The Ultimate Cheesy Cheddar Cornbread: A Holiday Table Must-Have

There’s just something incredibly comforting, wouldn't you agree, about a warm slice of cornbread? Especially when it’s studded generously with sharp, melty cheddar cheese! It's that kind of dish that just feels right, whether it’s accompanying a hearty chili on a chilly evening or taking center stage as a standout side at a festive holiday meal, like Thanksgiving.

While traditional cornbread holds a special place in our hearts, adding a generous helping of sharp cheddar truly transforms it. It brings an extra layer of savory goodness and a delightful texture that's hard to resist. This recipe aims for that perfect balance – a moist, tender crumb with a lovely golden crust, all thanks to a few simple, good-quality ingredients. It’s a bit of home-style magic, really, and surprisingly easy to whip up even on the busiest of days.

So, let's dive into making this absolutely fabulous Cheddar Cornbread. Trust me, your guests (and your taste buds!) will thank you.

What You'll Need: Gather Your Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups yellow cornmeal (medium grind works beautifully)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (optional, for a hint of sweetness, but feel free to omit for a more savory profile)
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 1 ½ cups buttermilk (or regular milk with a tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar, let sit for 5 minutes)
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled, plus extra for greasing
• 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided

Let's Get Baking: Simple Steps to Cornbread Perfection

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Preheat. First things first, get your oven ready. Preheat it to a cozy 375°F (190°C). Then, grab a 9-inch cast iron skillet or an 8x8 inch baking dish and generously grease it with a little butter or cooking spray. If you’re using a cast iron skillet, pop it into the preheating oven for about 5-10 minutes. This helps create that wonderfully crispy bottom crust everyone loves!

Step 2: Whisk the Dry Ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, bring together your cornmeal, flour, sugar (if you’re using it), baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Give them a good whisk until everything is thoroughly combined. This ensures your leavening agents are evenly distributed, so you don't end up with a lopsided cornbread!

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients. In a separate, medium-sized bowl, gently whisk together your lightly beaten egg, buttermilk, and the melted butter. It's important that your melted butter isn't scorching hot, otherwise, it might scramble the egg. We definitely don't want that!

Step 4: Marry Wet and Dry. Now, pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir them together just until they're combined. And here's a crucial tip: don't overmix! A few lumps are perfectly fine, even desirable. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can lead to tough cornbread, and we’re aiming for tender and crumbly, right?

Step 5: Fold in the Cheese. Gently fold in about 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese. You want those lovely pockets of cheesy goodness throughout the batter.

Step 6: Bake It Up! Carefully remove your hot skillet (if you preheated it) from the oven. Pour the batter into the hot skillet or prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese over the top. Pop it back into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is beautifully golden brown and a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Each oven is a little different, so keep an eye on it!

Step 7: Cool and Serve. Once baked, let your magnificent cornbread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before slicing. This allows it to set up properly, making for cleaner cuts and ensuring all that cheesy goodness stays put. Serve it warm with a generous pat of butter, alongside your holiday turkey, a hearty stew, or even a simple bowl of chili. It’s truly versatile!

This cheddar cornbread is more than just a recipe; it's an invitation to create a little warmth and comfort in your kitchen. It’s simple, yes, but the results are anything but. Enjoy the process, and savor every cheesy, buttery bite!