True Southern Corn Bread
A classic Southern corn bread with a tender crumb and crispy crust, perfect for breakfast or alongside hearty stews, offering comforting, mildly sweet corn flavor.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat an iron skillet and lightly grease it.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cornmeal, flour, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, beat the egg and then stir in the milk.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing well.
- Add hot water as needed to achieve a pourable batter consistency.
- Pour the batter into the preheated skillet.
- Bake until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For the best texture, use fine ground cornmeal, as it absorbs liquid more effectively. If you don't have cornmeal, you can substitute with polenta. To enhance flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of sugar or honey. If you prefer a richer taste, using buttermilk instead of regular milk can elevate the dish. Make sure your skillet is well-preheated for a crispy crust.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this cornbread warm, slathered with butter or honey for added sweetness. It pairs beautifully with Nita'S Fried Chicken, or alongside a hearty chili. You can also crumble it into a bowl of soup for added texture. For a sweeter touch, try it with Ms. Smiths' Candy for dessert.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cornbread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to a week. To reheat, wrap slices in aluminum foil and warm them in a 350°F oven until heated through or microwave briefly, ensuring they stay moist.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of True Southern Corn Bread contains roughly 792 calories, with 21g protein, 162g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (57% of the Daily Value) and protein (42% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 589mg per serving (26% 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 make this cornbread ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the batter in advance and store it in the refrigerator for a few hours. However, for the best results, it's recommended to bake it fresh. If you must prepare it ahead, consider reheating it gently in the oven to maintain its texture.
What should I do if my batter is too thick?
If your batter is too thick, gradually add more hot water until you reach a pourable consistency. It's important not to add too much at once; a little goes a long way. The goal is to achieve a smooth batter that flows easily into the skillet.
Can I add ingredients like cheese or jalapeños?
Absolutely! Adding cheese or jalapeños can give your cornbread a delightful twist. Just fold in any mix-ins gently after combining the wet and dry ingredients. This way, you can create a savory version that complements dishes like chili or grilled meats.
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).