Cornbread is a staple in Southern cuisine and brings nostalgia and comfort to many dinner tables. The White Lily Cornbread Recipe reminds us of a simpler time when baking was taught from one generation to the next.
Known for its light and fluffy texture, this classic dish goes great with many meals, like hearty stews or fresh greens. Using White Lily flour, which is made from soft wheat and is finely milled, helps make this cornbread light and special for any occasion.
Whether you’re new to baking or an experienced cook, this recipe will definitely bring you true Southern charm in every bite. So without wasting any more time, let’s get started on making this delicious Old-Fashioned White Lily Cornbread.
What Is the White Lily Cornbread Recipe and Why Is It So Special?
White Lily Cornbread holds a special place in the hearts of those familiar with Southern cooking. It’s known for being light and fluffy, unlike other crumbly cornbreads. The secret ingredient is White Lily Cornmeal which is made from soft red winter wheat and gives it a special texture and flavor that’s tough to match with other cornmeals.
The tradition of White Lily Cornbread goes back many years, often shared through family cookbooks and loved as a symbol of kindness and warmth. Its simple recipe is also very versatile; it goes well with everything from a tasty stew to a light salad. It’s very simple and easy to make, making it perfect for both skilled cooks and beginners wanting to try Southern cooking.
This recipe is more than just a side dish—it’s an experience that connects us to the culinary traditions of the South.
Ingredients Needed for White Lily Cornbread
The heart of any great recipe lies in its ingredients, and White Lily Cornbread is no exception. To create this Southern classic, you’ll need the following:
- 1 cup White Lily Cornmeal
- 1 cup White Lily All-Purpose Flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional)
- 1 1/4 cups buttermilk
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
Each ingredient plays their own role in the symphony of flavors and textures that define White Lily Cornbread. While the list is short and sweet, the quality and combination of these ingredients are what make this recipe a standout.
Nutritional Information of This Cornbread
Below is a detailed nutritional breakdown of the Old-Fashioned White Lily Cornbread, presented in a table format to provide easy access to important dietary information for readers:
Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | 180 |
Total Fat | 8g |
Saturated Fat | 5g |
Cholesterol | 55mg |
Sodium | 250mg |
Total Carbohydrates | 23g |
Dietary Fiber | 1g |
Sugars | 3g |
Protein | 4g |
Vitamin A | 6% DV |
Vitamin C | 0% DV |
Calcium | 10% DV |
Iron | 8% DV |
Equipment Needed
To achieve the perfect White Lily Cornbread, having the right equipment is as important as the ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Mixing Bowls
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Whisk or Electric Mixer
- Cast Iron Skillet or Baking Dish
- Oven
Recipe for White Lily Cornbread
Okay, now that we have all the ingredients and equipment ready, let’s move on to the recipe itself. Follow these simple steps to make your very own d White Lily Cornbread:
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Skillet
Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). As it heats up, place your cast iron skillet or baking dish inside to warm up. A hot skillet ensures a crispy crust, which is part of what makes this cornbread special.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the White Lily Cornmeal, White Lily All-Purpose Flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and, if you prefer, sugar. Stir them together until they’re well mixed. This combination sets the foundation for the light and airy texture of your cornbread.
Step 3: Blend the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, melted butter, and eggs until they are thoroughly combined. The buttermilk and butter add richness, while the eggs help bind everything together to create a smooth batter.
Step 4: Combine and Stir Everything
After blending, gently pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Using a whisk or an electric mixer, blend them just until you have a smooth batter. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make your cornbread dense.
Step 5: Pour and Bake
Carefully take your hot cast iron skillet out of the oven and generously grease it with butter or oil. Pour the batter into the skillet, ensuring it’s spread evenly. Return it to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once baked, allow the cornbread to cool for a few minutes before slicing. This gives it time to set a little and makes it easier to serve. Enjoy the cornbread warm, pairing it with your favorite stew or a simple pat of butter for an authentic Southern experience.
If you’re a fan of old-fashioned cornbread like we are, you won’t want to miss our delicious Aunt Jemima Cornbread Dressing Recipe. It’s a perfect blend of flavors that brings comfort to any meal.
Old-Fashioned White Lily Cornbread Recipe
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk or electric mixer
- Cast Iron Skillet or Baking Dish
- Oven
Ingredients
- 1 cup White Lily Cornmeal
- 1 cup White Lily All-Purpose Flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar optional
- 1 1/4 cups buttermilk
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter melted
- 2 large eggs
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Skillet
- Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). As it heats up, place your cast iron skillet or baking dish inside to warm up. A hot skillet ensures a crispy crust, which is part of what makes this cornbread special.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the White Lily Cornmeal, White Lily All-Purpose Flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and, if you prefer, sugar. Stir them together until they’re well mixed. This combination sets the foundation for the light and airy texture of your cornbread.
Step 3: Blend the Wet Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, melted butter, and eggs until they are thoroughly combined. The buttermilk and butter add richness, while the eggs help bind everything together to create a smooth batter.
Step 4: Combine and Stir Everything
- After blending, gently pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Using a whisk or an electric mixer, blend them just until you have a smooth batter. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make your cornbread dense.
Step 5: Pour and Bake
- Carefully take your hot cast iron skillet out of the oven and generously grease it with butter or oil. Pour the batter into the skillet, ensuring it’s spread evenly. Return it to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
- Once baked, allow the cornbread to cool for a few minutes before slicing. This gives it time to set a little and makes it easier to serve. Enjoy the cornbread warm, pairing it with your favorite stew or a simple pat of butter for an authentic Southern experience.
Notes
Creative Ways to Serve White Lily Cornbread
If you want to switch things up and add a touch of creativity to your White Lily Cornbread, here are some ideas
- Classic Pairing: Enjoy White Lily Cornbread with tasty dishes like chili, beef stew, or Southern fried chicken to soak up the flavors and add a nice texture contrast.
- Cornbread Sandwiches: Slice the cornbread horizontally and use it as a base for sandwiches. Layer with coleslaw, or your favorite deli meats and cheeses for a unique twist on a classic meal.
- Cornbread Croutons: To add a tasty crunch, cut leftover cornbread into cubes and toast them until they’re crispy. These croutons bring a Southern flavor to your salads or soups.
- Sweet or Savory Add-ons: Enhance the cornbread with additional toppings like honey butter, jalapeños, cheddar cheese, or sun-dried tomatoes. This customization allows you to make the dish to your taste preferences.
- Breakfast Side: Serve cornbread with eggs, bacon, and a side of fruit for a hearty breakfast that combines sweet and savory elements.
- Stuffing Base: Use crumbled cornbread as a base for a flavorful stuffing. Mix it with herbs, sausage, onions, and celery for a twist on traditional holiday stuffing.
I have one more suggestion for you: try this cornbread recipe paired with our popular copycat version of Dave’s Hot Chicken Sauce. It adds a spicy kick to the cornbread and is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
Storage Suggestions
Proper storage is essential to maintain the freshness and quality of your White Lily Cornbread. Here’s how to keep it delicious for longer:
- Room Temperature Storage: Wrap the cornbread tightly in plastic wrap or put it in a sealed container. It will stay fresh on the counter for up to 2 days, keeping its moist texture and taste.
- Refrigeration: To keep cornbread fresh for longer, put it in the fridge. Wrap it tightly or use an airtight container, and it will stay good for about a week. Heat it gently to keep it soft and tasty.
- Freezing: To store cornbread for a long time, freeze it. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap and put them in a freezer bag. It can stay frozen for up to three months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight and warm it up before serving.
- Reheating Tips: To get the best results, reheat cornbread in the oven on low heat. This will help you regain the crispy edges while keeping the inside soft and delicious. Try not to use the microwave, as it can make the texture chewy.
- Keep Away from Humidity: Store in a cool, dry place to stop the cornbread from soaking up too much moisture, which can cause it to go bad.
Tips for Making Perfect White Lily Cornbread
If you want to make sure your White Lily Cornbread comes out perfect every time, here are some helpful tips:
- Preheat Your Skillet: Make sure the cast iron skillet is heated up with the oven. This step is important for getting a crispy, golden-brown crust that adds texture and taste.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix the batter just until the dry and wet ingredients are mixed together. If you mix too much, the cornbread can turn out dense and heavy because it makes the flour’s gluten stronger.
- Control the Sugar: Change the amount of sugar based on what you like or if you’re serving it with sweet or salty food.
- Grease the Skillet Well: Use plenty of butter or oil to coat the skillet so the cornbread doesn’t stick and comes out easily from the pan.
Small changes can make a big difference in the final product, making sure it turns out great every time.
Conclusion
In conclusion, White Lily Cornbread is a tasty and flexible dish that is a staple in Southern cooking. With its crispy golden outside and soft, moist inside, it goes well with many meals and can be made to suit your taste.
Whether you’re serving it as part of a meal or enjoying it on its own, this cornbread recipe is sure to be a hit. So why not give it a try today? We promise you won’t be disappointed. So what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients and start baking.
Don’t forget to follow Yumy Recipe on Pinterest, and be sure to share your creations with us in the comments below. We’d love to hear how your recipe turned out.
FAQ
What makes White Lily Cornmeal different from regular cornmeal?
White Lily Cornmeal is different from regular cornmeal because it is milled from soft red winter wheat, which gives it a finer texture and milder flavor. This results in lighter and more tender baked goods compared to those made with traditional cornmeal varieties.
Can I substitute buttermilk with regular milk?
Yes, you can use regular milk instead of buttermilk, but you might miss the tangy taste. To add some acidity, mix a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice with a cup of regular milk and let it sit for about 5 minutes before using it in your recipe.
How can I make this cornbread gluten-free?
To make this cornbread gluten-free, swap regular flour for a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Also, check that your cornmeal is labeled gluten-free to prevent any contamination, and follow the recipe as usual.
What is the difference between Martha White and white lily cornmeal?
Both brands provide good-quality cornmeal, but White Lily is famous for its softer texture because it’s made from soft red winter wheat, leading to lighter, fluffier baked goods. Martha White, however, has a bit of a coarser texture that works well for heartier recipes.
Does White Lily make 3 river cornmeal?
Yes, White Lily does make a 3 River cornmeal mix. It’s a self-rising cornmeal mix that’s perfect for making cornbread, dressings, and tamales. You can find it on the White Lily website and at many grocery stores.
Absolutely loved the cornbread! Perfectly moist and delicious.
Thank you for trying our recipe!
The crust turned out perfectly crispy. Thanks for the tips!
My pleasure
This is the best cornbread recipe I’ve tried so far
Thank you very much!
My family couldn’t get enough of it. Will definitely make again
We’re so happy your family enjoyed it.
I made it gluten-free, and it was still amazing!
Fantastic!
Perfect blend of sweetness and cornbread flavor.
Thank you for your kind words!
Easy to make and turned out great for breakfast.
We’re pleased it was a hit for breakfast.
The directions were clear and easy to follow.
Thank you!
Loved using the cast iron skillet for this recipe.
The skillet makes all the difference!