Ever wondered how to make the famous Cracker Barrel cornbread at home? I’ve got you covered!
This recipe will have you enjoying moist, buttery cornbread in just 30 minutes. With simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen, you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to bring this southern comfort food to your table.
Imagine biting into a warm, golden piece of cornbread that’s crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Whether you’re serving it with a hearty chili, a Sunday roast, or just enjoying it as a snack, this cornbread is perfect for any meal. Plus, the best part is you don’t need any fancy equipment—just a bowl and a whisk.
I can’t wait to share all the details and tips with you, from getting the ingredients ready to baking it to perfection. Stick around, because this is one recipe you’ll want to keep in your kitchen arsenal.
Key Takeaways
- Learn how to make a moist, buttery Cracker Barrel cornbread.
- The recipe uses simple, everyday ingredients.
- Tips for preparing and baking are included for perfect results every time.
Ingredients List and Amounts
When I make Cracker Barrel cornbread, I love to gather all the ingredients beforehand. It makes everything so much easier. Here’s what I use:
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups yellow cornmeal: This gives the cornbread its classic gritty texture.
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour: For a light and fluffy texture.
- 1/2 cup sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors.
Wet Ingredients
- 2 large eggs: Beaten to incorporate well.
- 1 cup buttermilk: For a tangy flavor. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can use milk with a little lemon juice or vinegar.
- 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter: Adds a rich, moist texture.
- 2 tablespoons honey: Adds extra sweetness and moisture.
Optional Add-Ins
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese: Cheddar works great.
- 1/4 cup chopped jalapeños: For a little bit of heat.
Instructions Prep
- Preheat Oven: Set it to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 12-cup muffin pan or a loaf pan.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, beat the eggs, add buttermilk, melted butter, and honey. Mix well.
- Combine: Fold the wet ingredients into the dry mixture until just combined.
- Bake: Pour into the prepared pan and bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
Recipe Preparation and Cooking Process
To make Cracker Barrel cornbread, you’ll need to focus on mixing your ingredients properly and baking it just right. The key to achieving fluffy insides and perfect crumbs lies in the details of these steps.
Mixing the Ingredients
First, preheat the oven to 400°F if you’re using a loaf pan or baking dish and 350°F for a muffin tin.
Use a mixing bowl to combine the dry ingredients: cornmeal, flour, and sugar.
In a separate bowl, whisk two large eggs until they are well-beaten. Then, pour in the buttermilk and melted unsalted butter, and mix until everything is well-blended.
Next, fold the wet mixture into the dry ingredients using a spatula or whisk. Be gentle to keep the batter light and airy. This way, you’ll end up with fluffy insides. Be careful not to over-mix to avoid a dense texture.
Baking the Cornbread
Once the batter is ready, grease your chosen baking vessel—a loaf pan, muffin tin, or skillet. Then, pour the batter evenly into the pan.
For a loaf pan or skillet, the cook time is about 15-20 minutes. For a muffin tin, bake for around 10-15 minutes.
Keep an eye on the cornbread as it bakes; it’s done when the top is slightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
This total time ensures that the cornbread achieves a perfect consistency. After baking, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This helps in setting the crumbs nicely and enhances the flavor and texture.
Cracker Barrel Cornbread Copycat
Course: LunchCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy12
servings5
minutes30
minutesQuick, easy, and irresistibly good.
Ingredients
1 cup yellow cornmeal
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 large eggs
Directions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease an 8-inch square baking pan, muffin tin, or a cast-iron skillet.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the buttermilk, melted butter, and eggs until well combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined; do not overmix.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan, muffin tins, or skillet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cornbread to cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here, we will cover how to make old-fashioned Cracker Barrel-style cornbread, the ingredients used, potential gluten-free options, nutritional content, making cornbread dressing, and ways to enhance the flavor.
How can I make old-fashioned cornbread like Cracker Barrel?
To make old-fashioned cornbread, preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 12-cup muffin pan.
In one bowl, combine cornmeal, flour, and sugar. In another bowl, whisk the eggs, then add honey and buttermilk. Mix the wet ingredients with the dry ones thoroughly.
What ingredients are in the Cracker Barrel cornbread mix?
The cornbread mix includes yellow cornmeal for texture and color, flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, unsalted butter, buttermilk, whole milk, eggs, and vegetable oil. You can find a detailed recipe at Foodies Family.
Does Cracker Barrel offer a gluten-free cornbread option?
Cracker Barrel does not offer a gluten-free cornbread option in its restaurants. You can make a gluten-free version at home using gluten-free flour and cornmeal. Ensure all other ingredients, like baking powder, are also gluten-free.
What is the nutritional content of Cracker Barrel’s cornbread?
A serving of Cracker Barrel’s cornbread has about 210 calories. It contains approximately 7 grams of fat, 31 grams of carbohydrates, and 4 grams of protein. Check the restaurant’s official site for the most accurate and updated information.
How can I recreate Cracker Barrel’s cornbread dressing at home?
Start by making a batch of cornbread. Crumble it and mix with sautéed onions, celery, chicken broth, and your favorite seasonings. Bake the mixture in an oven preheated to 350°F for about 45 minutes. For a detailed recipe, visit Blend of Bites.
What can be added to a cornbread mix to enhance its flavor?
To enhance the flavor, you can add ingredients like sharp cheddar cheese, jalapeños, or sweet corn kernels. A bit of honey or maple syrup can add a unique twist. For ideas, refer to the recipe at Insanely Good Recipes.