Cynthia'S Black Eyed Pea Cornbread
A hearty cornbread packed with black-eyed peas, sausage, cheese, and spicy jalapenos, offering a savory, spicy flavor perfect for family dinners or potlucks.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix together the cornmeal, flour, salt, and soda.
- Make a well in the center and add the eggs, buttermilk, and corn oil.
- Stir just until combined.
- Add the chopped onion, jalapeno, corn, and cooked meat; mix again.
- Fold in the black-eyed peas and grated cheese.
- Pour the batter into a well-greased 9 x 13-inch pan to at least 1/2 to 3/4 inch thickness.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45 minutes, testing for doneness before removing.
- Serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding more jalapeno or using a spicier sausage. If you're out of buttermilk, you can substitute it with a mix of milk and vinegar or lemon juice. To make it a bit healthier, you could replace half of the corn oil with applesauce. This recipe is versatile; feel free to experiment with different cheeses or add ingredients like bell peppers or herbs.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this cornbread hot from the oven as a hearty side dish to your favorite chili or soup. It pairs beautifully with Carnival Jambalaya for a delicious meal. You can also enjoy it as a breakfast dish, topped with a fried egg or alongside a fresh salad for lunch. Consider serving with a dollop of sour cream or your favorite hot sauce for an extra flavor boost.
Storage & Reheating
Allow any leftovers to cool completely before storing. Keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm individual portions in the microwave or reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. This cornbread also freezes well for up to 2 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cynthia'S Black Eyed Pea Cornbread contains roughly 726 calories, with 16g protein, 90g carbohydrates, and 37g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (65% of the Daily Value), protein (32% of the Daily Value), and iron (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1251mg per serving (54% 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 a different type of meat in this recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute the browned sausage or hamburger meat with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. If you're looking for a vegetarian version, consider using black beans or additional vegetables instead of meat.
What can I do if the cornbread is too dry?
If you find your cornbread is too dry after baking, consider adding a little more buttermilk or corn oil to the batter next time. Additionally, serving it with a spread like butter or cream cheese can help add moisture and richness.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make Cynthia's Black Eyed Pea Cornbread gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that the cornmeal is also certified gluten-free. The texture may vary slightly, but it should still turn out delicious.
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).