Homestyle Corn Bread

Ingredients

• 1 cup (120g) cornmeal 1 cup (120g) cornmeal
• 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup (60g) granulated sugar 1/4 cup (60g) granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk
• 1/4 cup (60ml) vegetable oil 1/4 cup (60ml) vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons honey 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 large eggs 2 large eggs

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 220 kcal / 920 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 8g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 33g, 9g
• Protein: 4g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 0.6g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a 9-inch square baking pan.
2. 2.
   In a large bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. 3.
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, vegetable oil, honey, and eggs.
4. 4.
   Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. 5.
   Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top.
6. 6.
   Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. 7.
   Allow the corn bread to cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Cornmeal — Use medium-grind cornmeal for the best texture in the corn bread.
• Buttermilk — If you don't have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes before using.
• Honey — For a vegan version, you can substitute maple syrup or agave nectar for honey.
• Eggs — To make the corn bread egg-free, you can use a flaxseed or chia seed egg substitute. Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed or chia seeds with 3 tablespoons of water and let it sit for 5 minutes until it thickens.

Tips & Tricks

• For a richer flavor, you can add a handful of shredded cheddar cheese or diced jalapeños to the batter before baking.
• To achieve a crispier crust, preheat the baking pan in the oven before pouring in the batter.
• Leftover corn bread can be toasted and enjoyed with butter or used as a base for savory toppings like chili or pulled pork.
• For a sweeter version, serve the corn bread with a drizzle of warm maple syrup or honey.
• Experiment with different types of cornmeal, such as blue cornmeal or stone-ground cornmeal, to add unique flavors and textures to the corn bread.

Serving advice

Serve the Homestyle Corn Bread warm or at room temperature. It pairs perfectly with a bowl of hearty chili, barbecue dishes, or as a side to a comforting Southern-style meal. For a touch of indulgence, spread some butter or honey on top of each slice.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, cut the corn bread into squares or wedges and arrange them on a rustic wooden serving platter. Garnish with fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives, for a pop of color. Serve alongside a small dish of honey or butter for guests to enjoy as they please.