Oh, cornbread! Who doesn’t love a good slice of warm, crumbly cornbread? But let’s be honest, it’s not always the *healthiest* thing on the table, right? I mean, usually it’s loaded with butter and sugar, which is yummy, but not exactly guilt-free. Well, get ready to change your mind, because this is the *healthy cornbread recipe* you’ve been waiting for!
This recipe makes a cornbread that’s actually good for you AND tastes amazing. Seriously! I remember my grandma used to make cornbread in a cast iron skillet, swimming in melted butter. It was delicious, sure, but definitely a treat. This *healthy cornbread recipe* gives you all that comforting flavor without the extra baggage. Trust me, you’re gonna love it!
Why You’ll Love This Healthy Cornbread Recipe
Quick and Easy
Seriously, who has tons of time to bake? Not me! This recipe is so quick. You can whip it up in minutes. I’m talking minimal prep and a short bake time. Boom! Cornbread’s ready!
Delicious Flavor
Okay, healthy doesn’t have to mean boring! This cornbread has the perfect balance of sweet and savory. It’s got that classic cornbread taste but with a little something extra. My favorite part is that it’s not *too* sweet.
Healthier Alternative
Let’s face it, most cornbread recipes aren’t winning any health awards. But this one? It’s made with less fat and sugar so you can enjoy a slice (or two!) without the guilt. It’s a total win-win!
Ingredients for the Best Healthy Cornbread Recipe
Alright, let’s talk ingredients! This *healthy cornbread recipe* is all about using the right stuff to get that perfect texture and flavor. Don’t worry, it’s all pretty simple. Just grab these things, and you’re good to go!
Cornmeal
You’ll want 1 1/4 cups (that’s 150g) of *finely ground* cornmeal. Trust me on this one; the texture makes a difference! We want it nice and smooth.
Flour
Next up, 1/2 cup (or 60g) of white whole wheat flour. If you’re gluten-free, no worries! Just swap it out for your favorite gluten-free flour blend. Easy peasy!
Leavening Agents
Gotta get that rise! So, grab 1 1/2 tsp of baking powder and 1/2 tsp of baking soda. Don’t skip these; they’re important!
Salt
Just a pinch! You’ll need 1/4 tsp of salt to balance out the sweetness.
Fat
For a little richness, you’ll need 1 tbsp (14g) of unsalted butter *or* coconut oil. Make sure it’s melted and cooled down a bit, so it doesn’t cook the egg!
Egg and Vanilla
Crack in 1 large egg (make sure it’s at room temperature!) and add 1 tsp of vanilla extract for that little something special.
Greek Yogurt
Here’s the secret weapon for keeping it moist: 1/2 cup (120g) of plain nonfat Greek yogurt. Seriously, it’s a game-changer!
Sweetener
Sweeten things up with 2 tbsp (30mL) of honey. But hey, if you like it sweeter, add a little more! It’s your cornbread!
Milk
Last but not least, 1/4 cup (60mL) of nonfat milk. Just enough to bring it all together.
How to Prepare This Healthy Cornbread Recipe: Step-by-Step Instructions
Okay, now for the fun part! Let’s actually make this *healthy cornbread recipe*. Don’t worry, it’s super easy. Just follow these steps, and you’ll be munching on warm cornbread in no time!
Preheat and Prep
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (that’s 175°C). While that’s heating up, grab an 8-inch square pan and give it a good coating with nonstick cooking spray. You don’t want your cornbread sticking!
Combine Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Just whisk it all together until it’s nicely combined. This makes sure everything’s evenly distributed.
Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter (or coconut oil), egg, and vanilla. Then, stir in the Greek yogurt. Don’t worry if it looks a little lumpy at first. Just keep stirring until the big lumps are gone. Stir in the honey, too!
Mix Wet and Dry
Here’s the trick: alternate adding the dry ingredients and the milk to the wet ingredients. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Add the cornmeal mixture in 3 parts for best results! Stir *just* until everything’s combined. Don’t overmix! A few streaks of flour are okay.
Bake and Cool
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread it out evenly. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the edges start to turn golden brown and the center feels firm when you touch it. Let it cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before slicing. For the *best* texture, I recommend letting it cool completely to room temperature. But hey, warm cornbread is pretty darn good too!
Tips for the Perfect Healthy Cornbread Recipe
Want to make sure your *healthy cornbread recipe* turns out amazing every single time? Of course, you do! Here are a few of my favorite tips that I’ve learned along the way. Trust me, these little things make a big difference!
First off, make sure your egg is at room temperature. It just mixes better, you know? Also, don’t overmix the batter! Seriously, just stir until everything’s combined. Overmixing makes it tough, not fluffy. And finally, keep an eye on it in the oven! Ovens can be tricky, so start checking for doneness around 18 minutes. You got this!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Your Healthy Cornbread Recipe
Let’s dive a little deeper into those ingredients, shall we? Sometimes you gotta make a swap, or maybe you’re just curious. No problem! Here’s the lowdown on a few key players in this *healthy cornbread recipe*.
Cornmeal Type
Did you know there are different kinds of cornmeal? I usually go for finely ground, but medium-ground works too. Just avoid coarse-ground, or your cornbread might be a little gritty!
Flour Options
I love white whole wheat flour because it’s a bit healthier, but regular all-purpose flour is totally fine too. And for my gluten-free friends, any gluten-free blend should work like a charm!
Sweetener Variations
Honey’s my go-to, but maple syrup or even a little bit of agave would be yummy too! Just adjust the amount to your liking. Taste as you go, that’s what I always say!
Serving Suggestions for Your Healthy Cornbread Recipe
Okay, so you’ve got this amazing *healthy cornbread recipe* ready to go. Now what? Well, it’s awesome on its own, but why not make it a meal? I love having it with a bowl of chili or soup. Seriously, the best combo ever! You can also slather it with a little honey or jam. Yum!
Frequently Asked Questions About This Healthy Cornbread Recipe
Got questions about this *healthy cornbread recipe*? I get it! Baking can be a little tricky sometimes. So, here are a few of the most common questions I get asked. Hopefully, this helps!
Can I use a different type of flour?
Totally! If you don’t have white whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour works just fine. And if you need a gluten-free option, just use your favorite gluten-free baking blend. I’ve tried it with a few different ones, and they all turned out great!
How do I store leftover cornbread?
Easy peasy! Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or pop it into an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh at room temperature for a couple of days. Or, you can keep it in the fridge for up to a week. You can even freeze it for longer storage! Just thaw it out before you dig in.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yep! You can totally bake the cornbread a day or two in advance. Just store it properly, like I mentioned above. Or, you can even mix the dry ingredients together ahead of time and store them in an airtight container. Then, when you’re ready to bake, just whisk in the wet ingredients. So convenient!
Nutritional Information for This Healthy Cornbread Recipe
Okay, so what are we talking, nutrition-wise? Each slice clocks in around 150 calories, with about 4g of fat, 5g of protein, and 25g of carbs. But hey, it’s just an estimate, okay?
Ready to Bake Your Best Healthy Cornbread Recipe?
Alright, are you ready to give this *healthy cornbread recipe* a try? I know you’re gonna love it! Seriously, it’s so easy and so delicious. Once you try it, come back and leave a comment below! I’d love to hear what you think! And hey, if you loved it, don’t forget to rate the recipe and share it with your friends. Happy baking!
Print
Healthy Cornbread Recipe: 18 Min Guilt-Free Slice
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings 1x
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This recipe provides a healthy and delicious cornbread option.
Ingredients
- 1 ¼ cups (150g) finely ground cornmeal
- ½ cup (60g) white whole wheat flour or gluten free flour
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 tbsp (14g) unsalted butter or coconut oil, melted and cooled
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup (120g) plain nonfat Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp (30mL) honey
- ¼ cup (60mL) nonfat milk
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F, and coat an 8”-square pan with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together the butter, egg, and vanilla. Stir in the Greek yogurt, mixing until no large lumps remain. Stir in the honey. Alternate between adding the cornmeal mixture and milk, beginning and ending with the cornmeal mixture, and stirring just until incorporated. (For best results, add the cornmeal mixture in 3 equal parts.)
- Spread the batter into the prepared pan. Bake at 350°F for 18-20 minutes or until the edges begin to turn golden and the center feels firm to the touch. Cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before slicing and serving. (For the best texture, let it cool completely to room temperature.)
Notes
- Use finely ground cornmeal for the best texture.
- Vanilla extract enhances the flavor.
- Adjust honey amount to your liking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 30mg