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; 2 tablespoons honey (optional)

Cornbread muffins are a delightful twist on traditional cornbread, offering a moist and fluffy texture with a hint of sweetness. Perfect for breakfast, as a side dish, or even as a snack, these muffins are sure to impress your family and friends. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, they make for a great addition to any meal, especially paired with chili or soup. Let’s dive into the recipe and make these delightful cornbread muffins together!

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
2 tablespoons honey (optional)

Servings and Cooking Time

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

Nutritional Value

Each muffin (approximately 1 muffin serving) contains about 180 calories, 7g of fat, 26g of carbohydrates, and 3g of protein. This is based on a standard serving size of one muffin.

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners.
In a large bowl, combine cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
In another bowl, whisk together milk, vegetable oil, and egg until well mixed.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir just until combined.
If using, add honey and mix gently.
Fill each muffin cup about 2/3 full with the batter.
Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Remove from oven and allow to cool in the pan for 5 minutes.
Transfer muffins to a wire rack to cool completely.
Enjoy warm or at room temperature!

Alternative Ingredients

You can substitute all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option. Additionally, use almond milk or oat milk for a dairy-free version. For a sweeter touch, consider adding corn kernels or diced jalapeños for a savory kick.

Serving and Pairings

Cornbread muffins pair beautifully with chili, soups, or stews. They can also be enjoyed with butter and honey for breakfast or served alongside barbecued meats at gatherings.

Storage and Reheating

Store cornbread muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, place muffins in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.

Cooking Mistakes

Overmixing the batter can lead to dense muffins.
Not preheating the oven may result in uneven cooking.
Using expired baking powder affects rising.
Filling the muffin cups too full can cause overflow.
Skipping the cooling step can make muffins gummy.

Helpful Tips

For extra flavor, add shredded cheese or herbs to the batter.
Test for doneness with a toothpick to avoid undercooked muffins.
Let muffins cool completely before storing to prevent sogginess.
Experiment with spices like cinnamon for a unique twist.

FAQs

Can I make cornbread muffins without sugar?

Yes, you can omit the sugar or replace it with a sugar alternative. The muffins may be less sweet but will still be delicious.

How do I know when the muffins are done baking?

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

Can I add ingredients like cheese or jalapeños?

Absolutely! Adding ingredients like cheese or jalapeños can enhance the flavor and make the muffins more savory.

How long do leftovers last?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature or frozen for up to 3 months.

Can I use a gluten-free flour blend?

Yes, you can substitute with a gluten-free flour blend, but the texture may vary slightly.

What can I serve with cornbread muffins?

These muffins are great with chili, soups, or simply with butter and honey for breakfast.

Conclusion

Cornbread muffins are a versatile and delicious addition to any meal. With their delightful flavor and easy preparation, they are sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy them fresh out of the oven or as a side dish, and don’t hesitate to experiment with different ingredients to make them your own!