Cornbread holds a special place in American cuisine, reflecting a rich history that weaves together Mesoamerican, Native American, and African influences. This versatile bread dates back thousands of years to a time when simple ingredients like cornmeal, water, and salt were transformed over flames. As European settlers arrived, they encountered challenges with wheat cultivation and turned to this indigenous staple, enhancing it with milk, eggs, butter, and leavening agents to create the comfort food loved today — from the sweet varieties of the North to the savory Southern styles.
If you’re aiming for a traditional experience, consider preparing your cornbread in a cast-iron skillet, which can also boost your iron intake. Some modern recipes incorporate sugar, but it’s not a must-have. The right cornmeal can offer natural sweetness. While sugar has historically been added—often a necessity with overly processed corn—opting for stone-ground cornmeal provides ample flavor on its own, eliminating the need for additional sweetness.
Making Cornbread Without Sugar
Using stone-ground cornmeal is essential for building flavor. This type maintains the integrity of the kernel, leaving crucial components intact. The germ provides natural sweetness, which sugary additives often compensate for in commercially processed corn. For instance, quality brands like Indian Head Yellow Corn Meal or Bob’s Red Mill Coarse Grind Cornmeal offer ample flavor.
A cast iron skillet is ideal for baking cornbread. While not mandatory, it enhances flavor and ensures consistent cooking. Combine roughly 1.75 cups of cornmeal with about 2 cups of full-fat buttermilk for added richness. For those desiring extra flavor, consider searing some bacon in the skillet first, although using butter will do nicely too. Incorporate an egg with a touch of salt and baking soda into your batter. Begin cooking the mixture on the stovetop for a few minutes before transferring it to the oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Bake until golden-brown, resulting in a flaky, delicious cornbread. This dish pairs beautifully with bacon or is a fantastic side for a seafood spread.
