There’s something undeniably comforting about a slice of warm, homemade cornbread straight from the oven. Whether you’re serving it alongside a hearty chili, as a side to a summer barbecue, or just as a snack with a dollop of honey, cornbread is a versatile and delicious addition to any meal. This basic cornbread recipe is a staple that every home cook should have in their repertoire. It’s simple, quick to make, and always a crowd-pleaser.
**Basic Corn Bread**
**Ingredients:**
– 1 cup cornmeal
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup sugar
– 1 tablespoon baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup milk
– 1/3 cup vegetable oil
– 1 large egg
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat and Prepare:** Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a 9-inch square baking dish or a cast-iron skillet with butter or cooking spray. Place the greased dish in the oven while it preheats.
2. **Mix Dry Ingredients:** In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
3. **Combine Wet Ingredients:** In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, vegetable oil, and egg until well blended.
4. **Combine Mixtures:** Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined; do not overmix. The batter may be slightly lumpy, but that’s okay.
5. **Bake:** Carefully remove the hot baking dish from the oven. Pour the batter into the prepared dish. Smooth the top with a spatula.
6. **Bake Again:** Place the dish back into the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cornbread is golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. **Cool and Serve:** Allow the cornbread to cool in the dish for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy it warm with butter, honey, or your favorite toppings.
Cornbread is best served fresh on the day it’s made, but you can store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To reheat, simply wrap a slice in a damp paper towel and microwave for a few seconds until warm.
This basic cornbread recipe is a go-to for those times when you crave a simple, homemade treat that’s both comforting and delicious. Feel free to experiment with add-ins like corn kernels, jalapeños, or cheese to customize this recipe to your liking. So, the next time you’re in the mood for a cozy and satisfying baked good, whip up a batch of this classic cornbread and savor every bite.
