Jamie Oliver’s cornbread is a warm, slightly sweet and wonderfully fluffy take on a classic American dish. Known for its simple ingredients and easy preparation, Jamie’s version keeps things grounded while adding a bit of his own touch. What sets it apart is the perfect balance between moistness and crumbly texture, with a slight sweetness from the cornmeal. It’s not overly greasy or heavy but instead, it has a lightness that’s incredibly comforting. This cornbread is ideal for pairing with chili, barbecues or just as a snack with a dollop of butter.
Jamie Oliver Cornbread Recipe
Ingredients Needed
Here’s what you’ll need to bring Jamie’s cornbread to life:
- Cornmeal: This is the heart and soul of any cornbread. It gives that distinct, slightly gritty texture and flavor that makes cornbread unique.
- Plain flour: Helps with structure, giving the cornbread a light, fluffy texture.
- Baking powder: The leavening agent that helps the cornbread rise and become airy.
- Caster sugar: Adds that subtle sweetness. Don’t go overboard, though. you’re not making cake, just giving it a gentle lift in flavor.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
- Milk: Used to bring everything together and keep the cornbread moist.
- Eggs: Provide structure and moisture to the bread, helping it set perfectly.
- Butter: Adds richness and flavor, making the cornbread melt in your mouth.
- Optional – Fresh herbs or cheese: Jamie sometimes adds fresh herbs like rosemary or a handful of cheese to give the bread an extra flavor kick.
Equipment Needed
You don’t need anything too fancy, just basic kitchen tools:
- Mixing bowl: For combining the dry ingredients and then adding the wet ingredients.
- Whisk or spoon: To mix everything together.
- Baking tin: A square or round tin works fine; just make sure it’s greased to avoid sticking.
- Oven: A regular home oven will do. You’ll be baking it at a fairly standard temperature.
- Knife or bread board: For slicing the cornbread when it’s done.
How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Cornbread
Making this cornbread is a breeze and the results are delicious.
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to around 200°C (400°F). Grease your baking tin with a bit of butter or oil to prevent the cornbread from sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, plain flour, baking powder, sugar and salt. These are the dry ingredients that will form the backbone of your cornbread.
- Whisk Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk the eggs, milk and melted butter until everything is well combined.
- Combine the Mixtures: Make a well in the center of your dry ingredients and pour in the wet mixture. Gently fold it together with a spoon or spatula until just combined. Don’t overwork the batter; a few lumps are fine!
- Bake: Pour the batter into your prepared baking tin and smooth the top. Pop it in the oven for about 20-25 minutes or until it’s golden brown on top and a skewer comes out clean when inserted in the center.
- Cool and Serve: Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm with butter or enjoy as-is.
What I Learnt
Making Jamie Oliver’s cornbread is one of those recipes that reinforces the power of simplicity. There’s no need for complex techniques or fancy ingredients, yet the results are so satisfying. The texture, in particular, is what impressed me the most. It manages to be light and fluffy on the inside with a slight crumbly crunch on the outside. The balance of sweet and savory is perfect for just about any meal.I also learned that cornbread is incredibly versatile.
Recipe Tweaks For Jamie Oliver’s Cornbread
Jamie Oliver’s cornbread is a crowd-pleaser. You want to make it your own. Here are a few fun tweaks you can try to make it even more personalized.
- Add Cheddar Cheese: If you love cheese, grate some sharp cheddar into the batter. It gives the bread a savory richness that complements the sweetness of the cornmeal. A handful will do but feel free to go wild if you’re a cheese lover.
- Spices & Heat: Play with spices like cumin, smoked paprika or chili powder to give the cornbread a smoky edge. For an extra kick, toss in finely chopped fresh jalapeños or some red pepper flakes. The subtle heat works wonders with the soft crumb of the cornbread.
- Buttermilk Swap: Instead of regular milk, go for buttermilk. It gives the cornbread a tangy flavor and makes the texture a bit more tender. It’s an easy upgrade for a more flavorful, slightly richer bread.
- Honey or Maple Syrup: If you like a little sweetness in your cornbread, add a couple of tablespoons of honey or maple syrup to the batter. You can even drizzle a little on top once it’s out of the oven for a beautiful, glossy finish.
- Herbs: Fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary or chives can be folded into the batter to add a fragrant twist. A teaspoon or two of finely chopped herbs goes a long way in elevating the flavors.
- Add Corn Kernels: For extra texture, throw in some fresh or frozen corn kernels into the batter. This makes the bread more hearty and gives it that extra corn flavor.
These tweaks are all about elevating your cornbread experience, so have fun and experiment with what suits your taste!
Storage Tips For Leftovers
Cornbread is so tasty, you might not even have leftovers. but if you do, here’s how to keep it fresh.
- Room Temperature: If you’re going to eat the leftover cornbread within a day or two, you can store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It’ll stay soft and moist but you don’t want it exposed to air too long or it’ll dry out.
- Refrigeration: For longer storage, wrap the cornbread tightly in plastic wrap or foil and then pop it in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll last for about 4-5 days. Be sure to let it cool before storing to avoid excess moisture building up.
- Freezing: Want to save some for later? Freeze slices individually. Wrap them in plastic wrap or foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll stay good for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just pop them in the microwave or oven and they’ll taste almost as fresh as when you made them!
- Reheating: To bring back the fluffy texture, heat your leftover cornbread in the oven for about 10 minutes at 350°F (175°C). If you want an extra touch, wrap it in foil with a little butter to lock in moisture.
What To Eat With Jamie Oliver’s Cornbread?
Cornbread is pretty versatile and pairs well with many dishes. Here are a few ideas to elevate your meal.
- Southern-Inspired Dishes: Cornbread is a classic sidekick to soul food. Think fried chicken, collard greens and mac and cheese. The cornbread balances the richness of these dishes and soaks up all the flavorful juices.
- Chili: Cornbread is the perfect match. The slightly sweet cornbread cuts through the spicy and savory chili, making each bite a perfect combo.
- BBQ: Grilled meats, smoky sausages or barbecued pork can be made even better with a slice of cornbread on the side. The smokiness from the BBQ blends well with the mild sweetness of the bread.
- Salads: For a lighter option, pair your cornbread with a fresh salad. A tangy cucumber and tomato salad or a mixed green salad with a vinaigrette will offer a nice contrast to the rich, buttery cornbread.
- Soup: Cornbread can be a great dipper for soups like vegetable soup, split pea or a creamy potato soup. It soaks up the broth and adds a crunchy texture to every spoonful.
- Breakfast: Why not serve cornbread for breakfast? A couple of warm slices with butter and jam make for a simple yet comforting start to the day. You could even pair it with eggs and bacon for a full, savory breakfast.
FAQs
What Makes Jamie Oliver’s Cornbread Recipe Different?
His recipe uses a mix of cornmeal and flour for a light, fluffy texture, with a touch of honey for sweetness.
Can I Make Jamie Oliver’s Cornbread Ahead Of Time?
Yes, you can bake it in advance and store it in an airtight container for a day or two.
Can I Substitute Ingredients In Jamie Oliver’s Cornbread Recipe?
You can swap the buttermilk for regular milk or a plant-based alternative if needed. Just adjust the texture slightly.
