Growing up in the South, cornbread has always been a staple in our meals. Even as I grew older and moved away, I still crave the delicious and unique taste of cornbread. When I have the chance to make the batter for cornbread, I end up making more than I can consume for the next few days. I’d like to know how I could keep my extra cornbread instead of throwing it away. Can I freeze cornbread?
Cornbread is a popular Southern type of bread. Often called “soul food” for its great taste, cornbread can be used in various dishes and meals. Even though its recipe is simple, cornbread caters to different kinds of tastes – from the youngest kids to the oldest folks!
Yes, cornbread can be frozen after it has been cooled. Wrap the cornbread tightly in aluminum foil or place it inside an airtight container to prevent it from drying. You can store it inside a freezer for up to three months. To prepare, simply thaw the cornbread inside the refrigerator then reheat in the oven or toaster.
Can You Freeze Cornbread?
The quality of frozen cornbread is expected to be different from a freshly baked batch. Since the bread goes through freezing and reheating, it is slightly less fluffy than usual.
Keep odors from seeping into the cornbread by placing it in an airtight container. Seal the container with plastic wrap to prevent the cornbread from getting freezer burn as well.
For round loaves of cornbread, it would be easier to use tin foil and plastic wrap. This ensures maximum protection from freezer burn and would keep the quality of the cornbread.
Cornbread muffins or mini cakes can be individually wrapped in plastic wrap and then stored together in freezer bags. These cornbread muffins can be thawed and reheated one by one if needed.
Cornbread batter can also be frozen. After the batter has been thawed, it can be baked into cornbread with a slight change in texture. The frozen batter is expected to produce denser bread.
Avoid overcooking or overheating the cornbread after it has been thawed, as this causes the bread to dry out. Once the bread has been thawed, avoid refreezing it to maintain the quality.
How to Freeze Cornbread
Thankfully, cornbread can be frozen to preserve it for another day.
- First, prepare your cornbread as you would normally. Let it cool on the rack completely.
- Next, wrap the cornbread in aluminum foil or plastic wrap. Choose whichever is convenient for the shape and size of the cornbread.
- If your cornbread comes in smaller sizes, such as muffins or squares, you can place them together inside a plastic freezer bag.
- Prevent freezer burn and odors from contaminating the cornbread by sealing it with plastic wrap. Check for any leaks or tears in the bag.
- Place the cornbread inside the freezer and don’t forget to label the containers with the date of preparation. Cornbread can be stored for up to three months.
- When you want to eat the cornbread, let it thaw inside the refrigerator overnight.
- Reheat the cornbread by wrapping it in a new sheet of aluminum foil. Heat it in the oven at around 350 degrees Fahrenheit. You can also use a toaster.
Now that you can reheat your extra cornbread, it will be easier to indulge in this Southern treat now and then!
How To Use Up Extra/Leftover Cornbread?
Cornbread is a delicious and versatile food that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. But what do you do when you have extra cornbread? Here are five delicious ways to use up your leftover cornbread:
1. Make a cornbread pudding – This is a great way to use up any extra cornbread you have on hand. Just add some milk, sugar, eggs, and spices to a bowl and mix them together. Pour into a baking dish and bake until set.
2. Make cornbread stuffing – This is a great way to use up any extra cornbread you have on hand. Just add some chopped celery, onions, and herbs to a bowl and mix them together. Add some broth and mix together. Pour into a baking dish and bake until set.
3. Make cornbread muffins – This is a great way to use up any extra cornbread you have on hand. Just add some cornmeal, flour, sugar, eggs, and milk to a bowl and mix them together. Fill muffin tins with the batter and bake according to your recipe.
4. Make cornbread pancakes – This is a great way to use up any extra cornbread you have on hand. Just add some cornmeal, flour, sugar, eggs, and milk to a bowl and mix them together. Cook on a hot griddle or in a frying pan until golden brown.
5. Make cornbread croutons – This is a great way to use up any extra cornbread you have on hand. Just cut the cornbread into small cubes and spread it out on a baking sheet. Sprinkle with some olive oil and spices and bake until golden brown.
So there you have it – five delicious ways to use up your leftover cornbread. Next time you find yourself with extra cornbread, try one of these recipes and enjoy!
Cornbread Recipes
Pair together two distinct tastes with this Cornbread and Chili casserole dish. With just the right amount of spice and sweetness, everyone will surely enjoy this cornbread meal.
For a Mexican twist, prepare the Beef Taco Bake that uses a cornbread topping to create the perfect combination. Add salsas and sauces for a scrumptious and interesting dish.
Add some fruity flavor to the classic cornmeal by making Blueberry Cornbread Muffins. You can prepare them for breakfast with some yogurt or coffee, or even as a snack for the kids.
Wrap Up
Yes, you can freeze cornbread. It is the perfect way to keep your favorite meal for several months. Freezing preserves texture which means that your frozen meal will taste just as good after being heated up again. Follow these steps for freezing cornbread: make sure you cool it to room temperature, put it in a freezer bag, make sure you push out all of the air while sealing tightly (to avoid freezer burn) and label the bag with today’s date. Don’t forget to add the thawing time to your cooking schedule!
How often do you usually prepare cornbread? How long does it take you to make it? Share your experience with me in the comment section below.
