Cornbread Mix
A versatile and hearty cornbread mix with a slightly sweet flavor, perfect for breakfast or as a side dish with savory meals. Easy to customize and bake.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sift and measure the cornmeal and flour.
- Add baking powder, salt, and sugar to the cornmeal mixture and sift together.
- Cut in the shortening until the mixture is fine grained.
- If using buttermilk, add 2 teaspoons of baking soda to the recipe and use only half the amount of baking powder.
- To prepare the batter, add 1 egg and 1/2 cup of milk for each cup of mix and stir until well blended.
- Pour the batter into well-greased muffin tins or a 9 x 9-inch pan.
- Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 25 to 30 minutes until golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, you can substitute half of the cornmeal with flour, as suggested. If you prefer a sweeter cornbread, increase the sugar to 3/4 cup. For a savory twist, consider adding shredded cheese or diced jalapeños to the batter. If you're looking for a vegan version, replace the egg with a flax egg and use plant-based milk.
Serving Suggestions
Serve cornbread warm, perhaps with a pat of butter or honey for a sweet touch. It's a fantastic side to accompany dishes like Better Oven Baked Barbecued Spareribs or chili. You can also crumble it into soups or salads for added texture. For a refreshing drink pairing, try serving it with Millie'S Picnic Punch.
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 freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply place it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cornbread Mix contains roughly 172 calories, with 3g protein, 27g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2224mg per serving (97% 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 cornbread mix ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dry mix ahead and store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Just remember to add the wet ingredients when you're ready to bake. This makes it convenient for quick meals or unexpected guests.
What can I use instead of shortening?
If you prefer not to use shortening, you can substitute it with an equal amount of unsalted butter or coconut oil. Both options will give a rich flavor and moist texture to your cornbread. For a vegan option, use a plant-based butter.
How can I tell when the cornbread is done baking?
Your cornbread is done when it turns golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If you notice it browning too quickly, you can cover the top loosely with 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).