Cheesy Mielie Cornbread is a delectable fusion of South African flavors and traditional cornbread goodness. With its delightful combination of cheese, corn kernels, and a hint of buttermilk, this recipe brings a burst of flavor to your table. It’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a quick weekday lunch, a cozy family dinner, or a potluck gathering with friends. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make, taking just 5 minutes to prepare and 1 hour to bake, resulting in a total time investment of only 1 hour and 5 minutes.
To embark on this culinary journey, gather your ingredients: 500 grams of self-raising flour, 1 cup of corn kernels, 5 grams of salt, 1 egg, 500 milliliters of buttermilk, and 250 grams of cheddar cheese. These simple yet flavorful ingredients come together to create a mouthwatering loaf of Cheesy Mielie Cornbread that will leave everyone craving for more.
Start by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F) to ensure it’s ready when your cornbread is prepared for baking. In a large mixing bowl, combine the self-raising flour, corn kernels, salt, and most of the cheddar cheese, reserving a portion to sprinkle on top later. This initial blending ensures an even distribution of ingredients throughout the cornbread, maximizing its deliciousness with every bite.
Next, add the buttermilk and egg to the dry ingredients, and gently mix until a tacky dough forms. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a dense texture in your cornbread. The buttermilk adds a subtle tanginess, while the egg helps bind everything together, resulting in a perfectly moist and tender loaf.
Once the dough is ready, transfer it into a lightly greased and floured 23x8x8cm loaf tin, spreading it out evenly. This ensures that your cornbread bakes uniformly, achieving a golden crust on the outside while remaining soft and fluffy on the inside. Smooth the top of the dough with a spatula or the back of a spoon to create an even surface, then generously sprinkle the reserved cheddar cheese on top. This additional layer of cheese not only enhances the flavor but also creates an irresistible golden crust that adds visual appeal to your cornbread.
Now, it’s time to let the oven work its magic. Place the loaf tin in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 1 hour, or until the cornbread is golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The aroma of freshly baked cornbread will fill your kitchen, tantalizing your taste buds and building anticipation for the delightful treat to come.
Once baked to perfection, remove the Cheesy Mielie Cornbread from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before slicing and serving. Whether enjoyed warm with a pat of butter or served alongside your favorite soup or stew, this cornbread is sure to be a hit with family and friends alike. Its cheesy goodness, combined with the sweetness of corn kernels and the comforting warmth of freshly baked bread, makes it an irresistible addition to any meal.
Nutritionally, each serving of this Cheesy Mielie Cornbread provides approximately 2887.7 calories, 56.9 grams of fat, 30.7 grams of saturated fat, 356.7 milligrams of cholesterol, 10079 milligrams of sodium, 482.8 grams of carbohydrates, 23.3 grams of fiber, 26.6 grams of sugar, and 114.6 grams of protein. These values may vary depending on factors such as serving size and specific ingredients used, but overall, this cornbread offers a balance of indulgence and nourishment that satisfies both the palate and the appetite.
In conclusion, Cheesy Mielie Cornbread is a delightful quick bread recipe that embodies the essence of comfort food with a South African twist. Its simplicity, versatility, and irresistible flavor make it a must-try for any home cook looking to elevate their bread-baking skills. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and let the aroma of freshly baked cornbread fill your kitchen as you embark on a culinary adventure that promises to delight and satisfy with every mouthful.
