Colossal Cornbread
A hearty, homemade cornbread loaf with a tender crumb and subtle sweetness, perfect for family dinners, barbecues, or as a comforting side dish.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Add sugar, shortening, and salt to the scalded milk and mix well.
- Dissolve the yeast in warm water and let it activate.
- Once the milk mixture has cooled, add the yeast mixture and eggs to it.
- Incorporate the meal and enough flour to form a kneadable dough; mix and knead until smooth.
- Lightly oil a bowl, place the dough inside, cover, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size.
- Knead the dough again after the first rise.
- Shape the dough into loaves, about 3 inches in size.
- Let the shaped loaves rise again until doubled in bulk.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 35 to 45 minutes until golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider substituting half of the milk with buttermilk. If you don't have shortening, butter can be used instead, but it may alter the texture slightly. Make sure the milk is scalded to help activate the yeast effectively. Knead the dough well for a light and fluffy cornbread. For a twist, add ingredients like jalapeños or cheese.
Serving Suggestions
Serve slices of colossal cornbread warm, topped with butter or honey for added sweetness. It pairs beautifully with Southern dishes like Della Davis' Sweet Potato Pie or alongside chili for a hearty meal. Consider serving it with a fresh salad or grilled vegetables for a balanced plate. This dish is perfect for gatherings or family dinners.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cornbread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, place slices in a toaster or warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. This cornbread pairs excellently with soups or stews.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Colossal Cornbread contains roughly 389 calories, with 8g protein, 60g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (36% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (32% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1624mg per serving (71% 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 regular flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for regular flour, but you may need to adjust the liquid slightly. Whole wheat flour absorbs more moisture, so consider adding a bit more milk or water to achieve the desired dough consistency.
How can I make this cornbread dairy-free?
To make this cornbread dairy-free, substitute the milk with a plant-based alternative like almond milk or soy milk. Use a dairy-free shortening or coconut oil in place of shortening. Ensure that the yeast is activated properly, as the dairy-free substitutes may affect the rising.
What can I add to the dough for extra flavor?
You can enhance the flavor of the cornbread by adding ingredients such as shredded cheese, chopped herbs, or spices like cumin or paprika. Incorporating corn kernels or diced jalapeños can also give it a delightful twist, making it even more enjoyable.
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).