Navajo cornbread is like a warm hug from the Southwest. Imagine biting into a tender, fluffy piece of cornbread that combines sweetness with a hint of earthiness, creating a comforting experience you can almost taste in the air. creamy pasta dish The golden crust, paired with its soft interior, makes you want to savor each bite. Whether slathered with butter or enjoyed alongside a hearty stew, this dish brings joy to any table.
This recipe is close to my heart; I remember the first time I tried Navajo cornbread during a family gathering. Everyone gathered around, eagerly waiting for that first slice to be cut, the anticipation palpable as we caught whiffs of its inviting aroma wafting through the kitchen. spicy chana saag It’s perfect for cozy nights or festive occasions when you want something that feels like home.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- With minimal ingredients and simple steps, this Navajo cornbread comes together quickly
- Its subtly sweet flavor pairs beautifully with savory dishes or simply buttered on its own
- Visually appealing with its golden hue, it brings warmth to any meal
- Perfect for family gatherings or casual get-togethers, everyone will love it!
I still remember my family’s reactions when I brought this cornbread to our potluck—everyone went back for seconds!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
-
Yellow Cornmeal: Use medium or fine ground cornmeal for the best texture and flavor in your cornbread.
-
All-Purpose Flour: A mix of flour adds structure while keeping it tender and light.
-
Baking Powder: Ensure your baking powder is fresh; it’s the secret behind that delightful rise.
-
Sugar: Just a touch of sugar balances the savory flavors perfectly; adjust according to your taste.
-
Salt: Don’t skip salt; it enhances all the other flavors in your cornbread.
-
Milk: Whole milk gives richness but feel free to substitute with any milk alternative you prefer.
-
Eggs: Two large eggs help bind everything together and add moisture to your batter.
-
Butter: Melted butter adds flavor and moisture; using unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness better.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease an 8-inch square baking dish with nonstick spray or butter for easy removal later.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine yellow cornmeal, flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt. Whisk until evenly blended—this is where your cornbread gets its structure and flavor!
Add Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together milk, melted butter, and eggs until smooth. Pour this mixture into the dry ingredients slowly while stirring gently to avoid overmixing.
Stir Until Combined: Mix just until combined; small lumps are okay! Overmixing can lead to dense cornbread instead of fluffy goodness—trust me on this one.
Pour and Bake: Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish. Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean—your kitchen will smell heavenly!
Cool and Serve!: Allow cooling in the pan for about 10 minutes before slicing into squares. Serve warm with butter or alongside your favorite chili—it’s simply irresistible!
Enjoy every flavorful bite of this Navajo cornbread while basking in the smiles of friends and family around you! For more inspiration, check out this Jalapeno Buffalo Chicken Casserole recipe.
You Must Know
- Navajo Cornbread is not just a dish; it’s a warm hug on a plate!
- Its fluffy texture and slightly sweet flavor make it a delightful companion for stews or chili
- As you bake, let the aroma fill your kitchen, inviting everyone to gather around
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F. Mix dry ingredients first, then add wet ingredients for an evenly textured batter. Finally, pour everything into a hot cast-iron skillet for that perfect crust.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out some of the flour for cornmeal to enhance that cornbread flavor. You could also add jalapeños for a spicy kick or honey for an extra touch of sweetness.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover Navajo Cornbread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To reheat, pop it in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, ensuring it stays soft and delicious. savory potato gratin delicious chickpea tikka masala.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- The secret to fluffy Navajo Cornbread lies in not overmixing your batter; you want those lumps!
- Always ensure your skillet is hot before pouring the batter in, creating that coveted crispy edge
- Pair with honey butter for an irresistible treat!
Navajo Cornbread has always been a family favorite at gatherings. I once made it for a potluck, and everyone kept asking me for the recipe—turns out they just wanted more cornbread! For more inspiration, check out this Chickpea Paprikash Recipe recipe.
FAQ
What makes Navajo Cornbread different from regular cornbread?
Navajo Cornbread is lighter and sweeter, often incorporating baking powder for fluffiness.
Can I use gluten-free flour for this recipe?
Yes, using gluten-free flour works well but may alter the texture slightly.
How do I know when my cornbread is done baking?
It should be golden brown on top and pass the toothpick test—clean when inserted!
Navajo Cornbread
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: About 9 servings 1x
Description
Navajo cornbread is a delightful blend of sweetness and earthiness, delivering comfort in every bite. With its golden crust and fluffy interior, this cornbread pairs beautifully with stews or can be enjoyed on its own with a pat of butter. Perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights, this simple recipe will quickly become a favorite at your table.
Ingredients
- 1 cup yellow cornmeal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 large eggs
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease an 8-inch square baking dish.
- In a large bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt.
- In another bowl, combine milk, melted butter, and eggs until smooth.
- Gradually add wet ingredients to dry ingredients, mixing gently until just combined; small lumps are okay.
- Pour batter into the prepared dish and bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow to cool for 10 minutes before slicing into squares and serving warm.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southwestern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square (70g)
- Calories: 170
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Leave a Comment