20 Southern Living Cornbread Recipe Ignite Your Passion For Cooking!
Published on: Mar 6, 2024
Southern living cornbread is a staple in Southern cuisine, and every family has their own cherished recipe. Whether it's served as a side dish or used in recipes such as cornbread stuffing or corn casserole, this simple yet versatile bread is a must-have on any Southern dinner table. And while traditional recipes may vary slightly, the key to a perfect Southern living cornbread lies in a few key ingredients and techniques that have been passed down for generations.
Main Ingredients: Water, Salt, Quaker Quick Grits, Cream Cheese, Crushed
Start your beer can chicken feast with a classic Southern side dish - jalapeno cheese grits from Southern Living. These creamy and spicy grits are the perfect complement to the smoky and flavorful chicken. Plus, they are easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time.
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Southern Cornbread – Southern Skillet Cornbread
Main Ingredients: Butter, Yellow Cornmeal, Flour, Baking Soda, Salt
No Southern meal is complete without cornbread, and this recipe for Southern skillet cornbread is a must-try. The cast iron skillet gives the cornbread a crispy crust, while the buttermilk keeps it moist and tender. Serve it alongside your beer can chicken for a true taste of the South.
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Best Cornbread
Main Ingredients: Butter, Cornmeal, All Purpose Flour, Granulated Sugar
If you're looking for the best cornbread recipe, look no further. This recipe is a crowd favorite, with a perfect balance of sweetness and savory flavors. The secret ingredient? A touch of honey in the batter. It pairs perfectly with the smoky flavors of the beer can chicken.
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Cornbread
Main Ingredients: Yellow Cornmeal, Unbleached All Purpose Flour, Baking
Cornbread is a staple in Southern cuisine, and for good reason. It's easy to make, versatile, and delicious. This recipe is a classic, with a simple and foolproof method. Serve it alongside your beer can chicken for a comforting and satisfying meal.
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Homemade Cornbread
Main Ingredients: Butter, Sugar, Eggs, Buttermilk, Cornmeal, All Purpose
Why settle for store-bought cornbread when you can easily make your own at home? This homemade cornbread recipe is quick and easy, with ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. It's the perfect side dish for your beer can chicken, and your family will love it.
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A Southern Living Preview
Main Ingredients: Chicken Breasts, Kosher Salt, Freshly Ground Black
For a taste of the South, try this preview recipe from Southern Living - a creamy and delicious chicken tortilla soup from country music star Martina McBride. The addition of cream cheese makes this soup extra rich and satisfying, and it's the perfect starter to your beer can chicken dinner.
Spice up your cornbread with this Mexican twist on a Southern classic. This recipe calls for jalapenos, corn, and cheddar cheese for a flavorful and cheesy cornbread that pairs perfectly with beer can chicken. It's a great way to add some heat to your meal.
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Perfect Mashed Potatoes
Main Ingredients: Yukon Gold Potatoes, Salt, Butter, Half And Half, Cream
Nothing beats a heaping scoop of mashed potatoes alongside your beer can chicken. This recipe for perfect mashed potatoes is easy and foolproof, with a few simple tips and tricks to ensure a creamy and fluffy result every time.
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Easy Peach Cobbler
Main Ingredients: Unsalted Butter, All Purpose Flour, Sugar, Baking
End your beer can chicken dinner with a sweet and fruity dessert - easy peach cobbler. This recipe uses canned peaches for convenience, but you can also use fresh peaches when they are in season. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate comfort food experience.
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Martina McBride's Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup
Main Ingredients: Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts, Kosher Salt, Black
Another delicious recipe from Martina McBride, this creamy chicken tortilla soup is a must-try for any beer can chicken dinner. It's loaded with chicken, beans, corn, and spices, and topped with crispy tortilla strips for a satisfying crunch.
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Fire Crackers
Main Ingredients: Saltine Crackers, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Black
Spice up your meal with these addictive fire crackers. They are made with saltine crackers, ranch seasoning, and a few key spices for a crunchy and flavorful snack that pairs perfectly with beer can chicken. They are also great for snacking on while you wait for the chicken to cook.
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Chicken and Sausage Jambalaya
Main Ingredients: Canola Oil, Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs, Smoked
Bring the flavors of New Orleans to your beer can chicken dinner with this chicken and sausage jambalaya. It's a one-pot meal that is packed with Cajun spices, chicken, and sausage. Serve it with a side of cornbread for a complete and satisfying meal.
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Classic Baked Macaroni and Cheese
Main Ingredients: Elbow Macaroni, Milk, Butter, All Purpose Flour, Salt
No beer can chicken dinner is complete without a side of mac and cheese, and this classic baked version is sure to be a hit. It's made with a creamy and cheesy sauce that is baked to perfection, with a crispy and golden breadcrumb topping. It's comfort food at its finest.
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Skillet Cornbread
Main Ingredients: Bacon Drippings, White Cornmeal, All Purpose Flour
For a twist on traditional cornbread, try this skillet version. It's made with a cast iron skillet, which gives the cornbread a crispy and golden crust. It's easy to make and is the perfect side dish for your beer can chicken.
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Best Cornbread Dressing
Main Ingredients: Canola Oil, Medium Yellow Onion, Garlic Cloves, Chopped
If you're a fan of cornbread dressing, you have to try this recipe. It's the best cornbread dressing you'll ever have, with a perfect balance of flavors and textures. It's a great way to use up any leftover cornbread from your beer can chicken dinner.
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Brown Butter Cornbread
Main Ingredients: Unsalted Butter, Yellow Cornmeal, All Purpose Flour
Take your cornbread to the next level with this recipe for brown butter cornbread. The brown butter adds a nutty and rich flavor to the cornbread, making it irresistible. Serve it alongside your beer can chicken for a delicious and comforting meal.
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Cornbread-Stuffed Zucchini
Main Ingredients: Crumbled Cornbread, Zucchini, Canola Oil, Kosher Salt
For a unique and flavorful side dish, try these cornbread-stuffed zucchini boats. The zucchini is stuffed with a delicious mixture of cornbread, cheese, and spices, making it a great accompaniment to your beer can chicken. It's also a great way to sneak in some extra veggies.
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Cash Family Cornbread
Main Ingredients: Self Rising Cornmeal, Shortening, Whole Buttermilk
This recipe for Cash Family cornbread has been passed down through generations and is a family favorite. It's simple and easy to make, with a touch of sweetness from the addition of sugar. It's the perfect side dish for your beer can chicken dinner.
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Cornbread Panzanella with Squash
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Yellow Squash, Kosher Salt, Black Pepper
For a fresh and summery side dish, try this cornbread panzanella with squash. It's a twist on the classic Italian bread salad, with the addition of cornbread and grilled squash for a delicious and satisfying side dish that pairs perfectly with beer can chicken.
For a classic and foolproof cornbread recipe, try this Southern skillet cornbread. It uses simple ingredients and is made in a cast iron skillet for a perfectly crispy and golden crust. It's a great side dish for your beer can chicken dinner.
The Importance of Using the Right Ingredients
Flour and Cornmeal
One of the most important aspects of a delicious Southern living cornbread is using the right combination of flour and cornmeal. While some recipes call for all-purpose flour, true Southern cornbread uses a combination of self-rising flour and cornmeal. This not only adds a unique texture to the bread, but also gives it that classic Southern flavor.
Eggs and Buttermilk
Another key ingredient in Southern living cornbread is eggs and buttermilk. The eggs add moisture and richness to the bread, while the tangy buttermilk adds a subtle tang and helps activate the leavening agents in the self-rising flour. Together, these ingredients create a perfect balance of flavors and textures in the cornbread.
Bacon Grease or Lard
While some may opt for vegetable oil or butter, many Southern cooks swear by using bacon grease or lard in their cornbread recipe. This not only adds an unmistakable smoky flavor to the bread, but also helps create a crispy, golden crust on the outside.
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The Secret Techniques for Perfect Cornbread
Preheating the Skillet
One of the secrets to achieving a perfect crust on your Southern living cornbread is preheating the skillet before adding the batter. This allows the cornbread to start cooking immediately and creates a crispy, golden crust.
Butter and Hot Grease
Another important technique is to add butter and hot grease to the skillet before pouring in the batter. This not only adds flavor, but also helps keep the cornbread from sticking to the pan.
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Get Creative with Your Cornbread
Add-Ins and Variations
While the classic Southern living cornbread is a beloved recipe, don't be afraid to get creative and add your own twist to it. You can experiment with different add-ins such as cheddar cheese, jalapenos, or even bacon bits. You can also try making variations like a sweet cornbread with added sugar and honey, or a savory cornbread with added herbs and spices.
Serving Suggestions
Cornbread is also a versatile bread that can be served in many different ways. You can enjoy it warm with a pat of butter, drizzled with honey, or served alongside a bowl of chili or soup. You can also use it as a base for dishes like cornbread dressing or even a cornbread crusted quiche.
In conclusion, Southern living cornbread is more than just a bread - it's a time-honored tradition and a beloved staple in Southern cuisine. With the right combination of ingredients and techniques, you can create a perfect cornbread that will have your family and friends asking for the recipe. So go ahead and give it a try, and don't be afraid to add your own personal touch to this classic Southern dish.
