Soft Cornbread
Soft cornbread with a tender crumb and golden crust, perfect for hearty meals or casual family dinners. Its subtle corn flavor pairs beautifully with butter, beef hash, or gravy, making it a versatile side. Suitable for all occasions, this cornbread is easy to prepare and irresistibly comforting.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place the yellow cornmeal, baking powder, flour, and salt in a bowl.
- Scald with boiling water, stirring vigorously until combined.
- Add milk and slightly beaten eggs to the mixture.
- Heat bacon drippings in a medium-sized Pyrex bowl in the oven.
- Pour hot bacon drippings into the cornbread mixture and stir well.
- Pour all the batter into the Pyrex bowl with the bacon drippings.
- Bake in a 425°F oven for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the top is brown.
- Serve hot with a spoon, preferably with butter.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more flavorful cornbread, consider adding diced jalapeños or shredded cheese to the batter. If you don’t have bacon drippings, melted butter or vegetable oil can be used as substitutes. Ensure the water is boiling when added to the cornmeal mixture for the best texture. Mixing thoroughly after adding the wet ingredients will help achieve a soft crumb.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this soft cornbread hot, ideally slathered with butter for added richness. It pairs beautifully with soups and stews, such as Bridget'S Burger Veggie Soup, making it a perfect side dish for hearty meals. For a unique twist, try serving it alongside a fresh salad or chili for a comforting and satisfying meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover cornbread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to three months. Reheat in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes or microwave slices for 20-30 seconds until warm and soft.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Soft Cornbread contains roughly 631 calories, with 12g protein, 128g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (44% of the Daily Value), iron (25% of the Daily Value), and protein (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1810mg per serving (79% 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 whole wheat flour instead of regular flour in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour, but it may alter the texture slightly, making it denser. Consider using a mix of both for a better balance of flavor and texture.
How can I make this cornbread sweeter?
To sweeten your cornbread, add 2-4 tablespoons of sugar or honey to the batter. Adjust the sweetness to your taste, keeping in mind that it will complement the savory flavors of a dish like Cold Pork And Bean Salad.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the milk with a non-dairy alternative like almond milk or oat milk. You can also use a dairy-free yogurt to maintain moisture and richness in the cornbread.
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).