Mom'S Cornbread
Mom's Cornbread offers a classic, moist, and flavorful bread with a slightly sweet and savory profile. Its tender crumb and crispy edges make it perfect as a comforting side for family dinners, especially with hearty stews or chili. The hot bacon grease adds rich depth to this timeless dish.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine cornmeal, flour, salt, and soda in a large mixing bowl.
- Add egg and buttermilk to the dry ingredients.
- Mix until smooth.
- Stir in hot bacon grease.
- Pour the batter into a hot skillet.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 425°F for 18-20 minutes until golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, sift the flour and cornmeal together before mixing with the wet ingredients. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can substitute with regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. The hot bacon grease adds a delicious flavor, but you can use melted butter or oil for a vegetarian option. Make sure your skillet is hot for a crispy crust.
Serving Suggestions
Mom's Cornbread pairs beautifully with chili, barbecue, or a hearty soup. For a more indulgent treat, serve it with honey butter or alongside a dish like Mississippi Chocolate Chip Cake for dessert. It also makes a great base for cornbread stuffing during the holidays. Enjoy with a side of greens for a complete meal.
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 refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, place slices in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or microwave for 15-20 seconds until warm.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mom'S Cornbread contains roughly 273 calories, with 8g protein, 55g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is a good source of iron (18% of the Daily Value) and protein (15% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 928mg per serving (40% 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 ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the batter ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just remember to let it come to room temperature before pouring it into the skillet and baking. This will help maintain the cornbread's texture.
What can I add to the cornbread for extra flavor?
Consider adding ingredients like shredded cheese, chopped jalapeños, or corn kernels for added flavor and texture. You can also mix in herbs like chives or cilantro for a fresh twist that complements the cornbread's natural sweetness.
Why is my cornbread dense?
Dense cornbread can result from overmixing the batter or using too much cornmeal relative to flour. Ensure you mix just until combined, and check your measurements for accuracy. Additionally, using fresh baking soda is crucial for proper leavening.
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).