Cornbread is a classic American bread made from cornmeal. You bake or fry it until it turns golden and slightly crumbly. Available in both sweet and savory flavors, cornbread stands out in Southern cuisine. It pairs perfectly with soups, stews, barbecue, and breakfast dishes, adding a delicious touch to any meal.
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a baking pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cornbread mix, sugar (if using), baking powder, and salt until well combined.
In a separate bowl, mix the milk, egg, and melted butter or oil until fully combined.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to over mix, as this can make the cornbread dense.
Gently fold in the drained corn kernels, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow the cornbread to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Cut into squares or wedges and serve warm.
Notes
Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Mixing room temperature milk, eggs, and melted butter or oil helps the batter blend smoothly, ensuring an even texture and perfect baking.
Avoid Overmixing: Gently mix the batter, leaving a few lumps. Overmixing can make the cornbread dense and tough.