Cornbread: Traditional Recipe for Cornmeal Bread with Corn

Cornbread: Traditional Recipe for Cornmeal Bread with Fresh Corn

O cornbread, also known as cornmeal bread with fresh corn, is a classic recipe from American cuisine that has won over palates around the world. Versatile and tasty, this bread pairs perfectly with butter, cream cheese, jams, cold cuts, or as a side for meats, soups, salads, and stews.

Originating from the Southern United States, cornbread came from the tradition of indigenous peoples who consumed a dry biscuit made of cornmeal and water called pone. Over time, colonizers refined the recipe by adding milk, eggs, butter, and baking powder, resulting in a softer and more flavorful bread.

History and Curiosities of Cornbread

This corn bread has over 500 years of history and represents a blend of indigenous and colonial cuisines. Initially, the bread was simple, made only with cornmeal and water, but the absence of wheat in the New World led to ingredient innovations to make the recipe more nutritious and tasty.

With the introduction of wheat, some versions incorporated this flour to give a lighter and less dry texture, still much appreciated today. Additionally, the inclusion of fresh corn puree and grated cheese enriches the unmistakable flavor of cornbread which, for many, resembles a savory corn cake, although Americans consider this recipe a true bread.

Ingredients to Make Homemade Cornbread

We have selected a simple and practical list for you to make at home a cornbread moist and flavorful bread that stands out for its balance between cornmeal, fresh corn, and cheese:

• 50 g butter (half for the dough and half for greasing the pan)
• ¾ cup cornmeal (120 g)
• 2/3 cup wheat flour (80 g)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons sugar (30 g)
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• 2 fresh eggs
• ½ cup milk (120 ml)
• ⅓ cup cream (can be fresh, canned, or boxed, 80 ml)
• ½ cup fresh corn (frozen, canned, or fresh boiled for 5 minutes – about 85 g)
• 100 g coarsely grated aged cheese (or any flavorful cheese available)
• Black pepper to taste

Fundamental Tips for Perfect Cornbread

The secret to tasty cornbread lies in simplicity and careful preparation:

• Butter: Use half melted in the dough to ensure moisture, and the other half to grease the pan, creating a crispy and golden crust.
• Light mixing: Avoid overmixing the batter; mix just until the ingredients are combined, allowing some lumps for a light bread.
• Proper baking pan: Prefer cast iron or enameled pans, which distribute heat evenly and improve texture.

If you don’t have a cast iron pan, ordinary aluminum pans work well, ensuring that the important thing is to enjoy a homemade and tasty cornbread.

Cornbread Preparation Method

Here is the step-by-step to prepare your homemade cornbread:

1. Preheat the oven to 210ºC (high temperature). If using a cast iron pan, leave it empty inside the oven to heat well.
2. Divide the butter into two equal parts (25 g each). Melt half in the microwave and let it cool; reserve the solid part.
3. In a bowl, mix the cornmeal, wheat flour, salt, sugar, and baking powder.
4. In a blender, quickly beat the eggs, milk, cream, and fresh corn until you get a thick paste.
5. Transfer this liquid mixture to the bowl with the dry ingredients, add the melted butter, grated cheese, and black pepper. Gently mix with a spatula until combined, not worrying about small lumps.
6. If using the heated cast iron pan, place a piece of solid butter on the bottom and return it to the oven for 5 minutes to melt. If using a regular pan, heat the butter along with the oven for 5 minutes.
7. Carefully remove the pan from the oven, pour the batter over the melted butter, and return it to bake for 30 to 45 minutes until the cornbread rises, firms up, and is golden – perform the toothpick test, which should come out clean.
8. Let it cool for 5 minutes before serving to enhance the flavor and texture.

Note: The baking time may vary depending on the pan material used: cast iron, aluminum, or ceramic influence the cooking directly.

Explore More Corn Recipes

If you love corn, don’t miss trying these other delights that highlight this versatile ingredient:

• Country-style Fresh Corn Pamonha
• Creamy Corn Grits with Cheese
• Everyday Fresh Corn Cream
• Fluffy and Yellow Corn Cake from the Blender
• Fresh Corn Juice

Conclusion

O cornbread is a simple, historic, and tasty recipe that combines tradition and practicality. Combining cornmeal, fresh corn, and cheese, this delight offers a unique texture and a striking flavor that wins over any palate. The uncomplicated preparation, along with small tricks in using butter and choosing the pan, ensures a perfect bread for any occasion.

Whether you are a fan of bread or savory cake: cornbread is an excellent option to enrich your table with a recipe rich in culture and flavor. Try it and explore variations that suit your taste and style!