Irresistible Sweet Potato Cornbread Recipe: A Southern Comfort

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Sweet Potato Cornbread Recipe

Get ready to experience a slice of Southern heaven with our Irresistible Sweet Potato Cornbread! This unique twist on traditional cornbread combines the hearty texture of cornmeal with the subtle sweetness and vibrant color of sweet potatoes. The result? A moist, flavorful cornbread that’s perfect for any meal, from cozy family dinners to festive holiday gatherings.

What makes this sweet potato cornbread truly special is its perfect balance of flavors and textures. The sweet potatoes add a natural sweetness and moisture that complements the cornmeal’s grainy texture, creating a cornbread that’s far from dry or crumbly. Plus, the beautiful golden-orange hue makes it a stunning addition to your table.

If you’re a fan of Southern-inspired dishes, you might also enjoy our classic chicken and gravy recipe for a complete comfort meal. And for those looking to explore more sweet potato recipes, don’t miss our vibrant purple sweet potato recipe for a colorful twist on this versatile vegetable.

Recipe Quick Facts

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Servings: 12
• Calories per serving: 220

What You’ll Need for This Sweet Potato Cornbread Recipe

• 1 cup mashed sweet potato (about 1 medium sweet potato)
• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

How to Create the Perfect Sweet Potato Cornbread

Step 1: Prepare Your Sweet Potato

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Wash and dry a medium-sized sweet potato. Pierce it several times with a fork, then microwave for 5-7 minutes until soft. Let it cool slightly, then scoop out the flesh and mash it until smooth.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon (if using). This ensures all the dry ingredients are evenly distributed for a consistent texture.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, mix the mashed sweet potato, buttermilk, melted butter, eggs, honey, and vanilla extract until well combined. The honey adds a subtle sweetness that complements the sweet potato beautifully.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Gently fold the mixture together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cornbread.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Grease a 9-inch cast-iron skillet or baking pan with butter or oil. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 22-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Allow the cornbread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with a pat of butter or a drizzle of honey for an extra touch of sweetness.

Pro Tips for the Ultimate Sweet Potato Cornbread

1. For the best texture, don’t overmix the batter. A few lumps are okay!
2. Using a cast-iron skillet will give your cornbread a delicious crispy crust.
3. To enhance the sweet potato flavor, try roasting the sweet potato instead of microwaving it.
4. For a dairy-free version, substitute the buttermilk with almond milk mixed with a tablespoon of lemon juice.
5. Add 1/2 cup of corn kernels to the batter for added texture and sweetness.
6. For a savory twist, mix in 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme.
7. Leftover cornbread can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutritional Breakdown

Per serving:

• Calories: 220
• Protein: 4g
• Fat: 7g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 8g

Delicious Variations to Try

1. Spiced Sweet Potato Cornbread: Add 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice for a warm, autumnal flavor. This pairs wonderfully with our homemade smoked sausage recipe.
2. Maple Pecan Sweet Potato Cornbread: Replace the honey with maple syrup and add 1/2 cup of chopped pecans to the batter. Serve alongside our sizzling tenderloin tips recipe for a gourmet meal.
3. Jalapeño Cheddar Sweet Potato Cornbread: Add 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and 2 tablespoons of finely chopped jalapeños for a spicy kick. This version goes great with our zesty chicken Rotel recipe.
4. Gluten-Free Sweet Potato Cornbread: Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Enjoy with our lemon garlic baked salmon for a healthy, gluten-free meal.

Serving Ideas for Your Sweet Potato Cornbread

1. Serve warm slices with a pat of butter and a drizzle of honey for a simple, delicious treat.
2. Use it as a base for stuffing in your next holiday turkey. Check out our wild turkey recipes for inspiration.
3. Crumble it over a bowl of chili or use it to soak up the last bits of our classic chicken and gravy.
4. Toast leftover slices and top with Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of cinnamon for a healthy breakfast.
5. Serve alongside our crispy Ritz cracker chicken for a comforting Southern-style dinner.

Why This Sweet Potato Cornbread Recipe Will Be Your New Favorite

This Irresistible Sweet Potato Cornbread is more than just a side dish—it’s a celebration of Southern comfort food with a healthy twist. The addition of sweet potato not only enhances the flavor and texture but also boosts the nutritional value, adding vitamins, minerals, and fiber to your meal.

What sets this recipe apart is its versatility. Whether you’re serving it alongside a hearty chili, using it as a base for stuffing, or enjoying it on its own with a pat of butter, this sweet potato cornbread adapts to any meal or occasion. Its moist texture and subtle sweetness make it appealing to both kids and adults, while the ease of preparation makes it a go-to recipe for busy cooks.

For more Southern-inspired recipes, why not try our delicious cottage cheese recipes for a protein-packed twist on classic comfort foods? And to learn more about the art of perfecting cornbread, check out this comprehensive guide on Southern Living.

Get ready to make this Sweet Potato Cornbread your new favorite comfort food. It’s time to experience the irresistible combination of traditional cornbread and the wholesome goodness of sweet potatoes!