Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9-inch square baking dish or cast-iron skillet with butter or cooking spray.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cornmeal, all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and granulated sugar. Stir until well combined.
3. Prepare the Wet Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, melted butter, and eggs until smooth.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a dense cornbread texture.
5. Add Cheese and Optional Ingredients:
- Fold in the shredded cheddar cheese, canned corn kernels (if using), and chopped chives or green onions (if using). Mix until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
6. Bake the Cornbread:
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish or skillet, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
- Place the dish or skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cornbread is golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Cool and Serve:
- Remove the cornbread from the oven and allow it to cool in the dish or skillet for 5-10 minutes.
- Slice the cornbread into squares or wedges and serve warm. Enjoy the cheesy goodness!
Cook’s Tips and Variations:
– Customize the Cheese: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese to suit your taste preferences. Sharp cheddar, pepper jack, or even smoked Gouda can add delicious flavor to your cornbread.
– Add Heat: For a spicy kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the batter.
– Make it Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour to make this cornbread suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
– Sweet or Savory: Adjust the amount of sugar in the recipe to your liking. For a sweeter cornbread, increase the sugar, or omit it entirely for a more savory version.
– Serve with Honey Butter: Whip up a batch of honey butter by mixing softened butter with a drizzle of honey. Spread it on warm slices of cheesy cornbread for an extra indulgent treat.
In conclusion, cheesy cornbread is a comforting and versatile dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it alongside a bowl of chili, barbecue ribs, or enjoying it as a standalone snack, its rich flavor and moist texture are sure to please. With this easy-to-follow recipe, you’ll be able to whip up a batch of cheesy cornbread in no time, bringing warmth and satisfaction to your table. Enjoy every bite of this delightful comfort food!