Nashville Hot Cornbread Squares

Experience a Southern twist with Nashville Hot Cornbread Squares. Originating from the heart of Tennessee, this recipe combines the traditional Southern cornbread with the fiery kick that Nashville is known for. Perfect as a side dish or a snack, these delicious squares are sure to spice up any meal.

History of the Recipe

The concept of Nashville Hot emerged from the spicy fried chicken dish, which has its roots deep in Nashville's African American community. The story begins with Thornton Prince, a notorious womanizer in the 1930s, who was unknowingly served up a plate of extra chile-peppery fried chicken by an enraged lover. Surprisingly, Prince adored the fiery dish, which eventually led to the opening of Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack, Nashville's original hot chicken joint. The influence of this culinary creation permeates many aspects of Southern cooking, including our Nashville Hot Cornbread. This edition adds a fiery kick to the traditional moist and crumbly cornbread beloved across the South.

Ingredients

• Cornmeal - 1 cup
• All-purpose Flour - 1 cup
• Sugar - 1/4 cup
• Baking Powder - 1 tablespoon
• Baking Soda - 1/2 teaspoon
• Salt - 1/2 teaspoon
• Buttermilk - 1 cup
• Eggs - 2 large
• Butter - 8 tablespoons (1 stick), melted and cooled slightly
• Honey - 2 tablespoons
• Vegetable Oil - 2 tablespoons (for the pan)
• Cayenne Pepper - 1 tablespoon
• Paprika - 1 teaspoon
• Garlic Powder - 1 teaspoon
• Butter - 2 tablespoons (for melting and brushing on top)

Preparation

Step 1: Gather Ingredients

Ensure all your ingredients are readily available and your kitchen tools are prepared for use. This includes preheating your oven to 400°F (204°C) and readying a baking dish by lightly coating it with vegetable oil.

Step 2: Prepare Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, eggs, melted butter, and honey until the mixture is smooth and uniformly combined.

Step 4: Mix Ingredients

Gradually add the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Avoid over-mixing to ensure the batter stays light and airy.

Cooking Process

Step 5: Prepare for Baking

Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish, using a spatula to spread it evenly across the dish's surface.

Step 6: Make the Nashville Hot Butter

Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir in the cayenne pepper, paprika, and garlic powder until the spices are fully incorporated into the butter. This spicy butter will be used to brush over the cornbread just after it finishes baking.

Step 7: Bake the Cornbread

Place the cornbread in the oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Adjust cooking times if necessary based on your oven’s actual performance.

Step 8: Apply the Nashville Hot Butter

As soon as the cornbread is out of the oven, brush the top liberally with the prepared Nashville Hot Butter mixture to infuse the spicy flavor.

Step 9: Let it Cool

Allow the cornbread to cool for at least 10 minutes in the pan before cutting into squares for serving.

Enjoying Nashville Hot Cornbread Squares

Nashville Hot Cornbread Squares are perfect served warm as a side with fried chicken, barbecue ribs, or collard greens. They also make a delightful snack on their own. To enhance the experience, consider adding a drizzle of honey over the top or a dollop of creamy butter to balance the heat with a touch of sweetness.

For gatherings, serve alongside a cold pitcher of sweet tea or a tangy homemade lemonade.

Whether it’s served at a family dinner or a big barbecue bash, these spicy squares are bound to add a fiery kick to your dining table and leave everyone wanting more!