Description
Navajo Cornbread is a moist and flavorful Southwestern-inspired bread that combines the rich texture of creamed corn, sharp cheddar cheese, and subtle heat from green chiles or green onions. This cheesy cornbread is perfect as a side dish alongside stews, chili, or beans and offers a hearty, comforting taste representative of Native American culinary traditions.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup yellow cornmeal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup granulated sugar (optional for a sweeter version)
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup vegetable oil or melted butter
- 1 cup creamed corn
Add-ins
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup chopped green onions or mild green chiles (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking dish or cast iron skillet to ensure the cornbread doesn’t stick.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the yellow cornmeal, all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar if you’re using the sweeter version.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the milk, eggs, and vegetable oil or melted butter until fully blended.
- Add Creamed Corn and Cheese: Stir the creamed corn, shredded cheddar cheese, and optional chopped green onions or mild green chiles into the wet mixture, blending well.
- Combine Mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir just until combined. Be careful not to overmix to maintain a tender cornbread texture.
- Pour and Smooth Batter: Transfer the batter to the prepared baking dish or skillet, spreading it evenly and smoothing the top for uniform baking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cornbread to cool slightly before slicing into squares and serving warm.
Notes
- This moist and cheesy cornbread pairs excellently with hearty dishes like stews, chili, or beans.
- For a heartier version, consider folding in cooked crumbled sausage or diced ham into the batter.
- Navajo-style cornbread is distinct for incorporating creamed corn and cheese, giving it rich flavor and texture beyond traditional cornbread.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southwestern, Native American-Inspired
