Southern Cornmeal Muffins

Prep: 10 min Cook: 12 min Serves: 12 Cuisine: Southern

Golden Southern Cornmeal Muffins offer a tender, flavorful bite with a hint of sweetness, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a side for hearty Southern meals.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 cup yellow cornmeal
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 2 egg whites or 1/4 cup egg substitute
  • 1 1/4 cups plain nonfat yogurt
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil

Instructions

  1. Combine cornmeal, flour, baking powder, soda, salt, and sugar in a large bowl.
  2. Make a well in the center of the mixture.
  3. Combine egg whites, yogurt, and oil; add to the dry ingredients, stirring just until moistened.
  4. Spoon mixture into muffin pans coated with spray.
  5. Bake at 425°F for 12 to 14 minutes, or until golden brown.
  6. Remove from pans immediately.

Tips & Substitutions

For a lighter texture, beat the egg whites until soft peaks form before folding them into the batter. You can substitute Greek yogurt for the plain nonfat yogurt for added creaminess. If you want to enhance the flavor, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a handful of shredded cheese. For a gluten-free option, try using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.

Serving Suggestions

These Southern Cornmeal Muffins are delicious served warm with a pat of butter or honey. They pair wonderfully with soups, stews, or alongside a hearty breakfast. Consider serving them alongside a refreshing salad or with a slice of Vegetarian Zucchini Casserole for a complete meal. For a sweet twist, enjoy them with some homemade jam or fruit preserves.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, place frozen muffins in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. You can also microwave them for 20-30 seconds.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Southern Cornmeal Muffins contains roughly 172 calories, with 2g protein, 12g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (23% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 895mg per serving (39% of the Daily Value).

172 kcal 9% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 1.7g 3% DV
Total Fat 13.4g 17% DV
Carbs 12.5g 5% DV
Fiber 1.2g 4% DV
Sugar 0.1g

Electrolytes

Sodium 895mg 39% DV
Potassium 68.8mg 1% DV
Cholesterol 13.6mg 5% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 205.1mcg 23% DV
Vitamin C 7.3mg 8% DV
Calcium 97mg 7% DV
Iron 0.7mg 4% DV
Diet fit Low-carb Under 400 cal
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 make these muffins ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the batter ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just give it a gentle stir before spooning it into muffin pans. Alternatively, you can bake the muffins and store them as mentioned in the storage section.

What can I substitute for the vegetable oil?

You can use melted coconut oil, unsalted butter, or even applesauce for a healthier option. Each of these will impart a different flavor to the muffins, so choose according to your taste preference.

Can I add mix-ins to the muffins?

Absolutely! You can add corn kernels, diced jalapeños for a spicy kick, or even shredded cheese for a savory twist. Just be mindful not to overload the batter, as it may affect the baking time and texture.

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).

Vegetarian recipes → Dairy recipes → All recipes →