Cornbread Muffins

Name: Cornbread Muffins
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 cup cornmeal; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup sugar; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup milk; 1/3 cup vegetable oil; 1 large egg

If you’re looking for a comforting side dish, cornbread muffins are a perfect choice. These fluffy, golden muffins are easy to make and offer a sweet, buttery flavor that pairs wonderfully with chili, soups, or on their own with a drizzle of honey. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a batch that will impress family and friends alike.

Ingredients

1 cup cornmeal
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup milk
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1 large egg

Servings and Cooking Time

This recipe makes approximately 12 muffins. Preparation time is about 10 minutes, and cooking time is around 20 minutes.

Nutritional Value

Each cornbread muffin (1 muffin serving) contains approximately 180 calories, 7g of fat, 25g of carbohydrates, and 3g of protein. This is based on a standard recipe without additional toppings.

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners.
In a mixing bowl, combine the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
In another bowl, whisk together the milk, vegetable oil, and egg until well combined.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
Do not overmix; some lumps are fine.
Using a spoon or ice cream scoop, fill each muffin tin about 2/3 full with batter.
Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Remove muffins from the oven and let them cool in the tin for 5 minutes.
Transfer muffins to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serve warm or at room temperature.

Alternative Ingredients

You can substitute buttermilk for regular milk for a richer flavor. Additionally, honey or maple syrup can replace sugar for a more natural sweetness. Gluten-free flour can be used for a gluten-free version.

Serving and Pairings

Cornbread muffins pair beautifully with chili, soups, or barbecued meats. They also make a delightful breakfast when served with butter and honey or jam.

Storage and Reheating

Store the muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a zip-top bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply microwave for 15-20 seconds or warm in the oven.

Cooking Mistakes

Overmixing the batter can lead to dense muffins.
Not preheating the oven can affect the rise.
Using expired baking powder will result in flat muffins.
Not filling the muffin cups enough can yield small muffins.
Skipping the cooling stage can make muffins gummy.

Helpful Tips

For extra flavor, add corn kernels or jalapeños to the batter.
Use a muffin scoop for even-sized muffins.
Let the muffins cool completely before storing.
Experiment with different sweeteners to find your perfect taste.

FAQs

Can I make cornbread muffins ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the batter ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just bake when ready to serve.

What can I add to cornbread muffins?

You can add ingredients like cheese, herbs, or spices to customize your muffins. They’re versatile!

How do I know when they are done?

Insert a toothpick into the center of a muffin; if it comes out clean, they are done.

Can I freeze cornbread muffins?

Absolutely! Freeze them in a zip-top bag. Thaw at room temperature or reheat in the oven.

How do I make them sweeter?

Increase the sugar in the recipe or drizzle honey over the top before serving.

Conclusion

Cornbread muffins are a delightful addition to any meal. Their sweet and savory flavor, combined with a simple preparation process, makes them a favorite in many households. Enjoy them fresh out of the oven or as a tasty accompaniment to your favorite dishes.