Cornbread is a beloved staple in many homes, especially in the southern United States. It’s a versatile and delicious side dish that pairs perfectly with soups, stews, and chili. However, many store-bought cornbread mixes contain harmful ingredients such as preservatives, artificial flavors, and high amounts of sugar. These ingredients can negatively impact our health in the long run. But fear not, because making your own cornbread mix is easy and much healthier than the store-bought alternative.
Here’s why you should consider making your own cornbread mix and how to do it.
Healthier Ingredients
One of the main reasons to make your own cornbread mix is to avoid harmful and unnecessary ingredients. Many store-bought mixes contain added preservatives to extend shelf life, artificial flavors to enhance taste, and high amounts of sugar to make it more palatable. These ingredients may contribute to health issues like obesity, heart disease, and diabetes.
When you make your own cornbread mix, you have control over the ingredients used. You can opt for natural and healthier alternatives like whole wheat flour, honey, and fresh herbs and spices. This not only makes your cornbread mix healthier but also boosts its flavor and nutritional value.
Customizable
Another benefit of making your own cornbread mix is the ability to customize it according to your preferences. You can adjust the ingredients and ratios to suit your dietary needs and taste preferences. For example, if you want a gluten-free cornbread mix, you can use almond or coconut flour instead of all-purpose flour. You can also add your favorite herbs and spices to create a unique and flavorful mix.
DIY Cornbread Mix
Equipment
- airtight containers
Ingredients
- 6 cups Corn meal
- 2 cups AP flour
- 1/4 Cup Baking powder
- 2 tsp Baking soda
- 2 tsp Kosher salt
- 1/4 cup Pure cane sugar Or you can substitute honey in the wet ingredients
TO MAKE A PAN OF CORNBREAD
- 2 cups Homemade cornbread mIx mi
- 1 cup Buttermilk
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup milk or plain yogurt
- 1/4 cup plus 2 Tbsp melted butter
- 1/4 cup honey unless you added the sugar to the mix
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together all ingredients until very well-combined. Store in a labeled, airtight container.
TO USE CORNBREAD MIX
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Place the two tablespoons of butter in the bottom of an 8-inch or 10-inch for a thinner cornbread cast iron skillet* and place in the oven to melt.
- Measure 2 cups of Cornbread. Mix into a large bowl. Stir in the buttermilk, milk, egg, melted butter, and the desired amount of honey if using. Using a pot holder, remove the hot skillet from the oven. Pour cornbread batter into the center of the skillet, allowing melted butter to spread to the edges. Smooth the top and bake for 20 minutes, or until the surface is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool skillet for 5 minutes before slicing and serving cornbread warm.
- Instead of a cast iron skillet, you may bake this cornbread in an 8-inch round pan or in 12 muffin cups (for muffins, reduce the bake time to about 15 minutes).