Fluffy Southern Joy of Cooking Cornbread Recipe That Wows

Joy of Cooking’s cornbread represents a quintessential comfort food that transforms ordinary ingredients into something magical.

Southern kitchens have long celebrated this golden, crumbly delight as a staple accompaniment to hearty meals.

Crisp edges and a tender interior make this bread a beloved classic across multiple culinary traditions.

Home cooks treasure its straightforward preparation and soul-warming qualities that invite shared moments around the table.

The subtle sweetness and rich texture create a sensory experience that connects generations through simple, wholesome ingredients.

Baking this cornbread fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma that signals warmth and hospitality.

You will find its rustic charm impossible to resist: prepare to fall in love with this timeless recipe.

Reasons to Love Cornbread Recipe

• Savor Speedy Cornbread Comfort: This recipe delivers delicious cornbread in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy home cooks craving a quick and satisfying side dish.
• Enjoy Versatile Baking Simplicity: With basic pantry ingredients and minimal mixing steps, even beginner bakers can confidently create a golden, delectable cornbread that pairs perfectly with soups, stews, or enjoyed on its own.
• Celebrate Rustic Texture Delight: The combination of cornmeal and flour creates a tender, slightly crumbly texture that melts in your mouth, offering a classic Southern-style cornbread experience with a crispy golden exterior and soft, moist interior.

Cornbread Recipe Ingredient List

• Flour: Fine, all-purpose flour gives structure and texture to the cornbread.
• Cornmeal: Authentic corn flavor and traditional texture for classic Southern-style cornbread.
• Sugar: Adds subtle sweetness and helps with browning.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor profile of the cornbread.
• Baking Powder: Provides necessary rise and lightness to the bread.

• Butter or Oil: Adds richness and helps create a tender crumb, with butter offering deeper flavor.
• Milk: Provides moisture and helps bind ingredients together.
• Egg: Adds protein, helps with structure, and contributes to a soft texture.

• Cast Iron Pan or 9-inch Round Cake Pan: Perfect vessel for baking, helps create crispy edges and even cooking.

How to Make Cornbread Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Baking Vessel

Generously grease a 9-inch round cake pan or cast iron skillet. Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C).

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Cornmeal
• Sugar
• Salt
• Baking powder

Step 3: Create Batter

• Melted butter or vegetable oil
• Milk
• 1 large egg

Gently stir the ingredients until just combined, avoiding overmixing. The batter should be smooth with no significant lumps.

Step 4: Bake Cornbread

Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the top turns a rich golden brown and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cornbread cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy warm with butter or honey for an extra delicious touch.

Expert Advice on Cornbread Recipe

• Preheat with Purpose: Warm your cast iron skillet in the oven to create a sizzling, crispy exterior that elevates the entire cornbread experience.
• Lumpy Love: Embrace a few small flour lumps during mixing – they're secret weapons for a light, tender crumb that melts in your mouth.
• Buttermilk Magic: Choose full-fat buttermilk for richer flavor and better chemical reaction with baking powder, ensuring maximum rise and softness.
• Stir Sparingly: Mix ingredients just until combined, stopping when the first whispers of dry ingredients disappear to prevent tough, rubbery bread.
• Cooling Wisdom: Let the cornbread rest for 10 minutes after baking, allowing steam to redistribute and create a more cohesive, moist texture.

Cornbread Recipe Storage Tips

• Airtight Container Method: Place cooled cornbread in a sturdy container with a tight-fitting lid to maintain moisture and prevent staleness. Seal completely to block out air and potential refrigerator odors that could compromise the bread's delicate flavor.
• Freezer Preservation Method: Slice cornbread into individual portions before wrapping each piece separately in plastic wrap, then place inside a heavy-duty freezer bag. Remove excess air from the bag to prevent freezer burn and maintain the bread's original texture when thawed.
• Moisture Control Method: Wrap cornbread in a paper towel before storing in a container to absorb excess moisture and prevent sogginess. This technique helps maintain the bread's crisp exterior and soft interior, keeping it fresh and appetizing for several days.

Twists on Cornbread Recipe

• Cheesy Jalapeño Cornbread: Add 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese and 2-3 finely diced jalapeños to the dry ingredients for a spicy, savory kick that brings extra zest to the classic recipe.
• Southern Honey Cornbread: Drizzle 1/4 cup honey into the wet ingredients and reduce sugar to 2 tablespoons for a richer, more mellow sweetness that captures traditional Southern flavors.
• Skillet Bacon Cornbread: Crumble 4-5 cooked bacon strips into the batter and use bacon grease instead of butter for a smoky, hearty version that elevates the basic cornbread recipe.
• Herb-Infused Cornbread: Mix in 2 tablespoons of fresh chopped herbs like rosemary, thyme, or chives to create a sophisticated, aromatic cornbread perfect for pairing with soups or salads.

Reviewing Cornbread Recipe

Southern cornbread whispers comfort through generations, connecting families with warm memories of shared meals.

Classic recipes like this showcase culinary heritage with simple, honest ingredients.

Rich southern traditions emerge through each golden-brown slice, promising delectable moments at any table.

Homemade cornbread transforms ordinary dinners into memorable gatherings, bridging past and present.

Crisp edges and tender crumb invite conversation and connection around kitchen surfaces.

Savor this timeless recipe, share its story, spark conversations, and let your social networks celebrate this cherished southern staple.

Joy Of Cooking Cornbread Recipe

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4.8 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Southern cornbread brings rustic comfort straight from American kitchens with golden, crumbly perfection. Hearty crackled edges and rich buttermilk flavor invite warm memories of family gatherings around the dinner table.

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Ingredients

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Dry Ingredients:

• 1 cup (240 ml) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (240 ml) yellow cornmeal
• 3 ½ teaspoons (17.5 ml) baking powder
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) salt
• ⅔ cup (133 g) granulated sugar

Wet Ingredients:

• 1 large egg
• 1 cup (240 ml) milk
• ⅓ cup (80 ml) neutral oil or melted butter

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Instructions

1. Prepare a 9-inch (22.86 centimeters) round cake pan or cast iron pot by thoroughly coating the interior with a thin layer of butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (204 degrees Celsius), ensuring the rack is positioned in the center of the oven.
3. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the flour, cornmeal, granulated sugar, salt, and baking powder, using a whisk to blend the dry ingredients uniformly and eliminate any potential clumps.
4. Create a small crater or indentation in the center of the dry ingredient mixture, allowing space for the wet ingredients.
5. Gently pour the melted butter or vegetable oil, whole milk, and beaten egg into the crater, using a spatula or wooden spoon to fold the ingredients together until just combined, taking care not to overmix.
6. Transfer the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula and ensuring a smooth surface.
7. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through cooking to promote even browning.
8. Check for doneness by inserting a clean knife or toothpick into the center of the cornbread; it should emerge clean and free of raw batter, with the top displaying a rich, golden-brown color.
9. Remove from the oven and allow the cornbread to cool in the pan for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

• Fold ingredients gently to keep the batter light and airy, preventing tough cornbread texture.
• Preheat your baking vessel thoroughly to guarantee a crispy, evenly golden exterior that crackles when cut.
• Watch closely during the final baking moments to capture that perfect amber-bronze color signaling peak doneness.
• Room temperature ingredients blend more smoothly, creating a more consistent and delectable cornbread mixture.
• Cast iron skillets conduct heat brilliantly, delivering an authentic crispy bottom and rustic homemade feel.
• Slightly cool the cornbread before slicing to help it maintain structural integrity and prevent crumbling.
• Buttermilk introduces tangy richness and helps activate leavening agents for a more tender crumb.
• Avoid overmixing the batter, which can develop gluten and result in a dense, tough final product.
• Corn kernels or jalapeños can be folded in for extra texture and personalized flavor complexity.
• Allow cornbread to rest for 10-15 minutes after baking to let internal moisture redistribute evenly.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 286 kcal
• Sugar: 14 g
• Sodium: 198 mg
• Fat: 11 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 43 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 24 mg