This classic recipe for homemade cornbread is one I cherish dearly. Cornbread is a delightful staple in many Southern kitchens, and I love how simple and satisfying it is to make. Whether you’re serving it with a warm bowl of chili or enjoying it as a standalone snack, this cornbread will surely please your taste buds. Below, I’ll guide you through the step-by-step process of creating your very own cornbread from scratch.

First things first, you will need to gather your ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 cup of cornmeal
• 1 cup of all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup of sugar (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon of baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• 1 cup of milk
• 1/4 cup of vegetable oil or melted butter
• 1 large egg

Now that you have everything ready, let’s move on to the preparation. Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). While that’s heating, it’s best to prepare your baking dish. I usually use a 9-inch square or round baking pan. Grease the pan with a little butter or oil, and set it aside.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Make sure you mix these dry ingredients well, as this will help ensure that the baking powder is evenly distributed throughout the batter.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, vegetable oil (or melted butter), and the egg until it is smooth. It’s important to ensure that the egg is fully incorporated; this will help create a light texture in your cornbread.

Next, pour the wet ingredients into the bowl containing the dry ingredients. Gently stir the mixture until it’s just combined. Be cautious not to over-mix; a few lumps are perfectly fine. Over-mixing can lead to a dense cornbread, and that’s not what we want!

Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. It should be in a nice, thick layer. I love to take this moment to sprinkle a bit more sugar on top for a slightly crispy sweet crust.

Place your baking dish in the oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it during the last few minutes to ensure it doesn’t overbake.

Once it’s done, remove the cornbread from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. There’s nothing quite like tearing into a warm piece of homemade cornbread. You can serve it with a pat of butter or drizzle with honey for extra flavor. Enjoy your delicious creation!