Aunt Jean'S Cornbread
A classic, moist cornbread with a tender crumb, golden crust, and subtle sweetness, perfect as a side for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Combine dry ingredients — cornmeal, flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar — in a mixing bowl.
- Stir well to mix evenly.
- Add melted butter or shortening, milk, and eggs to the dry ingredients.
- Mix well, but don't overmix to keep the batter tender.
- Pour the batter into a greased 9 x 9-inch baking dish.
- Bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until the cornbread is golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using buttermilk instead of regular milk. If you don’t have cornmeal, you can substitute it with polenta or finely ground oats. Mixing in some shredded cheese can give a delightful twist to Aunt Jean's Cornbread. Just be cautious not to overmix to keep the cornbread tender. For a sweeter version, try adding a bit more sugar or some honey.
Serving Suggestions
Aunt Jean's Cornbread is delicious served warm with butter or honey. It pairs beautifully with hearty soups and stews, making it a perfect side for dishes like Puffed Broccoli-Cheese Casserole. You can also crumble it over salads or serve it alongside chili for added texture. For a complete meal, consider serving it with roasted vegetables or grilled meats.
Storage & Reheating
Once cooled, store any leftover cornbread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, place the cornbread in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, or microwave it for 15-20 seconds on medium power for a quick warm-up.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Aunt Jean'S Cornbread contains roughly 436 calories, with 2g protein, 16g carbohydrates, and 41g fat. It is a good source of calcium (12% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (12% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1016mg per serving (44% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour, but the texture may be denser. If you prefer a lighter cornbread, try using half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour to maintain some fluffiness while adding nutritional value.
What can I add to enhance the flavor of the cornbread?
You can add ingredients like jalapeños for a spicy kick, or cheese for a savory twist. Incorporating fresh herbs or spices like thyme or cumin can also elevate the flavor profile of Aunt Jean's Cornbread.
Can I make the batter ahead of time?
While it's best to bake the cornbread right after mixing the batter for optimal texture, you can prepare the dry ingredients in advance. Just store them in a sealed container and mix with wet ingredients when you're ready to bake for fresh cornbread.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).