Healthy Corn Bread

(5.0)
By Judy Capodanno
Published 2/7/2022
Dietitian Reviewed: Jane Schwartz, RDN, CLT
Approved for These Diets:
Heart Healthy | Diabetic | Vegetarian

Healthy Southern cornbread is fluffy, slightly sweet and full of down-home flavor that you are sure to love. Pair this diabetic-friendly cornbread recipe with pot roast, stew or chili recipes for a deliciously crumbly bite.

Total Time
45 minutes
Servings
12
Calories
114
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Why You’ll Love This Healthy Cornbread

Cornbread is a true comfort food, but many commercial varieties contain a lot of sugar, salt, fat and calories, so store-bought cornbread is not always the healthiest choice. But when you make homemade cornbread, you can control the ingredients to make it healthier. This heart healthy cornbread recipe has been created so you can enjoy cornbread without it wreaking havoc on your diet. It’s low calorie, low sodium, low fat, low carb and low cholesterol, but it tastes delicious. It’s also easy to make so you can make this family friendly cornbread recipe whenever the mood strikes.

Many people assume that cornbread is not healthy. They may ask questions like “Is cornbread healthy,” “Is cornbread fattening” or “Is cornbread loaded with sugar”? All of these are valid questions, and in some cases, the answers are that it is not healthy, it is fattening and it may be loaded with sugar. But not this recipe! This diabetic cornbread recipe contains just a tablespoon of honey for 12 servings. Since it contains cornmeal instead of flour, it has a lower glycemic index and is a good source of fiber, so it’s less likely to spike blood sugar. Here are a few other cornbread nutrition facts (at least for this recipe!): carbs (21g), fiber (2g), sat fat (0g), protein (3g), sodium (240mg) and calories (114) – that adds up to a better-for-you cornbread can be enjoyed even if you’re following a healthy diet!

Making cornbread is easier than you think! Simply combine the dry ingredients in a bowl. Then add the wet ingredients and stir to combine. Don’t overmix it to keep the finished cornbread light and fluffy. Pour the mixture into a prepared baking pan and bake as instructed or until the top is golden. Following a cornbread recipe is the best way to ensure you use the right ingredients in the appropriate quantities.

Some cornbread recipes contain flour in addition to cornmeal and also contain sugar, maple syrup or honey to add sweetness. Moist and fluffy cornbread recipes may also contain whole milk and butter, which adds to the fat and calorie count. The beauty of making homemade cornbread is that you can control what goes into it so it meets your dietary goals. To make our cornbread recipe healthier, we use just a touch of honey, a bit of olive oil (no butter!), low fat buttermilk and cornmeal only, with no additional flour. This creates a glorious cornbread that is heart healthy and diabetic-friendly. And since cornmeal is a gluten-free grain (just check labels to ensure no cross contamination), it’s a gluten free bread that tastes terrific (here are some other gluten free baking recipes you may also like)!

Ingredients

Recipe yields 12 servings

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How to Make Corn Bread

  1. Step 1

    Preheat oven to 400°. Lightly coat an 8 x 8-inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray.

  2. Step 2

    In a large bowl, combine the cornmeal, salt, baking soda and baking powder. Add the honey, oil, egg and buttermilk and stir to combine. Do not overmix. Pour into prepared baking pan.

  3. Step 3

    Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until top is golden.

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Nutrition Facts

Serving Size:
2 x 3-inch piece

114
Calories
2
g
Fat
15
mg
Cholesterol
240
mg
Sodium
21
g
Carbs
0
g
Sat. Fat
2
g
Fiber
3
g
Protein
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More Recipes Like Healthy Cornbread

For more sweet treats to nibble on, try a slice of Cranberry Nut Bread or Banana Bread. Other delicious but healthy sides include our Jalapeno Corn Muffins, Cheddar Bacon Muffins and Pumpkin Muffins. And if you can’t get enough cornbread, be sure to check out another Homemade Cornbread recipe, as well as our Cornbread Stuffing.

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