Fresh Cornbread in No Time with This Simple Make-Ahead Mix

Cornbread is a staple in many households, loved for its slightly sweet, slightly savory flavor and comforting texture. But making cornbread from scratch can sometimes feel like a bit too much work. That’s where this make-ahead cornbread mix comes in! By preparing the dry ingredients in advance, you can have fresh cornbread — whether in a loaf or muffin form — any day of the week, with minimal effort. Plus, this mix can be customized to suit your taste, whether you prefer a sweeter cornbread or something more savory. Let’s dive into how you can make this versatile cornbread mix to keep in your pantry for when the craving hits!

Why This Cornbread Mix is Perfect for Busy Days:

• Time-Saving: Having the dry mix ready to go means you can prepare cornbread in under 30 minutes. Just add eggs, butter, and milk, and you’re good to go!
• Customizable: You can adjust the sweetness of the mix to your preference or leave out the sugar for a more savory take.
• Multipurpose: Use the mix for classic cornbread, cornbread muffins, or even as a side to chili, soups, or barbecues.
• Long Shelf Life: Store the dry mix in a mason jar, and it stays fresh for weeks, giving you easy access to homemade cornbread whenever you want it.

The Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the dry mix, you’ll need a few basic ingredients, many of which you probably already have in your kitchen. This mix is made with pantry staples, making it an affordable and convenient option for homemade cornbread.

• Cornmeal: This is the star ingredient of cornbread and provides that signature texture and flavor.
• All-purpose flour: Flour helps to give the cornbread its structure and a tender crumb.
• Sugar: This adds a touch of sweetness to balance the earthy flavor of the cornmeal. You can adjust the amount based on your personal preference.
• Baking powder: This is the leavening agent that makes the cornbread rise, giving it a light and fluffy texture.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.

For the cornbread itself, you’ll also need:

• Eggs: Essential for binding the ingredients and giving the cornbread structure.
• Unsalted butter: Adds richness and moisture to the bread.
• Milk: Helps to bring everything together, creating a smooth batter for baking.

How to Make the Cornbread Mix:

Start by preparing the dry mix so that it’s ready whenever you want to bake. To make the dry mix, combine the cornmeal, all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl. Stir well until everything is evenly distributed. Once combined, transfer the mix into a half-gallon mason jar or an airtight container. Seal it tightly and store it in a cool, dry place. This dry mix can last for weeks, so you’ll always have cornbread ingredients on hand when you need them.

How to Make Cornbread with the Mix:

When you’re ready to bake, simply pull the dry mix out of your pantry and add the following ingredients:

• 3 cups of dry mix
• 2 eggs
• ½ cup of melted unsalted butter
• 1 cup of milk

Stir until the ingredients are just combined — be careful not to overmix, as this can result in dense cornbread. Once mixed, pour the batter into a greased loaf pan for a traditional loaf or divide it into a muffin tin for 12 individual servings.

Bake at 400°F for 20 to 30 minutes, depending on your pan size. To check for doneness, insert a fork into the center of the cornbread. If it comes out clean, it’s done! Let the cornbread cool for a few minutes, and if desired, spread a little butter on top for a delicious finish.

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Recipe Notes:

• Sweet vs. Savory Cornbread: Traditional cornbread recipes typically do not include sugar, but many modern variations add a bit of sweetness. If you prefer a more savory cornbread, feel free to leave out the sugar in the dry mix.
• Serving Suggestions: Cornbread is perfect alongside chili, soups, stews, or barbecued meats. It’s also great as a snack, spread with butter and honey.
• Customization Ideas: Add-ins like cheese, jalapeños, or corn kernels can easily be folded into the batter for extra flavor and texture.
• Storing Cornbread: If you have any leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container for a couple of days. Leftover cornbread also freezes well for up to three months.

Why You’ll Love This Cornbread Mix:

This cornbread mix is not only easy to make, but it’s also an incredibly versatile pantry staple that saves you time and effort. With the dry mix ready to go, you can whip up fresh, homemade cornbread whenever the craving strikes. Plus, the ability to customize it means you can cater to your family’s preferences — whether that’s a touch of sweetness or a more traditional savory flavor.

For anyone who loves cornbread, this recipe is a game-changer. You can enjoy homemade, fresh cornbread anytime without the hassle of starting from scratch every time. It’s the perfect accompaniment to your favorite comfort foods, and with this make-ahead mix, you’ll never need to rely on store-bought cornbread again.

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