Best Cornbread You'Ll Ever Eat
A moist, flavorful cornbread with a hint of sweetness and crispy edges, perfect as a comforting side for hearty meals or barbecues, suitable for all occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F and add oil or bacon fat to a heavy iron skillet, then place it in the oven to preheat.
- In a bowl, combine the self-rising cornmeal and buttermilk, then stir in the sugar.
- Add the beaten egg to the mixture and mix well.
- In a separate small bowl, mix the self-rising flour and baking soda together, then gently stir into the wet ingredients until just moist.
- If desired, stir in crumbled cooked bacon.
- Pour the batter into the preheated skillet and bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For the best texture, use fresh self-rising cornmeal and flour. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to a cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes. Consider adding spices like cayenne pepper for a kick or mix in some shredded cheese for extra flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this cornbread warm with butter and honey for a delightful treat. It pairs beautifully with Yummy Peach Salad or a hearty chili. For a more savory option, enjoy it alongside a Braunschweiger Party Spread for a tasty appetizer. Cornbread also makes a great addition to a barbecue spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cornbread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, place slices in a microwave for about 15-20 seconds or warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Best Cornbread You'Ll Ever Eat contains roughly 400 calories, with 3g protein, 25g carbohydrates, and 33g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 700mg per serving (30% 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 regular cornmeal instead of self-rising cornmeal?
Yes, you can use regular cornmeal, but you will need to add baking powder and salt to achieve the same leavening effect. A general rule is to add 1 teaspoon of baking powder and 1/4 teaspoon of salt for each cup of regular cornmeal.
What can I add to this cornbread for extra flavor?
You can incorporate ingredients like jalapeños for heat, cheese for creaminess, or even sweet corn kernels for added texture. Diced herbs like chives or parsley can also enhance the flavor profile.
How do I know when the cornbread is done baking?
The cornbread is done when it turns a golden brown color and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If the top is browning too quickly, you can cover it with aluminum foil to prevent burning while it finishes baking.
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).