Is it a BBQ without fresh cornbread? This Cheddar Cornbread recipe is fluffy, sweetly flavorful, and rich with butter. It takes very little time to make, and you can bake it ahead of the meal. Dip it into your leftover BBQ sauce on your plate, slather it in butter and honey, or enjoy plain for a crumbly, delicious side dish.
Choosing the Right Cornmeal for Cornbread
Picking the perfect cornmeal grind for your cornbread adventure depends on the texture you crave. For a soft and crumbly cornbread, similar to muffins, opt for fine cornmeal. It absorbs moisture readily, resulting in a delicate texture. If you prefer a more substantial bite with a hint of cornmeal grittiness, choose medium grind cornmeal. This is the happy medium for many cornbread recipes, offering a good balance between tenderness and corn flavor. Finally, for a truly rustic cornbread with a coarse texture, coarse ground cornmeal is your champion. However, this grind is less common in stores and might be better suited for polenta or grits.
Cheddar Cornbread Recipe
Cheddar Cornbread Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 3 ½ cups cornmeal
- 3 ½ cups AP flour
- 5 oz sugar
- 1 tbsp salt
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1 tbsp baking soda
Wet Ingredients:
- 3 1/3 cups buttermilk
- 1 2/3 cups heavy cream
- 5 oz sour cream
- 2 whole eggs
- 2 egg yolks
- 10 oz butter, melted
- 2 lb cheddar, shredded
- 2 cups scallions, sliced thin
Cornbread Preparation Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Prepare muffin pans or 9 x 9 pan with butter and flour.
- Mix together dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Mix until ingredients are fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl mix all wet ingredients together until full incorporated.
- Slowly mix wet mixture into dry mixture. Whisk until all ingredients are mixed thoroughly. Fold in cheddar and scallions.
- Portion mixture into muffin pans or casserole dish.
- Bake 25-30 minutes. Check with wooden toothpick. It will come out clean when done.
Cornbread Topping Ideas
Whether you crave sweet or savory, there’s a delicious option to take your cornbread to the next level. For a classic southern touch, slather on a pat of butter and drizzle with honey or maple syrup. For a sweet and creamy option, try a dollop of whipped vanilla cream or cinnamon butter. If you’re looking for something savory, crumbled cheese like cotija or queso fresco adds a salty contrast. Or, go all out with a Tex-Mex twist including a topping of black bean salsa and avocado slices. Plus, don’t forget the heat by adding a drizzle of hot sauce or a sprinkle of jalapeños for a kick.
Wrap Up
This homemade Cheddar Cornbread will transport you right to the south with a moist, butter-filled inside. Experiment with different cornmeal types and various toppings to create your own personal, ultimate cornbread recipe.
Recipe by Executive Chef Kevin Hermann / Styling by Anna Franklin / Story by Kylie Thomas / Photography by Dave Bryce
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