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Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9-inch baking dish, cast iron skillet, or muffin tin with butter.
2. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes:
- If you haven’t already, cook the sweet potatoes until tender. You can bake them in the oven or microwave, then peel and mash until smooth.
3. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg (if using).
4. Combine Wet Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the mashed sweet potatoes, eggs, buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
5. Bring It All Together:
- Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
6. Bake:
- Transfer the batter to the greased baking dish or skillet. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Serve Warm:
- Allow the cornbread to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy it with a pat of butter, honey, or maple syrup, or pair it with your favorite holiday dishes.
Tips for the Best Sweet Potato Cornbread
- Use Fresh Sweet Potatoes: Roasting the sweet potatoes instead of boiling them enhances their natural sweetness, making the cornbread even more flavorful.
- Experiment with Add-Ins: Add chopped pecans, cranberries, or even cooked bacon bits to the batter for extra texture and flavor.
- Adjust the Sweetness: For a sweeter cornbread, increase the sugar or add a tablespoon of honey to the batter.
- Make It Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
Why You’ll Love It During the Holidays
Sweet Potato Cornbread is a comforting and festive dish that adds a special touch to holiday meals. Its warm, golden color and rich flavor make it a standout side for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any family gathering. It pairs beautifully with savory dishes like roasted meats, soups, or stews and can even be used in recipes like cornbread stuffing or dressing.
The versatility of Sweet Potato Cornbread extends beyond just the holiday table. Leftovers make a great breakfast option when served with eggs or spread with a little jam or butter. You can also cube it up for a delicious bread pudding or use it as a base for a Southern-style stuffing.
A Southern-Inspired Treat for Your Holiday Menu
Sweet Potato Cornbread takes a beloved classic and gives it a holiday-inspired makeover. The natural sweetness from the sweet potatoes complements the traditional cornbread flavor while adding a festive twist. Whether you’re making it as a side dish for your holiday feast or enjoying it as a cozy snack on a chilly day, this cornbread is sure to become a favorite in your holiday recipe collection.
Bring the taste of Southern comfort to your table this season with a batch of warm, fluffy Sweet Potato Cornbread—it’s sure to be a hit at any gathering!