Looking for a classic side dish to accompany your next southern feast? Look no further than this recipe for 1 square (8" pan) cornbread! With just 1822 calories per serving, this dish is a satisfying and delicious addition to any meal.

Made with simple and wholesome ingredients like cornmeal, buttermilk, and eggs, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between crispy and fluffy. Plus, it's ready in less than an hour, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights or last-minute potlucks.

In this article, we'll share some tips and tricks for baking the perfect cornbread every time, as well as explore some healthier variations and cultural significance of this beloved southern staple. So break out your cast iron skillet and let's get cooking!

The Perfect Side Dish for a Southern Feast

Cornbread is a quintessential part of southern cuisine, and for good reason. Its savory, slightly sweet flavor pairs perfectly with everything from barbecue to fried chicken to collard greens. Not only is it delicious, but it's also incredibly versatile. You can serve it warm with a dollop of butter or honey, or use it as a base for cornbread stuffing and dressing. Plus, it's a great way to stretch out a meal when you're feeding a crowd.

Crispy and Fluffy: The Texture You'll Love

One of the keys to great cornbread is achieving the perfect texture. You want it to be crispy on the outside, but light and fluffy on the inside. To achieve this, it's important to use the right ratio of wet to dry ingredients. Too much liquid and the batter will be too dense, but too little and it will be dry and crumbly. This recipe strikes the perfect balance, thanks to the use of buttermilk and a generous amount of baking powder.

How to Make This Classic Dish in Less than an Hour

Don't be intimidated by the thought of making cornbread from scratch. With just a few key ingredients and some basic kitchen tools, you can whip up a batch in no time! To get started, preheat your oven to 425°F and grease an 8" square baking dish with butter or cooking spray. In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup of yellow cornmeal, 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, 4 teaspoons of baking powder, and 1 teaspoon of salt. In a separate bowl, beat together 2 large eggs, 1 cup of buttermilk, and 1/3 cup of melted butter. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.

Serving Suggestions for Your Next Potluck

Cornbread is a perfect dish for potlucks and gatherings because it's easy to transport and can be served at room temperature. Here are a few ideas for serving this classic dish:

• Top with a pat of butter or drizzle with honey for a simple, yet delicious side dish.
• Use it as a base for cornbread stuffing or dressing.
• Crumble over chili or soup for added crunch.

Healthier Variations to Try at Home

While traditional cornbread is made with butter and sugar, there are plenty of ways to make a healthier version. Here are some substitutions and additions you can try:

• Swap out some of the butter for unsweetened applesauce or mashed banana.
• Use whole wheat flour or almond flour for added fiber and protein.
• Replace granulated sugar with honey, maple syrup, or a low-calorie sweetener like Stevia.
• Add in chopped vegetables like jalapeños or bell peppers for added flavor and nutrition.

An Ideal Accompaniment to Your Favorite Soups and Stews

Cornbread is the perfect accompaniment to hearty soups and stews, especially during the colder months. Its slightly sweet flavor and crumbly texture complement the rich, savory flavors of these dishes. Some popular soups and stews to serve with cornbread include chili, gumbo, Brunswick stew, and chicken and dumplings.

Tips and Tricks for Baking the Perfect Cornbread Every Time

Want to take your cornbread to the next level? Try these tips and tricks:

• Preheat your oven and make sure your pan is properly greased.
• Don't overmix the batter - it should be lumpy and slightly thick.
• Bake in a cast iron skillet or other oven-safe dish for a crispy crust.
• Let the cornbread cool for a few minutes before serving to prevent it from falling apart.

The Secret Ingredients That Make This Recipe Stand Out

The secret to this recipe's delicious flavor and texture lies in a few key ingredients:

• Buttermilk: This tangy dairy product adds moisture and richness to the batter and helps activate the baking powder.
• Yellow Cornmeal: Using yellow cornmeal instead of white gives the cornbread a slightly sweet, nutty flavor and a pleasing texture.
• Baking Powder: A generous amount of baking powder helps the cornbread rise and gives it a light, fluffy texture.

Why Cornbread is a Staple in Southern Cuisine

Cornbread has a long and rich history in southern cuisine, dating back to the indigenous people who first cultivated corn in the region. It became a staple food during the Civil War, when wheat flour was scarce and cornmeal provided a cheap and filling alternative. Today, cornbread is an iconic part of southern cooking, and many families have their own cherished recipes that have been passed down from generation to generation. Whether served alongside a heaping plate of barbecue or as the base for a Thanksgiving stuffing, it's hard to imagine southern cuisine without this beloved dish.

The History and Cultural Significance of Cornbread

Cornbread has played an important role in the culinary traditions of many different cultures around the world. In addition to its prominence in southern cuisine, it is also a staple food in Latin American, Caribbean, and West African cooking. In some cultures, cornbread is considered a sacred or ceremonial food, while in others it is simply regarded as a satisfying and comforting staple. Regardless of its cultural significance, one thing is certain - few foods can match the simple, wholesome goodness of a freshly baked pan of cornbread.