Southern Cornbread Muffins

Southern cornbread muffins are a savory side dish that adds a Southern touch to any dinner.  For an authentic dish, serve with fried chicken and collard greens.

These Southern style cornbread muffins are moist with a perfect crumb. 

What I like about them over classic skillet cornbread is that you don’t need to bother cutting them.  Just pop them out of the tin and they are ready to be served.

Unlike Northern sweet cornbread muffins which are usually eaten for breakfast - or at least that’s the way I eat them -  Southern savory cornbread muffins are served for dinner.

At least that is what I’m told by my friend Christopher from Georgia.  However, my friend Mack from Texas says they can also be eaten for lunch.

Traditionally they are eaten all year round. My favorite time of year to serve these though is actually Thanksgiving. 

I’m not sure where I got the idea to make cornbread for Thanksgiving. 

Being from California and New York, my family never did it since it is more popular in parts of New England and the South. 

It could be I picked it up from my friends in Massachusetts.

Either way, it seemed like a nice addition so I started making it as part of my Thanksgiving menu and my family approved.

HOW TO STORE

Let the muffins cool fully.

Transfer the muffins to an airtight container lined with a paper towel.  Place another paper towel on top of the bread before sealing. 

If using a zip-top plastic bag, line both sides of the bag with paper towels and remove as much air as possible before sealing the top of the bag. 

Store at room temperature for up to 4 days.

HOW TO FREEZE

Let the muffins cool fully.  Wrap in plastic wrap, then place in a resealable freezer bag.

Freeze for up to 3 months.  They will still be safe to eat after 2 to 3 months, but their quality begins to degrade. 

When ready to eat, let thaw at room temperature. To give it a fresh-out-of-the-oven taste and texture, rewarm gently in an oven.

SNAFU:

The first time I tried to make cornbread was for Thanksgiving. I was feeling so rushed I accidentally added a tablespoon of salt instead of a teaspoon.

Needless to say, it was extremely salty and not much of a hit. In fact, I was worried my family wouldn’t give these chance... but after a little convincing, they did and really enjoyed them.