If you’re looking for a side that captures cozy home baking, savory depth, and an irresistible hint of herbal freshness, Cheddar Cornbread with Thyme is about to become your new favorite. This recipe balances golden cornmeal, tangy buttermilk, lush cheddar, and the floral notes of thyme for a bread that’s as perfect at a family barbecue as it is next to a steaming bowl of chili. One bite reveals tender crumb, gooey cheese pockets, and just enough sweetness to keep everyone coming back for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the charm of Cheddar Cornbread with Thyme fool you—each ingredient has a unique role, from texture to flavor to color. Here’s what makes every component matter, along with a simple tip for getting the very best results.
- Yellow cornmeal: The heart and soul of cornbread, offering classic color and a subtle crunch that sets the base for all other flavors.
- All-purpose flour: Gives the bread structure and ensures each bite is beautifully tender, not crumbly or dense.
- Baking powder: Essential for a lofty rise and lightness; always use fresh for maximum fluff.
- Baking soda: Reacts with buttermilk to provide extra lift and delicate crumb.
- Salt: Enhances every flavor and balances the sweetness and cheese.
- Fresh thyme leaves (or dried): Adds an unmistakable, earthy lift that perfectly complements the cheddar.
- Buttermilk: Brings tang, moisture, and softness—don’t skip it, or the bread will lose its plush texture.
- Large eggs: Hold everything together while adding richness and helping the bread rise.
- Melted unsalted butter (plus extra for greasing): Buttery flavor in every mouthful, and also the secret to a beautifully bronzed crust.
- Honey: Just a touch for subtle sweetness that enhances the corn and keeps the bread from tasting flat.
- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Melts into glorious savory ribbons for gooey pockets throughout the loaf.
How to Make Cheddar Cornbread with Thyme
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Start by heating your oven to a toasty 400°F (200°C). Take a moment to generously butter an 8-inch square baking dish or your favorite cast-iron skillet—this will not only prevent sticking but also give your Cheddar Cornbread with Thyme those irresistible crispy edges.
Step 2: Whisk the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and fragrant thyme. Whisking together ensures all those leaveners are evenly distributed, which means every bite will have the same tender rise and herby pop.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk up the buttermilk, eggs, melted butter, and honey. This mixture brings together all the moisture and richness, ensuring the final bread is never dry or bland.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined—overmixing can make cornbread tough, so a few streaks of flour are okay at this stage.
Step 5: Add the Cheddar
Fold in the sharp cheddar cheese with a gentle hand. The goal is lush ribbons of cheddar throughout the batter, not a dense blob in one spot. Your Cheddar Cornbread with Thyme will thank you with gooey, melty surprises in every slice.
Step 6: Bake
Pour your batter into the prepared dish or skillet, smoothing the top. Slide it into the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until it’s deeply golden and a toothpick poked in the center comes out clean. Let it cool slightly before slicing, so the crumb sets and each square comes out picture-perfect.
How to Serve Cheddar Cornbread with Thyme
Garnishes
For that special finishing touch, serve slices warm with a pat of salted butter melting over the top or an extra drizzle of honey. If you’re aiming to impress, a sprinkle of fresh thyme or a handful of chopped chives really brings out the herby notes in the Cheddar Cornbread with Thyme.
Side Dishes
This cornbread loves company! Pair it with hearty soups, smoky barbecue ribs, a pot of spicy chili, or even a fresh green salad. Its savory-sweet flavor bridges comfort food and lighter fare effortlessly.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re feeling playful, try cutting the Cheddar Cornbread with Thyme into wedges instead of squares, or bake mini muffins for adorable single servings. You can even cube leftovers as rustic croutons for salads or top with poached eggs for brunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any extra Cheddar Cornbread with Thyme tightly wrapped or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. The crumb stays moist and tender, especially if you resist the urge to snack on it all at once!
Freezing
This bread freezes beautifully. Once fully cooled, wrap slices individually in plastic wrap, then tuck them in a freezer bag. They’ll keep their wonderful texture for up to three months, making homemade comfort just a quick thaw away.
Reheating
To recapture that fresh-from-the-oven joy, pop slices in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 7 to 10 minutes, or give them a quick turn in the microwave. For a crispier finish, a hot skillet with a dab of butter works magic.
FAQs
Can I use a different cheese in Cheddar Cornbread with Thyme?
Absolutely! While cheddar is classic for its sharp tang, you can swap in Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even a bit of smoked Gouda for a unique spin. Just be sure it’s a cheese that melts well for those luscious cheese pockets.
Is there a way to make this gluten free?
You sure can! Substitute a cup-for-cup gluten free flour blend for the all-purpose flour. Be sure to check that your baking powder and baking soda are certified gluten free too, for a worry-free treat.
How do I make it spicier?
For a little extra kick in your Cheddar Cornbread with Thyme, fold in a minced jalapeño, a pinch of cayenne, or even some finely chopped chipotle in adobo. Taste as you go until you find your perfect heat level.
What’s the best way to keep the cornbread from sticking?
Generously greasing your pan—especially if you’re using cast iron—makes all the difference. Butter adds flavor and helps those golden edges peel away effortlessly, but parchment paper works in a pinch too.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Definitely! Simply double each ingredient and bake in a 9×13-inch baking dish. The bake time may need a few minutes longer, but the recipe is perfect for parties, potlucks, or any time you want a little more Cheddar Cornbread with Thyme to go around.
Final Thoughts
Cheddar Cornbread with Thyme is the kind of recipe that turns everyday meals into little celebrations. Whether you serve it at a festive gathering or just alongside tomorrow’s dinner, you’ll love how this bread brings warmth and big flavor to the table. Don’t wait—your new favorite comfort bake is just a few simple steps away!
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Cheddar Cornbread with Thyme Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cheddar Cornbread with Thyme recipe is a savory twist on classic cornbread, featuring the richness of cheddar cheese and the earthy aroma of fresh thyme. Perfectly moist and flavorful, this cornbread makes a delightful side dish for any meal.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 cup yellow cornmeal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried)
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup melted unsalted butter (plus extra for greasing)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease an 8-inch square baking dish or cast-iron skillet with butter.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and thyme.
- Combine wet ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together buttermilk, eggs, melted butter, and honey.
- Combine ingredients: Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Fold in the shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared dish, smooth the top, and bake for 20–25 minutes until golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Serve: Cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Serve warm with extra butter or drizzle with honey.
- For a spicy kick, stir in 1 minced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 330mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
