In the American South, a tradition holds that eating cornbread on New Year's Day brings good fortune for the year ahead. The golden color of the cornbread is said to symbolize gold and riches, promising a year full of prosperity and financial success.
This New Year, go beyond the plain loaf! We've gathered 8 delicious and inventive cornbread recipes that will not only taste amazing but will also help manifest the luck, wealth, and progress you deserve.
1. Classic Southern Skillet Cornbread
This is the quintessential New Year cornbread. The simple, golden richness baked in a skillet represents a solid, reliable foundation for your prosperity in the coming year.
Directions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pour the vegetable oil into a 9-inch cast iron skillet and place it in the oven to heat up.
In a large bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, baking soda, and salt.
In a separate bowl, whisk the buttermilk and egg.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
Carefully remove the hot skillet from the oven. Pour the hot oil into the batter and stir quickly.
Pour the batter back into the hot skillet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
2. Honey-Butter Cornbread Muffins
The addition of honey symbolizes a sweet and easy year, while making them in muffin form promises individually wrapped pieces of good luck for everyone at the table.
Directions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a muffin tin with liners.
In a large bowl, mix together the cornmeal, flour, and baking powder.
In a separate bowl, whisk the milk, egg, honey, and melted butter.
Combine the wet and dry ingredients, mixing just until the flour disappears.
Scoop the batter into the muffin liners, filling them about two-thirds full.
Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into a muffin comes out clean.
3. Jalapeño and Cheddar Cornbread
Adding cheddar and jalapeño brings a "kick" of energy and excitement to your year, ensuring you stay motivated and that your financial progress is quick and spicy!
Directions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease an 8x8 inch baking dish.
In a bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, sugar, and salt.
In a separate bowl, mix the milk, eggs, and melted butter.
Pour the wet mixture into the dry mixture and stir until just combined.
Fold in the shredded cheddar cheese and diced jalapeños.
Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until firm and golden brown.
4. Bacon and Chive Cornbread
Bacon symbolizes fat and richness, representing a year that is full of surplus and comfort. The savory flavor is perfect when served alongside black-eyed peas and collard greens (other lucky New Year foods).
Directions
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
In a bowl, combine the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, and salt.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and egg.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry, mixing until just combined.
Gently fold in the crumbled bacon and chopped chives.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
5. Maple-Pecan Cornbread Loaf
The maple syrup symbolizes a smooth, sweet, and sticky wealth, while the pecans are often associated with longevity and grounding, giving your success a long, stable foundation.
Directions
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease and flour a loaf pan.
In a large bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, and baking powder.
In a separate bowl, mix the milk, eggs, maple syrup, and vegetable oil.
Add the wet ingredients to the dry and stir until just blended.
Fold in most of the chopped pecans, reserving a few for the top.
Pour the batter into the loaf pan, sprinkle the reserved pecans on top, and bake for 40-45 minutes.
6. Brown Butter Cornbread
Browning the butter before adding it to the batter elevates the richness and flavor. This symbolizes taking a simple idea (butter) and turning it into something more valuable and prosperous (brown butter).
Directions
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Continue cooking, swirling occasionally, until the butter browns and nutty sediment forms at the bottom. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease an 8x8 inch pan.
In a bowl, whisk the cornmeal, sugar, and baking soda.
In a separate bowl, whisk the milk and eggs.
Whisk the brown butter into the milk mixture.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and mix until just combined.
Pour into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes.
7. Sweet Potato Cornbread
Sweet potatoes are a hearty, grounding vegetable that promises a year of stability and deep, long-lasting success. The orange hue deepens the connection to gold and wealth.
Directions
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch round pan.
In a large bowl, combine the cornmeal, flour, brown sugar, baking powder, and cinnamon.
In a separate bowl, whisk the buttermilk, egg, and mashed sweet potato.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and stir until the batter is smooth.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the center is set.
8. Whole Grain Cornbread
Using whole grain cornmeal represents a commitment to holistic success—not just financial, but also in health and personal growth. It's a promise of an all-around positive year.
Directions
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease an 8x8 inch baking pan.
In a large bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
In a small bowl, whisk the milk, eggs, and vegetable oil.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and mix until just combined.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden and firm to the touch.
Make sure to enjoy a slice of one of these golden beauties on Date for a year full of luck, progress, and prosperity!