Southern-Style Cornbread
Southern-Style Cornbread offers a moist, flavorful crumb with a golden crust, perfect as a comforting side for hearty meals or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine dry ingredients: cornmeal, flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda.
- Add buttermilk, melted margarine, and slightly beaten eggs; mix just until moistened.
- Pour batter into a well-greased 15 1/2 x 10 1/2-inch jelly roll pan.
- Bake at 425°F for 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a mix of cornmeal and stone-ground cornmeal. If you prefer a sweeter cornbread, add a couple of tablespoons of sugar to the batter. Make sure not to overmix when combining wet and dry ingredients; this keeps the cornbread light and fluffy. You can substitute regular milk with a splash of vinegar for a buttermilk alternative in a pinch.
Serving Suggestions
Southern-style cornbread pairs beautifully with dishes like chili, barbecue, or greens for a classic Southern meal. Serve it warm with butter or honey for added flavor. It also makes a great base for cornbread stuffing during the holidays or as a side for comforting recipes like Spinach Marie and Best Rolls.
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 freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, place the cornbread in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. You can also microwave individual pieces for 20-30 seconds.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Southern-Style Cornbread contains roughly 213 calories, with 7g protein, 40g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is a good source of protein (14% of the Daily Value), iron (13% of the Daily Value), and calcium (13% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1034mg per serving (45% 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 by adding 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to a cup of milk. Let it sit for about 5 minutes before using it in the recipe. This will mimic the acidity of buttermilk and help achieve that tender texture.
What if I don't have a jelly roll pan?
If you don't have a jelly roll pan, you can use a 9x13-inch baking dish or a similar-sized sheet pan. Just keep an eye on the baking time, as it may vary slightly depending on the depth of the batter in the pan.
Can I add ingredients like cheese or jalapeños?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in shredded cheese, diced jalapeños, or even corn kernels to the batter for added flavor and texture. Just make sure to adjust the baking time if you add a significant amount of ingredients.
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).