- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease an 8-inch square baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients — cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. This ensures even distribution of leavening and seasoning.
- In a separate bowl, combine the wet ingredients: sour cream, milk, melted butter, and eggs. Whisk until smooth and fully blended.
- Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix — a few lumps are okay, as overmixing can lead to tough cornbread.
- Transfer the batter to the prepared baking dish and smooth the top with a spatula for even baking.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cornbread to cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm with butter, honey, or your favorite savory accompaniment.
Why This Cornbread Works So Well
- Cornmeal: The base ingredient, cornmeal adds a slightly sweet, nutty flavor and hearty texture. Using stone-ground cornmeal will yield a coarser, more traditional crumb, while finer cornmeal produces a smoother texture.
- Sour Cream: This ingredient adds richness and moisture, creating a tender crumb that keeps the bread from drying out. Its mild tang also balances the sweetness and enhances the corn flavor.
- Sugar: A touch of sugar rounds out the flavor without making it overly sweet. Amish cornbread leans toward mildly sweet rather than dessert-like.
- Eggs and Butter: These bind the ingredients and enrich the batter, contributing to the cornbread’s dense, moist texture.
- Baking Powder: The leavening agent ensures the bread rises enough to be soft and light, but still hearty.
Serving Suggestions: More Than Just a Side
Amish sour cream cornbread is incredibly versatile and can elevate a meal with its rich, comforting flavor.
- With Hearty Stews and Chili: Its dense texture soaks up thick gravies and sauces, making it perfect alongside beef stew, chicken pot pie, or a spicy bowl of chili.
- As a Companion to Roast or Grilled Meats: Whether you’re serving a classic roast chicken, pot roast, or grilled pork chops, cornbread adds a satisfying balance.
- For a Lighter Meal: Pair it with a fresh garden salad or a creamy tomato soup for a meal that’s comforting but not heavy.
- Breakfast or Snack: Toast slices and spread with butter or drizzle with honey or maple syrup. The slight tanginess from the sour cream complements sweet toppings wonderfully.
Variations & Tips to Customize Your Cornbread
- Cheesy Cornbread: Stir in 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese for a rich, savory twist.
- Corn Kernels: Fold in ½ cup of fresh or frozen corn kernels for extra texture and natural sweetness.
- A Kick of Heat: Add 1-2 finely chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to spice things up.
- Gluten-Free: Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend to make this recipe suitable for gluten sensitivities.
- Traditional Texture: Use stone-ground cornmeal to mimic the authentic, coarser texture preferred in Amish cooking.
- Herbs: Mix in a tablespoon of chopped fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or chives to add aromatic notes.
Tips for Perfect Amish Sour Cream Cornbread Every Time
- Don’t Overmix: Stir gently until combined. Overmixing develops gluten, leading to tougher cornbread.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Use eggs, milk, and sour cream at room temperature to help the batter come together smoothly.
- Check Oven Temperature: Ovens vary—if your cornbread browns too fast, lower the heat slightly and extend baking time.
- Cooling Time: Let it cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This helps it firm up and slice cleanly.
A Slice of Amish Tradition in Your Kitchen
This Amish sour cream cornbread recipe is more than just food—it’s a connection to a slower, more intentional way of living. Each bite carries the spirit of a community that values family, hard work, and good food made from scratch. By trying this recipe, you’re not just making cornbread—you’re experiencing a piece of heritage, filled with warmth and heart.
So next time you want a comforting side that’s easy to prepare and hard to forget, give this Amish sour cream cornbread a try. Your taste buds—and your family—will thank you.
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