Unleavened Cornbread Recipe

Welcome to the simple and tasty world of cornbread. This unleavened cornbread recipe is a classic that's easy to make and fits perfectly as a side dish with any meal. It's also great for those following unleavened dietary restrictions. Our recipe uses basic pantry staples, and the result is a bread that's mildly sweet, dense, and with a delightful crumb.

Photos of Unleavened Cornbread Recipe

Most of the ingredients for this unleavened cornbread recipe are likely already in your pantry. The two key ingredients that you might need to check are cornmeal and shortening. Cornmeal is coarsely ground corn and is the main ingredient in cornbread. It should be easy to find in the baking or grains section of your supermarket. Shortening is a type of fat used in baking and can be substituted with butter or margarine if it's not readily available.

Unleavened Cornbread Recipe Ingredients

Cornmeal: This is ground dried corn, ranging from fine to coarse grind. Cornmeal gives the bread its characteristic flavor and texture.

All purpose flour: This common baking ingredient gives structure to the bread.

White sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the cornmeal's natural flavor.

Salt: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.

Egg: Helps bind the ingredients together and provides moisture.

Shortening: Makes the bread tender and flaky. Can be substituted with butter or margarine.

Milk: Adds moisture and helps activate the baking powder, making the bread rise.

One reader, Arney Ellsworth says:

This unleavened cornbread recipe is a game-changer! The texture is perfect, and the flavor is spot on. It's so easy to make and pairs well with any meal. I love how versatile it is, and it's become a staple in my kitchen. Highly recommend trying it out!

Arney Ellsworth

Techniques Required for Making Unleavened Cornbread

How to preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.

How to grease the muffin pan: Grease a 12-cup muffin pan or line it with muffin papers.

How to stir the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, stir together the cornmeal, flour, sugar, and salt.

How to make a well in the dry ingredients: Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the egg, shortening, and milk.

How to blend the batter: Stir the ingredients until well blended.

How to spoon the batter into the muffin cups: Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin cups.

How to bake the cornbread: Bake for 20 to 25 minutes in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.

How To Make Unleavened Cornbread

Serve a simple but impressive side with this unleavened cornbread made with cornmeal, flour, and milk. Bake a batch in 30 minutes.

Preparation: 10 minutes

Cooking: 25 minutes

Total: 35 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

1cupcornmeal
1cupall purpose flour
¼cupwhite sugar
1tspsalt
1egg
¼cupshortening,melted
1cupmilk

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Grease a 12-cup muffin pan or line with muffin papers.
In a large bowl, stir together the cornmeal, flour, sugar, and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the egg, shortening, and milk. Stir until well blended.
Spoon batter into the prepared muffin cups. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.

Nutrition

Calories: 157.73kcal
Fat: 5.60g
Saturated Fat: 1.60g
Trans Fat: 0.56g
Monounsaturated Fat: 2.12g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.46g
Carbohydrates: 23.51g
Fiber: 0.79g
Sugar: 5.44g
Protein: 3.10g
Cholesterol: 15.36mg
Sodium: 129.89mg
Calcium: 27.09mg
Potassium: 61.62mg
Iron: 1.13mg
Vitamin A: 16.53µg

Crucial Technique Tip for Perfecting Unleavened Cornbread

When making your unleavened cornbread, it's important to not overmix the batter. Overmixing can lead to a tough and dense cornbread. Just stir until the ingredients are well blended, but a few lumps are perfectly fine. This will ensure your cornbread is light and fluffy. Also, using a preheated oven is crucial as it helps the cornbread to rise evenly and cook properly.

Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Unleavened Cornbread

Prep ahead: Prepare the dry ingredients the night before and store them in an airtight container. This will save time when you're ready to bake.

Use a food processor: Use a food processor to quickly mix the dry ingredients and cut in the shortening, saving time and effort.

Double the batch: Make a double batch and freeze the extra cornbread for later use. This way, you'll have a quick side dish ready when you need it.

Muffin liners: Use pre-cut muffin liners to save time on greasing the muffin pan and for easy cleanup.

Pre-measure: Pre-measure all the ingredients the night before, so when you're ready to bake, everything is ready to go.

Substitute Ingredients For Unleavened Cornbread Recipe

cornmeal - Substitute with polenta: Polenta is a coarser grind of cornmeal, which can provide a similar texture and flavor to cornbread.
all purpose flour - Substitute with whole wheat flour: Whole wheat flour can add a nuttier flavor and extra nutrients to the cornbread.
white sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey can add a natural sweetness and moisture to the cornbread.
shortening - Substitute with butter: Butter can provide a rich flavor and moisture to the cornbread.
milk - Substitute with buttermilk: Buttermilk can add a tangy flavor and tenderness to the cornbread.

Essential Tools for Making Unleavened Cornbread

Mixing bowl: A mixing bowl is essential for combining the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients to form the cornbread batter.
Muffin pan: A muffin pan is used to bake the cornbread muffins. It can be greased or lined with muffin papers to prevent sticking.
Measuring cup: A measuring cup is used to accurately measure the cornmeal, flour, sugar, and milk for the cornbread recipe.
Whisk: A whisk is used to thoroughly blend the wet and dry ingredients together to create a smooth cornbread batter.
Oven: The oven is used to bake the cornbread muffins at 425 degrees Fahrenheit until they are golden brown and cooked through.
Toothpick: A toothpick is used to test the doneness of the cornbread muffins by inserting it into the center, and if it comes out clean, the muffins are ready.

Storing and Freezing Unleavened Cornbread Properly

Allow the cornbread to cool completely before storing or freezing. This will prevent moisture from building up and making the bread soggy.
To store at room temperature, place the cornbread in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. It will keep for up to 3 days at room temperature.
For longer storage, you can refrigerate the cornbread for up to 1 week. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing it in the refrigerator.
To freeze the cornbread:
- Wrap the cooled cornbread tightly in plastic wrap, making sure to remove as much air as possible.
- Place the wrapped cornbread in a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag.
- Label the container or bag with the date and contents.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
To thaw frozen cornbread, remove it from the freezer and let it thaw at room temperature for about 2 hours. Alternatively, you can thaw it in the refrigerator overnight.
To reheat cornbread, wrap it in aluminum foil and place it in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual pieces for 15-20 seconds, or until warm.

How To Reheat Leftover Unleavened Cornbread

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap the leftover cornbread in aluminum foil and place it on a baking sheet. Heat the cornbread in the oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until it's heated through and the edges are slightly crispy. This method helps to retain the moisture and texture of the cornbread.
If you prefer a softer texture, you can also reheat the cornbread in the microwave. Place a damp paper towel over the cornbread and microwave it on high for 20-30 seconds, or until it's heated through. The damp paper towel will help to keep the cornbread moist and prevent it from drying out.
For a crispy exterior, you can reheat the cornbread in a skillet on the stovetop. Melt a small amount of butter in the skillet over medium heat. Cut the cornbread into slices and place them in the skillet. Cook the cornbread for 1-2 minutes on each side, or until it's heated through and the exterior is crispy.
If you have an air fryer, you can use it to reheat the cornbread and achieve a crispy texture. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the cornbread in the air fryer basket and cook it for 3-5 minutes, or until it's heated through and the exterior is crispy.
For a moist and flavorful reheating method, you can wrap the cornbread in a damp paper towel and place it in a steamer basket. Steam the cornbread for 5-7 minutes, or until it's heated through. This method helps to retain the moisture and softness of the cornbread.

Interesting Trivia About Unleavened Cornbread

Unleavened cornbread is a traditional Native American dish that has been enjoyed for centuries. It is a simple and versatile recipe that can be easily adapted to suit different tastes and dietary requirements.

Is Making Unleavened Cornbread at Home Cost-Effective?

The cost-effectiveness of this unleavened cornbread recipe is quite high, as the ingredients are commonly found in most households. The use of basic pantry staples such as cornmeal, flour, and sugar makes it an affordable option. The recipe yields a delicious and versatile dish, making it a great addition to any meal. On a scale of 1-10, I would rate this recipe an 8 for its simplicity and cost-effectiveness. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $5, making it a budget-friendly choice.

Is Unleavened Cornbread Healthy or Unhealthy?

This unleavened cornbread recipe, while tasty, has some aspects that could be improved from a nutritional standpoint:

The recipe includes white sugar and shortening, which are sources of empty calories and unhealthy fats, respectively
The use of all-purpose flour lacks the beneficial fiber and nutrients found in whole grain options
The recipe does not include any additional nutritious ingredients, such as vegetables or healthy fats

To make this cornbread recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:

Replace the white sugar with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup, or reduce the amount used
Swap the shortening for a healthier fat source, such as olive oil or melted coconut oil
Use whole wheat flour or a gluten-free alternative like oat flour to increase the fiber content
Incorporate grated vegetables like zucchini or carrots to add moisture and nutrients
Add a handful of chopped nuts or seeds for a boost of healthy fats and protein
Experiment with using yogurt or buttermilk in place of some of the milk for a tangy flavor and added protein

By making these adjustments, you can transform this cornbread into a more nutritious option while still maintaining its delicious taste and texture. Don't be afraid to get creative and tailor the recipe to your liking – after all, cooking is an art that allows for plenty of experimentation!

Editor's Thoughts on This Unleavened Cornbread Recipe

This unleavened cornbread recipe is a classic and simple option for a quick and delicious side dish. The combination of cornmeal and flour creates a hearty texture, while the addition of sugar and milk adds a touch of sweetness and moisture. The use of shortening provides a rich flavor, and the baking process yields a golden, slightly crispy exterior. Overall, this recipe offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures, making it a versatile and satisfying addition to any meal.

Enhance Your Unleavened Cornbread Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes with a hint of roasted garlic, perfect for pairing with the unleavened cornbread.

Grilled Vegetable Skewers: Colorful and flavorful grilled vegetable skewers, a healthy and vibrant side dish to complement the unleavened cornbread.

Honey Glazed Carrots: Sweet and tender honey glazed carrots, adding a touch of sweetness to balance the savory cornbread.

Alternative Recipes Similar to Unleavened Cornbread

Savory Beef Stew: This hearty beef stew is perfect for a cozy night in. Packed with tender beef, potatoes, and carrots, it's a comforting meal that will warm you up from the inside out.

Fresh Fruit Salad: This refreshing fruit salad is a colorful and healthy addition to any meal. With a mix of your favorite fruits, it's a great way to satisfy your sweet tooth while getting a dose of vitamins and antioxidants.

Creamy Tomato Soup: Indulge in a creamy and comforting bowl of tomato soup. This classic recipe is easy to make and pairs perfectly with a grilled cheese sandwich for a satisfying meal.

Why trust this Unleavened Cornbread Recipe:

This recipe uses cornmeal and all purpose flour to create a delicious and hearty cornbread. The combination of sugar and salt balances the flavors perfectly. The addition of egg and shortening adds richness and moisture to the bread. The use of milk ensures a tender crumb and a delightful texture. Trust in the simplicity and quality of these ingredients to create a mouthwatering unleavened cornbread that will surely impress.

Want to share your thoughts on this unleavened cornbread recipe? Join the discussion in the Baking and Desserts forum and let us know how it turned out for you!

FAQ:

What is the best way to store unleavened cornbread?

The best way to store unleavened cornbread is to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the cornbread in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, simply thaw the cornbread at room temperature or reheat it in the oven.

Can I substitute the shortening with another ingredient?

Yes, you can substitute the shortening with an equal amount of butter or vegetable oil. Both options will work well in this recipe and will provide a similar texture and flavor to the cornbread.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely! You can easily make this recipe dairy-free by using a non-dairy milk alternative, such as almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk. Simply replace the regular milk with your preferred non-dairy option, and you'll have a delicious dairy-free unleavened cornbread.

Can I add any additional ingredients to the batter?

Certainly! You can customize the unleavened cornbread by adding ingredients such as chopped jalapeños, shredded cheese, or cooked bacon to the batter for extra flavor and texture. Get creative and make it your own!

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

To make this recipe gluten-free, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of the regular all-purpose flour. Additionally, ensure that the cornmeal you use is certified gluten-free. With these simple swaps, you can enjoy a delicious gluten-free version of unleavened cornbread.