Santa Fe Trail Corn Bread

Prep: 10 min Cook: 30 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: American

A savory cornbread combining creamy sour cream, melted cheese, and green chilies for a flavorful, moist side perfect for casual gatherings or family dinners.

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Ingredients

  • 1 c. corn meal
  • 1 c. flour
  • 1 Tbsp. instant minced onion
  • 1 tsp. baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp. salt
  • 1 c. dairy sour cream
  • 1 c. shredded Cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
  • 1/2 c. water
  • 1 (4 oz.) can chopped green chillies
  • 1 beaten egg

Instructions

  1. Combine dry ingredients (cornmeal, flour, instant minced onion, baking soda, salt) and mix well.
  2. Add the sour cream, shredded cheese, water, chopped green chilies, and beaten egg to the dry mixture.
  3. Mix just until the dry ingredients are moistened.
  4. Pour the batter into a well-greased 8-inch pan.
  5. Bake at 400°F for 30 to 35 minutes or until the center tests done.

Tips & Substitutions

For a spicier kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the batter. If you don't have instant minced onion, finely chopped fresh onion can be used, but sauté it first to soften the flavor. This cornbread pairs beautifully with dishes like Cherry Fluff Salad or Trash Vegetable Dip for a complete meal.

Serving Suggestions

Serve warm, drizzled with honey or butter for added richness. This cornbread is excellent alongside chili, soups, or as part of a Tex-Mex feast. Pair it with dishes like Yellow Squash Puffs for a delightful meal that showcases a variety of flavors.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through, ensuring it retains its moist texture.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Santa Fe Trail Corn Bread contains roughly 280 calories, with 7g protein, 55g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is a good source of protein (15% of the Daily Value), iron (12% of the Daily Value), and calcium (12% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1289mg per serving (56% of the Daily Value).

280 kcal 14% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 7.4g 15% DV
Total Fat 3.3g 4% DV
Carbs 55.1g 20% DV
Fiber 0.9g 3% DV
Sugar 1.7g 3% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1288.9mg 56% DV
Potassium 252.9mg 5% DV
Cholesterol 82.8mg 28% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 62.5mcg 7% DV
Vitamin C 1mg 1% DV
Vitamin D 0.1mcg
Calcium 156.3mg 12% DV
Iron 2.1mg 12% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Milk Egg Wheat/Gluten

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 gluten-free flour in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute gluten-free all-purpose flour for the regular flour. Make sure to check that the baking soda is also gluten-free. The texture may vary slightly, but it will still be delicious.

What can I substitute for sour cream?

Greek yogurt is an excellent substitute for sour cream in this recipe. It will provide a similar tanginess and moisture. If you prefer a dairy-free option, use a plant-based sour cream alternative.

How do I know when the cornbread is done baking?

To check if the cornbread is done, insert a toothpick into the center. It should come out clean or with just a few crumbs attached. The edges will also pull away slightly from the pan when it's ready.

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).

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