Christmas Corn Bread
Festive and flavorful, Christmas Corn Bread combines the sweetness of cornmeal with green peppers and pimentos for a colorful, savory treat. Perfect as a holiday side or brunch addition, its moist texture and mild spice make it a crowd-pleaser for family gatherings and cheerful celebrations.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sift together self-rising flour, sugar, chili powder, and baking powder.
- Stir in cornmeal.
- Add chopped green pepper and diced pimento.
- In a separate bowl, beat eggs and milk, then add margarine or applesauce.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients and stir until just mixed.
- Beat for 1 minute.
- Pour batter into a greased pan.
- Bake at 425°F for 20 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a slightly spicier kick, consider adding diced jalapeños alongside the green pepper. If you're out of self-rising flour, you can make your own by adding 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder and a pinch of salt to each cup of all-purpose flour. This Christmas Corn Bread can also be made with buttermilk instead of regular milk for a richer flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This Christmas Corn Bread is a delightful addition to holiday meals and pairs beautifully with chili or soups. Serve it alongside a fresh salad or as a side for roasted meats. For a festive touch, consider drizzling honey or maple syrup over the top before serving, enhancing its sweetness and flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover corn bread 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 a month. To reheat, place slices in a toaster or an oven at 350°F until warmed through, keeping them moist by covering with foil.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Christmas Corn Bread contains roughly 321 calories, with 3g protein, 21g carbohydrates, and 27g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (32% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and calcium. 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 make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the self-rising flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend that includes xanthan gum. Ensure that the cornmeal is also labeled gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.
What can I use instead of margarine?
If you prefer a healthier option, you can easily swap margarine with unsweetened applesauce, which is already listed as an alternative. This will reduce fat content while keeping the bread moist. Alternatively, you can use melted butter for a richer flavor.
How do I know when the corn bread is done baking?
The corn bread is done when it is golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it towards the end of the baking time to avoid over-baking, which can make it dry.
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).