This innovative take on traditional Southern cornbread elevates the humble staple with the sophisticated addition of hazelnut brown butter and a luscious honey butter finish. The result is a perfectly balanced bread that bridges the gap between sweet and savory, making it suitable for any meal of the day.
Ingredients
For the Cornbread
- 335g (2¾ cups) coarse corn flour
- 280g (2¼ cups) type 00 flour
- 125g (⅔ cup) granulated sugar
- 30g (2 tablespoons) baking powder
- 8g (1½ teaspoons) salt
- Freshly grated nutmeg, to taste
- 375g (1½ cups) creamed corn
- 550ml (2¼ cups) whole milk
- 2 large eggs
- 125ml (½ cup) vegetable oil
- 5ml (1 teaspoon) vanilla extract
- 80g (⅓ cup) unsalted butter, for browning
- 30g (2 tablespoons) unsalted butter, for the pan
For the Honey Butter
- 115g (½ cup) salted butter
- 130g (⅓ cup) honey
Time Requirements
- Preparation: 20 minutes
- Baking: 35-40 minutes
- Resting: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Brown Butter
- Brown the Butter
- Melt 80g butter in light-colored saucepan
- Cook until milk solids turn golden brown
- Remove from heat immediately
- Cool until solidified but still spreadable
Making the Cornbread Batter
- Preheat
- Place 25cm (10-inch) cast iron skillet in oven
- Heat oven to 190°C (375°F)
- Combine Dry Ingredients
- Whisk together corn flour and 00 flour
- Add sugar, baking powder, and salt
- Grate fresh nutmeg into mixture
- Whisk until well combined
- Mix Wet Ingredients
- Combine creamed corn, milk, and eggs
- Add vegetable oil and vanilla
- Whisk until smooth
- Incorporate brown butter
- Create Batter
- Make well in dry ingredients
- Pour wet ingredients into well
- Fold gently until just combined
- Leave small lumps for texture
Baking Process
- Prepare Pan
- Remove hot skillet from oven
- Coat with 30g butter
- Ensure even coverage
- Bake
- Pour batter into hot skillet
- Bake 30 minutes at 190°C
- Brush with honey butter
- Continue baking 5-10 minutes
- Test with toothpick for doneness
Honey Butter Preparation
- Combine Ingredients
- Melt butter over medium heat
- Add honey
- Whisk continuously
- Maintain below boiling point
Nutritional Information
Per serving (based on 12 slices):
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fat: 19g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 22g
Professional Baking Tips
- Temperature Management
- Ensure ingredients are room temperature
- Maintain consistent oven temperature
- Preheat skillet thoroughly
- Texture Control
- Do not overmix batter
- Embrace small lumps
- Allow proper rest time after baking
- Brown Butter Excellence
- Use light-colored pan to monitor browning
- Watch for golden brown color
- Cool completely before incorporating
Variations and Substitutions
- Flour Alternatives
- Replace 00 flour with all-purpose flour
- Use fine cornmeal for different texture
- Add whole grain flour for nuttiness
- Dairy Options
- Substitute buttermilk for whole milk
- Use plant-based milk alternatives
- Replace creamed corn with corn puree
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this without a cast iron skillet?
A: Yes, use a 9×13 inch baking pan, but reduce temperature to 180°C (350°F).
Q: How do I store leftover cornbread?
A: Wrap tightly and store at room temperature for 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Q: Can I freeze this cornbread?
A: Yes, wrap well and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before serving.
Q: Why is my cornbread crumbly?
A: This could be from overmixing or incorrect flour ratios. Follow measurements precisely and mix gently.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Room Temperature Storage
- Store wrapped in foil up to 2 days
- Keep honey butter refrigerated
- Reheat individual slices before serving
Extended Storage
- Refrigerate up to 5 days
- Freeze up to 3 months
- Wrap individual portions for convenience
Make-Ahead Options
- Mix dry ingredients night before
- Prepare honey butter up to 1 week ahead
- Brown butter can be made 3 days in advance
This sophisticated version of cornbread combines traditional Southern comfort with refined culinary techniques. The result is a versatile bread that pairs beautifully with both savory meals and sweet accompaniments, making it perfect for everything from casual family dinners to elegant brunches.