Best 3 Perfect Cornbread Recipes

Cornbread is a delectable Southern staple that is perfect for any occasion. It is moist, flavorful, and has a slightly sweet taste. The perfect cornbread has a golden brown crust and a fluffy, tender interior. It is also easy to make and can be customized to your liking. With endless variations of recipes, finding the perfect cornbread recipe can be overwhelming. This article guides you through the essential steps and techniques to achieve the perfect cornbread, focusing on the key ingredients, proper measurements, and expert tips. Whether you are a novice baker or a seasoned pro, these insights will help you create a memorable cornbread experience.

Here are our top 3 tried and tested recipes!

THE PERFECT CORNBREAD

The Perfect Cornbread image

I got this recipe from America's Test Kitchen. I saw them make it on TV and decided to try it myself. It turned out great, just as they said it would. So why should you try it? It's the perfect combination of a sweet and savory cornbread that will please everyone.

Provided by Pismo

Categories Quick Breads

Time 35m

Yield 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 10

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup yellow cornmeal
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
3/4 cup corn
1 cup buttermilk
2 large eggs
8 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly (1 stick)

Steps:

Adjust oven rack to middle position. Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
Spray 8-inch-square baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
Whisk flour, cornmeal, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in medium bowl until combined; set aside.
In food processor or blender, process brown sugar, corn kernels, and buttermilk until combined, about 5 seconds.
Add eggs and process until well combined (corn lumps will remain), about 5 seconds longer.
Using rubber spatula, make a well in the center of the dry ingredients.
Pour wet ingredients into well.
Begin folding dry ingredients into wet, giving mixture only a few turns to barely combine.
Add melted butter and continue folding until dry ingredients are just moistened.
Pour batter into prepared baking dish; smooth surface with rubber spatula.
Bake until deep golden brown and toothpick inserted in center comes out clean, 25 to 35 minutes.
Cool on wire rack rack 10 minutes.
Best served warm; leftovers can be wrapped in foil and reheated in a 350 degree Fahrenheit oven for 10 to 15 minutes.

TILLIE'S PERFECT CORNBREAD

Tillie's Perfect Cornbread image

Make and share this Tillie's Perfect Cornbread recipe from Food.com.

Provided by gkkmom

Categories Quick Breads

Time 40m

Yield 1 9X13 pan

Number Of Ingredients 8

Ingredients

2 cups sifted flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
2 cups cornmeal
2 cups milk
1/2 cup sugar
4 eggs
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/2 cup shortening

Steps:

Slightly beat eggs and milk.
Add dry ingredients and mix well.
Soften shortening in microwave and add to mixture.
Pour into well greased 9X13 pan and bake at 425 for 20-25 minutes.

PERFECT CORNBREAD RECIPE - (4.8/5)

Perfect Cornbread Recipe - (4.8/5) image

Provided by terryjo

Number Of Ingredients 8

Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup yellow cornmeal
1/4 cup sugar
4 teaspoons baking powder
3/4 teaspoon salt
2 eggs
1 cup milk
1/4 cup cooking oil or shortening, melted.

Steps:

Preheat oven 425 degrees: Stir together flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder and salt. Add eggs, milk and oil or melted shortening. Beat just till smooth (do not overbeat). Turn into a greased 9X9 inch baking pan, I use my iron skillet. Bake in a 425 degree oven for 20 minutes.

Tips:

Use Fresh Cornmeal: Fresh cornmeal, also known as stone-ground cornmeal, has a more robust flavor and texture compared to regular cornmeal. It gives your cornbread a more authentic and delicious taste.
Combine Different Types of Cornmeal: Feel free to experiment by combining different types of cornmeal, such as white, yellow, or blue cornmeal. This adds visual interest and can enhance the flavor profile of your cornbread.
Master the Ratio: The classic ratio for cornbread is 1 cup of cornmeal to 1 cup of liquid (milk or water) and 1 egg. Adjust this ratio based on your desired consistency - a drier cornbread requires less liquid, while a moister one needs more.
Season Wisely: Don't be afraid to add seasonings to your cornbread batter. Salt is essential, but you can also try savory herbs like rosemary or thyme, or sweet spices like cinnamon or nutmeg.
Don't Overmix: Overmixing the batter can result in a tough and dense cornbread. Mix just until the ingredients are combined. Lumps are okay - they add texture to the final product.
Create a Crust: For a crispy outer crust, preheat your baking dish with some oil or butter before pouring in the batter. This will create a golden-brown crust that adds a delightful contrast to the soft interior.
Use Buttermilk: Buttermilk adds a tangy flavor and helps keep the cornbread moist. If you don't have buttermilk on hand, you can make your own by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to regular milk and letting it sit for a few minutes.
Bake at High Temperature: Cornbread loves high heat. Bake it at 400°F (200°C) or higher for a well-risen and evenly cooked loaf.
Wait Before Cutting: Allow the cornbread to cool slightly before cutting into it. This prevents it from crumbling and allows the flavors to meld together.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the journey to perfect cornbread is a delightful exploration of flavors and techniques. With the right ingredients, a touch of creativity, and a bit of patience, you can create a warm, flavorful, and comforting loaf that will impress your family and friends. Whether you prefer classic Southern cornbread, sweet cornbread with honey butter, or a savory cornbread dressed with herbs and cheese, the possibilities are endless. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and embark on this culinary adventure - the perfect cornbread awaits!