, soul food cornbread, by incorporating ingredients that elevate its simplicity into a luxurious indulgence. By blending the culinary heritage of soul food with a contemporary flair, this recipe promises a homemade cornbread that honors its soulful roots while providing a sumptuous new experience.

What is the difference between cornbread and Southern cornbread?

Unlike Southern-style cornbread, Northern cornbread is less sweet because it uses eggs as a binder and yellow cornmeal, resulting in a crumbly texture.

In contrast, Southern-style cornbread can be made with either white or yellow cornmeal. It has a buttery finish and typically includes a cream, which gives it a cake-like texture.

Southern Cornbread Recipe - What is the difference between cornbread and Southern cornbread?

Black folks’ cornbread recipe

Is sugar in cornbread a Southern thing? Sugar in cornbread might indeed be a (proud) Southern thing. And an African American thing! Many Southern Black recipes tend to favor sweet cornbread over a dry, crumbly version.

According to the Charlotte Observer, this difference may stem from changes in the industrial processing of cornmeal that contribute to the racial divide on this issue.

Ingredients

Making cornbread is a delightful journey into the culinary traditions of soul food. This dish holds significant historical importance within soul food and Southern cuisine. My family’s recipe for soul food cornbread adds an upscale touch by including heavy whipping cream and softened cream cheese, creating a luxurious twist on this classic favorite for a truly homemade treat.

Cornmeal – Brings a robust flavor and grainy texture, making it the soul of soul food cornbread. (No cornmeal on hand? Check out my recipe for Jiffy cornbread with cream cheese HERE!)
All-purpose flour – Works harmoniously with cornmeal to form a tender crumb, essential for that comforting bite.
Baking powder – Acts as a leavening agent, ensuring the cornbread rises to the occasion with an ideal fluffiness.
Granulated sugar – Balances the savory elements with subtle sweetness, harking back to traditional recipes yet adding a modern twist.
Butter – Infuses the recipe with rich, creamy undertones, contributing to a moist interior beneath a golden crust. Southern cooks prefer using butter instead of oil when making homemade cornbread due to the rich, buttery flavor it imparts.
Cream cheese – Introduces a velvety texture and delectable complexity, ensuring each bite is memorably indulgent.
Heavy whipping cream – Elevates the luxuriousness, adding a moist and silky depth that distinguishes this cornbread in Southern cooking.

Why do Southerners put sugar in cornbread?

Southern cornbread was traditionally made with sweet white cornmeal until industrial milling emerged in the early 20th century. After this change, steel mills began using yellow corn harvested before it ripened. As a result, the cornmeal became less sweet, often necessitating the addition of sugar in homemade cornbread recipes.

What ingredient keeps cornbread from crumbling?

Creams like heavy cream, sour cream, yogurt, or cream cheese will create a moist, Southern-style cornbread instead of a dry, crumbly version. This recipe uses both cream cheese and heavy whipping cream.

How to make Southern skillet cornbread

Making homemade Southern cornbread for a gathering or family meal showcases the richness of soul food recipes and the warmth this dish brings to the table. Baking cornbread is almost a ceremonial act, connecting us to centuries of Southern cooking and culinary heritage. Once it has baked and rested, it slices perfectly, with each piece reflecting the love and care that goes into this comforting soul food.

Melt the butter in the skillet or baking pan that will be used to bake the cornbread.
Mix the ingredients with the cream cheese and heavy cream.
Pour the melted butter into the mixing bowl and mix until combined.
Pour the prepared cornbread batter into the baking pan or skillet and bake.

Black Soul Food Cornbread Recipe - What ingredient keeps cornbread from crumbling?

What is the ideal cornbread texture?

The perfect cornbread strikes a delicate balance between crispy edges, a moist interior, and flavorful sweetness. My recipe achieves this balance beautifully by using cornmeal for those ideal edges, incorporating heavy whipping cream for a rich and moist texture, and blending sugar, butter, and cream cheese to create the ultimate harmony of savory and sweet flavors.

How to know when Southern cornbread is done

The best way to determine when cornbread is done is by checking its color. If the edges are golden brown, it’s likely ready. Another method is to insert a toothpick into the center of the bread and then pull it out. The cornbread is not yet fully cooked if the toothpick comes out with moist crumbs.

What do you serve with Black folks’ homemade cornbread?

Cornbread is traditionally paired with Southern soul food entrées.

Here are some delicious ideas to add to your meal-planning menu: Southern fried chicken, Southern candied yams, soul food collard greens, and soul food baked mac and cheese.