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Navajo Cornbread Recipe

Navajo Cornbread Recipe


4.8 from 148 reviews

  • Author: Chef
  • Total Time: 50 mins
  • Yield: 9 squares
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Warm, hearty Navajo cornbread—slightly sweet, perfectly crumbly, and rich with tradition. A comforting side for soups, stews, or family meals.


Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 1 cup yellow cornmeal
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tbsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil

Add-ins

  • 1 cup canned cream-style corn
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 small green bell pepper, diced
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 can (4 oz) diced green chiles (optional)


Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the cornbread.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined. This will help distribute the leavening agent and seasoning evenly.
  3. Whisk Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the milk, eggs, and vegetable oil. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and homogenous, which makes it easier to incorporate into the dry ingredients.
  4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir gently with a spatula or wooden spoon, mixing just until there are no dry spots; avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.
  5. Add the Flavorful Mix-ins: Gently fold in the cream-style corn, shredded cheddar cheese, diced bell pepper, chopped onion, and diced green chiles (if using). Mix until everything is evenly distributed throughout the batter.
  6. Transfer Batter and Bake: Pour the prepared batter into the greased baking dish and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes, until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  7. Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the cornbread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before slicing into squares. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

  • Customize by adding chopped jalapeños or cooked bacon for extra flavor.
  • Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melt.
  • Leftovers can be wrapped and stored at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerated for up to 4 days.
  • This cornbread freezes well; cool completely, slice, and freeze individual pieces.
  • Prep Time: 15 mins
  • Cook Time: 35 mins
  • Category: Side-dishes
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Southwestern American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 square
  • Calories: 280
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 420 mg
  • Fat: 13 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 33 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 8 g
  • Cholesterol: 55 mg