The Ultimate Cornbread Recipe For Your Next Cornbread Dressing!

The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to elevate your Thanksgiving feast than with the perfect cornbread for your dressing? This easy-to-follow recipe promises crispy edges, moist perfection, and a dish that will leave your guests begging for more. Let’s embark on a culinary journey to create the star of your holiday table.

Cornbread is a Thanksgiving essential, and crafting it to perfection is an art. Our recipe ensures a harmonious blend of crispy edges and moist interiors, providing the ideal foundation for a spectacular cornbread dressing. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, this recipe guarantees success, making your holiday preparations a breeze.

Ingredients:

• 2/3 cups Butter (& 1 tbsp.)
• 3/4 cups Sugar
• 3 Eggs
• 1 2/3 cup Milk
• 2 cups All-Purpose Flour
• 1 1/3 cup Cornmeal
• 4 1/2 teaspoons Baking Powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Salt

Step-by-Step Guide:

Preheat and Pro Tip: Preheat your oven to 400°F. If using a cast iron skillet, place it in the oven for those coveted crispy edges.

Prepare Wet Ingredients: Combine room temperature butter, sugar, and eggs. Whisk until creamy.

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Gradually Add Milk: Slowly pour in the milk, whisking as you go. Don’t worry about lumps; the dry ingredients will fix that.

Create Dry Mix: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cornmeal, baking powder, and salt until well combined.

Combine Wet and Dry: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet until a smooth batter forms.

Butter and Pour: Drop a tablespoon of butter into the hot skillet, let it melt, then pour in the cornbread mix for that extra flavor and crispy texture.

Bake to Perfection: Pop it in the oven for 25-30 minutes until the edges turn a glorious golden brown.

Expert Tips and Tricks:

• For an extra kick, add a handful of diced jalapeños or shredded cheddar cheese to the batter.
• Experiment with different types of cornmeal for unique textures and flavors.
• Ensure the skillet is hot before pouring in the batter to achieve the perfect crispiness.
• For a sweeter version, add a touch more sugar to satisfy your sweet tooth.

15 Variations of Cornbread:

1. Cheddar Jalapeño Cornbread – Add sharp cheddar cheese and finely chopped jalapeños for a spicy, cheesy twist.
2. Honey Butter Cornbread – Stir in a bit of honey for sweetness and top with melted butter for extra flavor.
3. Bacon Cornbread – Mix crispy bacon bits into the batter for a smoky and savory flavor.
4. Sweet Corn Cornbread – Add whole kernels of sweet corn to the batter for added texture and a burst of sweetness.
5. Buttermilk Cornbread – Use buttermilk instead of regular milk for a rich, tangy flavor and moist texture.
6. Maple Pecan Cornbread – Add chopped pecans and a drizzle of maple syrup for a nutty and sweet combination.
7. Spicy Chipotle Cornbread – Mix in diced chipotle peppers and a bit of smoked paprika for a fiery kick.
8. Garlic Herb Cornbread – Infuse the batter with minced garlic, fresh rosemary, and thyme for a savory, aromatic bread.
9. Pumpkin Cornbread – Stir in pumpkin puree and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg for a seasonal fall twist.
10. Blueberry Cornbread – Add fresh or frozen blueberries to create a sweet and tart cornbread, perfect for breakfast or dessert.
11. Green Chile and Cheese Cornbread – Combine roasted green chiles and Monterey Jack cheese for a southwestern flavor.
12. Skillet Cornbread – Cook the cornbread in a cast-iron skillet for a crispy crust and soft interior.
13. Vegan Cornbread – Use plant-based milk (like almond or oat) and a flaxseed or chia egg replacement for a vegan-friendly version.
14. Gluten-Free Cornbread – Swap out the regular flour for a gluten-free flour blend to make it suitable for those avoiding gluten.
15. Cornbread Muffins – Bake the batter in a muffin tin for individual servings, perfect for on-the-go snacks.

15 Serving Options for Cornbread:

1. Chili – Cornbread and chili are a classic combination. The sweet and crumbly texture of the cornbread pairs perfectly with the hearty, spicy flavors of chili.
2. Barbecue Ribs – Cornbread is a great side to sticky, savory BBQ ribs, balancing out the richness with its slightly sweet taste.
3. Collard Greens – Serve cornbread alongside slow-cooked collard greens for a comforting Southern meal.
4. Fried Chicken – The crispy, golden fried chicken contrasts beautifully with soft, warm cornbread.
5. Pulled Pork – Cornbread complements the smoky, tender flavors of pulled pork, especially when served with barbecue sauce.
6. Black-Eyed Peas – A Southern classic, black-eyed peas with cornbread makes for a hearty and satisfying dish.
7. Beef Stew – Use cornbread to soak up the rich gravy from a slow-cooked beef stew.
8. Gumbo – Cornbread can accompany a bowl of spicy gumbo, providing a subtle sweetness to balance out the heat.
9. Ham and Beans – Cornbread is the perfect side to a bowl of ham and beans, helping to soak up the savory broth.
10. Cornbread Stuffing – Crumble the cornbread into a stuffing for turkey or chicken, adding herbs and spices for a flavorful twist on traditional stuffing.
11. Jambalaya – Pairing cornbread with this Louisiana rice dish adds an extra layer of flavor and texture.
12. Southern-Style Fried Catfish – Cornbread and fried catfish are a match made in heaven, perfect for a Southern-inspired meal.
13. Green Beans with Bacon – Serve alongside a side of seasoned green beans cooked with bacon for a balanced meal.
14. Eggs and Sausage – Cornbread makes a great addition to a breakfast plate with scrambled eggs and sausage links or patties.
15. Grilled Vegetables – For a lighter option, serve cornbread with a mix of grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and onions.

Storage Tips:

• Room Temperature: Keep in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Refrigeration: Extend freshness to 5-7 days.
• Freezing: Wrap in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.

Quantity for Family Gatherings:

• Small Gathering (4-6 people): 1 batch
• Medium Gathering (8-12 people): 2 batches
• Large Gathering (15+ people): 3 batches

Preparation Advance:

You can prepare the cornbread 1-2 days in advance. Simply store it in an airtight container at room temperature and reheat for a few minutes in the oven before serving.

This cornbread recipe is your ticket to a Thanksgiving masterpiece. With variations to suit every palate and expert tips to ensure success, your holiday table will be graced with the perfect cornbread. From our kitchen to yours, may your Thanksgiving be filled with joy, warmth, and the comforting aroma of freshly baked cornbread!

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Cornbread Recipe For Your Next Cornbread Dressing!

5 from 2 votes

Prep: 10 minutes mins

Cook: 25 minutes mins

Total: 35 minutes mins

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Ingredients  

• ▢ 2/3 cup Butter & 1 tbsp.
• ▢ 3/4 cup Sugar
• ▢ 3 Eggs
• ▢ 1 2/3 cup Milk
• ▢ 2 cup All Purpose Flour
• ▢ 1 1/3 cup Cornmeal
• ▢ 4 1/2 tsp Baking Powder
• ▢ 1/2 tsp Salt

Instructions 

• Start by preheating your oven to a toasty 400°F. Pro tip: if you’re using a cast iron skillet, throw that in the oven to heat up—it gives those crispy edges we all love.
• Now, let’s get our ingredients in order. Room temperature butter, a bit of sugar (not too sweet, trust me), and crack those eggs. Whisk it all up until it’s creamy.
• Next, pour in the milk gradually. Don’t worry if it looks a bit lumpy; the dry ingredients will sort that out. Now, let’s talk dry mix: flour, cornmeal, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Whisk until combined.
  
  
  
• Fold in the dry ingredients to the wet until you’ve got a smooth batter.
• Drop a tablespoon of butter in there, let it melt, and then pour in your cornbread mix. This combo is the secret to those crispy edges.

  
  
  
  
  
• Pop it in the oven for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the edges are golden brown. Trust me, you’ll be tempted to add more butter, but resist—it’s all about that drying out process for the dressing.
  
  
  
• And there you have it, a simple, crispy-edged, and moist cornbread ready to steal the show in your next cornbread dressing!

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