Old Southern Cornbread
A classic Southern cornbread with a tender crumb and slightly sweet flavor, perfect as a side dish for hearty meals or family gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine corn meal, self-rising flour, and sugar; mix well.
- Add butter, buttermilk, and eggs to the dry ingredients.
- Mix well until smooth.
- Grease an iron skillet with margarine.
- Pour the batter into the prepared skillet.
- Bake at 450°F for 30 to 40 minutes until golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using bacon grease instead of butter to grease the skillet. If you prefer a slightly sweeter cornbread, you can increase the sugar to 1/3 cup. For a gluten-free version, substitute the self-rising flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend. Mixing in some chopped jalapeños or cheddar cheese can also add a delightful twist.
Serving Suggestions
This cornbread pairs beautifully with Southern-style dishes like fried chicken or a bowl of chili. Serve it warm with melted butter on top or drizzle with honey for added sweetness. It can also complement savory sides like Mashed Red Skinned Potatoes or be crumbled into soups for a hearty texture.
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 10-15 minutes, or microwave for 20-30 seconds until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Old Southern Cornbread contains roughly 711 calories, with 4g protein, 32g carbohydrates, and 63g fat. It is a good source of vitamin A (15% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (11% 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 milk instead of buttermilk?
Yes, you can substitute regular milk for buttermilk, but for best results, add a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to the milk and let it sit for 5-10 minutes to create a buttermilk substitute.
What can I serve with cornbread?
Cornbread is versatile and pairs well with many dishes. Consider serving it alongside barbecue, greens, or a hearty soup. It also goes wonderfully with a slice of Mom'S Strawberry Rhubarb Pie for dessert.
How can I make this cornbread more flavorful?
To enhance the flavor, try adding ingredients like corn kernels, diced jalapeños, or shredded cheese to the batter. You can also experiment with herbs, like rosemary or thyme, to give it a unique twist.
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).