Golden Maple-Infused Cast Iron Cornbread
Indulge in the savory goodness of our Golden Maple-Infused Cast Iron Cornbread. This delightful cornbread, with its crispy golden crust and fluffy interior, is baked in a preheated cast-iron skillet, allowing the butter to deliver a rich flavor that complements the sweetness of maple syrup. Perfect for breakfast, as a side dish, or a snack, this recipe highlights the delightful interplay of savory and sweet, making it a must-try for cornbread lovers. Serve warm, drizzled with additional maple syrup, for an irresistible treat that’s quick to prepare and sure to impress.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Coarse yellow cornmeal
1 1/2 cups (dry)
Baking soda
3/4 teaspoon (dry)
Coarse salt
1/2 teaspoon (dry)
Large eggs
2 (beaten)
Kefir, buttermilk, or plain yogurt
1 1/2 cups (liquid)
Maple syrup
1 1/2 tablespoons (liquid)
Unsalted butter
4 tablespoons (melted)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place a 10-inch seasoned cast-iron skillet in the oven for about 10 minutes to ensure it becomes very hot.
2
In a small mixing bowl, thoroughly combine the cornmeal, baking soda, and coarse salt. In a separate large bowl, whisk together the eggs, kefir (or buttermilk or plain yogurt), and maple syrup until well blended.
3
Carefully remove the hot skillet from the oven. Add 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter to the skillet, swirling it around until fully melted (a hint of browning is fine and adds flavor).
4
Pour the melted butter into the egg and yogurt mixture, whisking quickly to combine. Gradually stir in the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined. Do not overmix; some lumps are okay.
5
Gently pour the batter into the hot skillet, spreading it evenly. Return the skillet to the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6
Allow the cornbread to cool slightly in the skillet before slicing. Serve warm, optionally drizzled with more maple syrup for an extra touch of sweetness.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Golden Maple-Infused Cast Iron Cornbread?
It is a savory-sweet cornbread with a crispy golden crust and fluffy interior, baked in a preheated cast-iron skillet for enhanced flavor.
What size skillet is recommended for this recipe?
A 10-inch seasoned cast-iron skillet is ideal for this cornbread recipe.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 425°F (220°C).
How long should the cast-iron skillet preheat?
Place the skillet in the oven for about 10 minutes to ensure it is very hot before adding the butter and batter.
What kind of cornmeal is used?
The recipe calls for 1 1/2 cups of coarse yellow cornmeal.
What are the liquid options for this recipe?
You can use 1 1/2 cups of kefir, buttermilk, or plain yogurt.
How much maple syrup is in the batter?
The batter contains 1 1/2 tablespoons of maple syrup.
What leavening agent is used?
The recipe uses 3/4 teaspoon of baking soda.
How much salt should I add?
Add 1/2 teaspoon of coarse salt to the dry mixture.
How many eggs are required?
The recipe requires 2 large beaten eggs.
How much butter is used in the skillet?
Use 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter.
Why do I melt the butter in the hot skillet?
Melting the butter in the hot skillet creates a rich flavor and helps develop the crispy golden crust.
Should the butter be browned?
A hint of browning is fine and actually adds extra flavor to the cornbread.
When do I add the melted butter to the mixture?
After melting it in the skillet, pour the butter into the egg and yogurt mixture and whisk quickly.
Can I overmix the cornbread batter?
No, you should mix just until combined. It is okay if there are some lumps in the batter.
How long does the cornbread need to bake?
Bake the cornbread for 20 to 25 minutes.
How can I tell if the cornbread is finished baking?
It is done when the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Should I serve the cornbread hot or cold?
It is best served warm, allowing it to cool slightly in the skillet before slicing.
Is there a recommended topping?
Drizzling additional maple syrup over the warm cornbread is highly recommended for extra sweetness.
What type of cuisine is this recipe?
This recipe is considered a southern cuisine comfort food.
Does this cornbread contain flour?
Based on the ingredients listed, this recipe uses only cornmeal and no wheat flour.
Can I use salted butter?
The recipe specifies unsalted butter, but salted can be used if you adjust the added coarse salt.
What makes this cornbread 'infused'?
It is infused with maple syrup in the batter, creating a sweet and savory flavor profile.
Is this a quick recipe?
Yes, it is designed to be quick to prepare and bake.
What is the texture of the cornbread?
It has a crispy exterior due to the cast-iron skillet and a fluffy interior.
Can I use this recipe for breakfast?
Yes, it is perfect for breakfast, as a side dish, or as a snack.
What happens if the skillet isn't hot enough?
A hot skillet is essential for getting that signature crispy golden crust.
Do I mix the dry and wet ingredients together at once?
No, you should gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.
Is this recipe suitable for cornbread lovers?
Absolutely, it highlights the delightful interplay of savory and sweet that cornbread lovers enjoy.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 7 main ingredients: cornmeal, baking soda, salt, eggs, kefir/buttermilk, maple syrup, and butter.