Buttermilk cheddar and Bacon Cornbread recipe (2024)

by Graham | Oct 11, 2011 | Festive, Muffins | 10 comments

I reckon cornbread is about as South African as you can get but seldom see it anywhere. Just as an aside, when you next make pap for the braai, add a tin of sweetcorn about 20 minutes before you serve it, it’s really great.

back to the cornbread. This cornbread recipe uses whole kernels which I like as a sweet pop in the mouth as you are munching your way through it. The buttermilk makes a huge difference so don’t be tempted to substitute and if you are a bacon fan like me, put a few strips of bacon over the top… YUM. It’s been so hot lately and is definitely braai time, but try it with a stew like the tomato Bredieor as a side with the Greek style Lamb shanks, it’s a real winner. Makes a large loaf, I use a 23x23x9cm (approximate) tin

What you need

2 cups cake flour
1 cup white corn meal (mielie meal)
3 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 large egg
100ml vegetable/sunflower oil
1 1/2 cups buttermilk
1 cup corn kernels (not sweetcorn0
2 cups grated cheddar cheese
1/2 packet (125g) streaky bacon cut into pieces (optional)

The process

Heat your oven to 200 Celsius and grease your tin well with butter, don’t be shy with the butter.

In a large bowl add the flour, mealie meal, salt and baking powder, make a well in the center.

In another bowl add the buttermilk, oil and egg, give it a really good whisk and then pour into the well in the dry ingredients and mix well to combine everything.

Now add the corn kernels and the cheese and use a folding motion to distribute the corn and cheese evenly.

Pour the mixture into the greased tin, cover the top with the bits of bacon(if you are using bacon) and bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until the top is beautifully browned and the bacon sizzling.

Let it cool for about 10 minutes in the tin (if you can) before you remove it or you can serve it straight from the tin.