Fred'S Favorite Cornbread
Fred's Favorite Cornbread offers a moist, flavorful crumb with a golden crust, perfect for family meals or casual gatherings, showcasing classic Southern comfort.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Mix self-rising cornmeal, buttermilk, a pinch of salt, a pinch of sugar, and beaten egg thoroughly.
- Heat 1 tablespoon bacon grease in a heavy black skillet.
- Pour half of the heated bacon grease into the batter, and leave the remaining grease in the skillet.
- Sprinkle a little corn meal into the hot skillet.
- Pour the batter into the skillet.
- Bake at 375 degrees for 30 minutes or until golden brown.
- During the last 10 minutes of baking, brush the top with butter and, if desired, place under the broiler until golden.
- Let cool for 5 minutes, then slice and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a sweeter cornbread, consider adding a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup to the batter. If you don't have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by mixing regular milk with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. For a twist, add some shredded cheese or chopped jalapeños to the batter for added flavor. Always use a preheated skillet for the best crust.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this cornbread warm with a pat of butter on top. It pairs beautifully with chili or barbecued meats, making it an excellent side for any gathering. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside Curried Kidney Beans for a comforting vegetarian option. A drizzle of honey over the top can also enhance its flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cornbread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, place slices in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, or microwave for 20-30 seconds until warmed through. This keeps the cornbread moist and fresh.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fred'S Favorite Cornbread contains roughly 286 calories, with 6g protein, 53g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is a good source of calcium (16% of the Daily Value) and protein (12% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1109mg per serving (48% 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'll need to add baking powder and salt to the recipe. For each cup of cornmeal, add 1 teaspoon of baking powder and a pinch of salt to achieve a similar rise and texture.
What can I do if my cornbread turns out dry?
If your cornbread is dry, make sure to not overbake it. You can also add an extra egg or a little more buttermilk to the batter. Additionally, brushing the top with melted butter right after baking can help retain moisture and enhance flavor.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make gluten-free cornbread, simply substitute the self-rising cornmeal with a gluten-free cornmeal blend. Ensure that all other ingredients, particularly the buttermilk, are also gluten-free. This way, you can enjoy a delicious gluten-free version of this beloved dish.
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).