Name: Navajo Cornbread Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-486343H3M43S
Total time: PT-486343H3M43S
Yield: 8
Cuisine: Native American
Ingredients: 1 cup cornmeal (240 ml); 1 cup all-purpose flour (120 g); 1 cup milk (240 ml); 1/3 cup vegetable oil (80 ml); 1 egg; 1/4 cup sugar (50 g); 1 tablespoon baking powder (15 ml); 1/2 teaspoon salt (2.5 ml)

Native kitchens have long celebrated this rustic navajo cornbread recipe as a cherished culinary tradition.

Corn plays a significant role in indigenous southwestern cuisine.

Ancient grains tell stories of cultural resilience and deep-rooted connections.

Families pass down recipes through generations, preserving memories and techniques.

Warm, golden crumbs invite you to experience a taste of heritage.

Soft textures and rich flavors blend seamlessly in this simple yet profound dish.

Savor each bite and connect with centuries of culinary wisdom.

Questions On Navajo Cornbread Recipe

What makes Navajo Cornbread different from regular cornbread?

Navajo Cornbread uses a simple blend of cornmeal, flour, and basic ingredients, reflecting traditional Native American cooking techniques with a focus on straightforward, hearty flavors.

Is this cornbread sweet or savory?

This cornbread has a slightly sweet profile due to the added sugar, making it versatile for both breakfast and as a side dish with meals.

Can I use a different pan if I don't have an 8-inch square baking dish?

Yes, you can use a similar-sized round cake pan or cast-iron skillet, which will work just as well for baking the cornbread.

What Makes Navajo Cornbread Recipe Stand Out

Craft Authentic Flavor: Dive into a traditional Navajo recipe that brings rich cultural heritage right to your kitchen with simple, hearty ingredients.
Minimal Prep Magic: Mix everything in one bowl and bake, making this cornbread a stress-free cooking experience perfect for beginners and seasoned cooks alike.
Family-Friendly Delight: A versatile side dish that pairs wonderfully with soups, stews, or stands alone as a comforting snack that everyone from kids to grandparents will love.
Quick Comfort Meal: Ready in under 30 minutes, this cornbread delivers warm, golden goodness with minimal effort, turning ordinary meals into special moments.

Must-Have Ingredients For Navajo Cornbread Recipe

Dry Ingredients:

Cornmeal: A traditional Native American staple that provides a rich, hearty base for the bread.
All-Purpose Flour: Helps create a tender and light texture in the cornbread.
Sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness to balance the savory corn flavor.
Baking Powder: Ensures the cornbread rises and becomes light and fluffy.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cornbread.

Wet Ingredients:

Milk: Moistens the batter and helps bind the ingredients together.
Vegetable Oil, Egg: Contribute to the rich texture and help create a soft, moist cornbread.

Baking Essentials:

Baking Dish: An 8-inch square dish is perfect for preparing this traditional Navajo-style cornbread.

How To Cook Navajo Cornbread Recipe Easily

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Grab an 8-inch square baking dish and coat it generously with oil or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

Grab a spacious mixing bowl and toss in:

Cornmeal
Flour
Sugar
Baking powder
Salt

Whisk these dry ingredients together until they’re perfectly blended.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

Pour into the dry mixture:

Milk
Cooking oil
Egg

Stir everything vigorously until the batter looks smooth and well-incorporated with no lumpy spots.

Step 4: Prepare for Baking

Transfer the golden batter into your greased baking dish, spreading it evenly across the surface.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and let it bake for 20-25 minutes. Watch for a beautiful golden-brown color and a slightly crispy top.

Step 6: Serve and Savor

Pull the cornbread out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes, then slice and serve while it’s still warm. Enjoy the rich, comforting flavors of this traditional Navajo-style cornbread.

Tips To Help Navajo Cornbread Recipe Shine

Swap blue cornmeal for a traditional Navajo twist and authentic flavor profile.
Add green chiles or jalapeños for a spicy kick that elevates the cornbread's taste.
Drizzle honey or agave nectar on top for extra sweetness and moisture.
Use buttermilk instead of regular milk for a tangier, richer texture that keeps the bread tender.
Let the cornbread cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing to prevent crumbling and maintain its structure.

Fresh Styles For Navajo Cornbread Recipe

Green Chile Cornbread: Add diced roasted green chiles and shredded cheddar cheese to the batter for a spicy southwestern kick.
Honey Maple Cornbread: Replace sugar with a blend of honey and maple syrup for a rich, natural sweetness.
Jalapeño Cheese Cornbread: Mix in chopped jalapeños and grated pepper jack cheese for a zesty, cheesy version.
Herb Cornbread: Incorporate fresh chopped rosemary, thyme, and sage for an aromatic herb-infused bread.

Pairing Options For Navajo Cornbread Recipe

Pair with Hearty Chili: Complement the cornbread's rich, slightly sweet flavor with a spicy, robust chili that adds warmth and depth to your meal.
Serve with Tangy Honey Butter: Whip softened butter with a touch of honey to create a smooth, sweet spread that enhances the cornbread's natural sweetness.
Match with Green Chile Stew: Balance the cornbread's mild taste with a zesty New Mexican-style green chile stew that brings authentic southwestern flair to your plate.
Accompany with Crisp Amber Ale: Choose a smooth, malty amber ale that cuts through the cornbread's richness while echoing its golden, toasty notes.

How To Store Navajo Cornbread Recipe Correctly

Store leftover cornbread in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, ensuring it's completely cooled before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
Wrap individual slices or the whole cornbread tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Keeps well for 2-3 months without losing quality.
Warm slices at 350F for 8-10 minutes, wrapped in foil to retain moisture and prevent drying out. Brush with melted butter for extra flavor.
Zap individual slices for 15-20 seconds, adding a damp paper towel to keep the bread soft and prevent hardening.

Navajo Cornbread Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 24 reviews

Total Time: 30-35 minutes
Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Rustic Navajo cornbread blends indigenous culinary traditions with hearty southwestern flavors, offering a simple yet soul-warming side dish. Cornmeal, flour, and green chiles combine to create a golden, slightly spicy bread that connects generations of Native American cooking.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

1 cup cornmeal (240 ml)
1 cup all-purpose flour (120 g)
1 cup milk (240 ml)
1/3 cup vegetable oil (80 ml)
1 egg

Sweetening Ingredients:

1/4 cup sugar (50 g)

Leavening and Seasoning Ingredients:

1 tablespoon baking powder (15 ml)
1/2 teaspoon salt (2.5 ml)

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Instructions

Warm the oven to 400F, positioning the rack in the center. Thoroughly coat an 8-inch square baking pan with cooking spray or butter.
Blend dry ingredients in a spacious mixing bowl, ensuring even distribution of cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
Create a smooth mixture by whisking milk, vegetable oil, and egg into the dry ingredients until no visible lumps remain.
Transfer the silky batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 22-25 minutes, watching for a golden-brown surface and a light springy texture when touched.
Remove from oven and allow the cornbread to rest for 5 minutes, which helps it set and makes cutting easier.
Slice into square portions and serve while still warm, ideally accompanied by butter or honey for added richness.

Notes

Always use fresh cornmeal for the most vibrant flavor and texture in your Navajo cornbread.
For a gluten-free version, swap regular flour with almond or coconut flour to maintain the bread’s rich consistency.
Add green chiles or jalapeños for a spicy kick that enhances the traditional Navajo cornbread profile.
Check doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center – it should come out clean with just a few crumbs clinging to it.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
Category: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Native American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 8
Calories: 218 kcal
Sugar: 8 g
Sodium: 290 mg
Fat: 9 g
Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 30 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 5 g
Cholesterol: 25 mg

Samantha Lee

Recipe Developer & Content Creator

Expertise

Plant-based and vegetarian recipes, Recipe testing and development, Food blogging and digital content creation, Culinary education and workshops

Education

Oregon Culinary Institute (Portland, OR)

Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts
Focus: Emphasized plant-based cooking, global cuisines, and recipe testing methodologies.

Samantha sees cooking like painting, every fresh herb, every juicy tomato, a new splash of color on a canvas.
After graduating from Oregon Culinary Institute, she blended her love of global cuisines and plant-based cooking into recipes that feel fresh, fearless, and full of heart.
Samantha’s kitchen is a place where comfort food gets a modern remix and every meal feels like a little adventure. When she’s not cooking, she’s out exploring farmers’ markets, sketching new recipe ideas, or getting her hands dirty in a community garden.

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