Southern Cornbread
Southern Cornbread offers a moist, tender crumb with a slightly sweet flavor profile, featuring the comforting aroma of butter and buttermilk. Perfect as a side for hearty meals or enjoyed on its own, this classic dish embodies Southern hospitality and rich, comforting flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the self-rising cornmeal mix and sugar.
- Add vegetable oil to a 10 or 11-inch cast-iron skillet and place in the oven to heat for 10 minutes.
- Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, buttermilk, and 1/4 cup melted butter.
- Pour the egg mixture into the cornmeal mixture and stir until just moistened; the batter should be lumpy.
- Remove the skillet from the oven and swirl the oil to coat the bottom and sides.
- Pour the batter into the hot skillet.
- Bake for 18 to 22 minutes or until golden brown and a wooden toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Brush the remaining 1/4 cup melted butter over the top of the cornbread.
- Serve warm.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding a cup of sweet corn or diced jalapeños to the batter. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can substitute it with regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Ensure your skillet is hot before pouring in the batter for a crispier crust, and check for doneness with a toothpick.
Serving Suggestions
This Southern Cornbread pairs beautifully with Scalloped Green Beans or can be enjoyed alongside a hearty bowl of chili. For a sweet finish, serve it with a drizzle of honey or alongside a dessert like Cool Whip Pistachio Cake. It also complements various Southern dishes, making it a versatile addition to your meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cornbread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, wrap the cornbread tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, wrap in foil and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Southern Cornbread contains roughly 791 calories, with 4g protein, 17g carbohydrates, and 79g fat. It is a good source of vitamin A (18% of the Daily Value), calcium (11% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (10% 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 mix?
Yes, you can use regular cornmeal, but you'll need to add baking powder and salt to achieve the same leavening effect. For every cup of cornmeal, add 1 tablespoon of baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
What can I do if my cornbread comes out too dry?
If your cornbread is dry, it may have been overbaked or lacked enough moisture. Ensure you follow the baking time closely and consider adding an extra egg or a bit more buttermilk to the batter for added moisture.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make gluten-free cornbread, substitute the self-rising cornmeal mix with a gluten-free cornmeal and add a gluten-free baking powder. You can also find gluten-free self-rising cornmeal mixes available in stores.
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).