Gluten Free Dairy Free Cornbread (Small Batch)

This Gluten Free Dairy Free Cornbread is a staple in my kitchen. It's light and fluffy and has a crispy, golden crust. And since it's a small batch recipe, it can be made in less than 30 minutes (yes, there is little to no prep time for this recipe). It is baked in a standard loaf pan - which means this cornbread recipe makes just a handful of servings. This comes in handy if you live on your own or aren't a big fan of leftovers.

Serve this dairy free cornbread with a summery salad or a hot bowl of chili. You can even add some fresh corn kernels, shredded cheese, or some finely diced jalapenos to change things up a bit.

Recipe Ingredient Notes

Gluten Free Flour: This gluten-free dairy free cornbread recipe is very forgiving. I have tested it with every gluten free flour in my pantry including my homemade gluten free flour blend and of course commercially available blends like King Arthur Measure for Measure and Bob's Red Mill.

Fine Yellow Cornmeal: I use fine ground cornmeal in this cornbread recipe. It gives the bread a wonderful texture and flavor. This is not the same as cornstarch or cornflour. If you use coarse-ground cornmeal, please be aware that your cornbread will have a bit of a crunch to it. If you can't locate fine cornmeal, you can always pulse it a few times in a blender or food processor.

Brown Sugar: The molasses in brown sugar imparts a mild caramel-like flavor to this gluten free dairy free cornbread. This flavor can complement the cornmeal's nutty taste and give the cornbread a more complex and interesting profile.

Non Dairy Milk: I use Almond Milk to make this dairy free cornbread. But other dairy free milks such as oatmeal or coconut milk will work in this recipe. Clearly, if you aren't following a dairy free diet you can use regular milk or even buttermilk.

Oil: While butter is used in certain cornbread recipes to impart flavor, oil is frequently preferred due to its neutral taste. This allows the flavor of the cornmeal to shine through without being overly influenced by the taste of butter. I have not tested this recipe with coconut oil.

How to make a Gluten Free Dairy Free Cornbread

The best part about this delicious gluten free cornbread? You don't need a fancy mixer to make it. All you need are two mixing bowls, a whisk, a flexible spatula, and a standard loaf pan (8-½ x 4-½ x 2-½ inches). And of course a digital kitchen scale.

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375F.

Step 2: In a large bowl combine the gluten-free flour blend, cornflour, brown sugar, baking powder, and kosher salt. Whisk together until combined.

Step 3: In a small bowl combine the dairy free milk, egg, and oil and whisk until the egg is fully broken up.

Step 4: Add the wet ingredients to the bowl with the dry ingredients. Whisk until the mixture comes together and there are no lumps in the batter. It will be thick-ish.

Step 5: Get your standard loaf pan and spray it with a non stick spray. You may also line the pan with parchment paper. I like to skip it here so the cornbread will get some crispy edges.

Step 6: Pour the gluten-free cornbread batter into the prepared loaf pan. With a small off-set or the back of a spoon smooth it out evenly. If your oven is not fully preheated yet, allow the cornbread to sit at room temperature until the oven is ready. Allowing the batter to rest for a few minutes will also help to hydrate the flour and corn meal resulting in a more tender crumb.

Step 7: Place the gluten free bread in the preheated oven and bake at 375F for 17-20 minutes. The cornbread is ready when it is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center of the cake loaf comes out clean. The bake time does depend on your oven.

Step 8: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before removing it from the loaf pan. To do so, run a knife around the edges (right between the cake and the pan) and then invert it on a cooling rack. Carefully turn it over. You can either let the dairy-free cornbread cool completely or be like me and cut it while still warm. There is nothing like a still warm slice of gluten-free cornbread.

Storage & Freezing

This small batch gluten free cornbread tastes the best the day it has been baked. Should you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container up to 2 days.

To freeze any leftovers, make sure the cornbread is fully cooled. Wrap the cornbread tightly in plastic wrap, aluminum foil, or place it in an airtight freezer-safe container. If you're freezing individual portions, you can wrap them separately before placing them in a larger container or resealable plastic bags. Put the wrapped or packaged cornbread in the freezer. Ideally, try to use it within 2-3 months for the best quality, although it can be safe to eat for longer if properly stored.

When you're ready to enjoy the frozen cornbread, you can thaw it at room temperature, in the refrigerator, or using the defrost setting on your microwave. Once thawed, you can reheat the cornbread in the oven, toaster oven, or microwave until warmed through.

Quality Note: While freezing can help preserve the taste and texture of cornbread, it may not be as moist and tender as when freshly baked. However, proper wrapping and storage can help minimize any loss in quality.

Variations of Gluten Free Dairy Free Cornbread

The possibilities are nearly endless when it comes to customizing cornbread. You can mix and match these variations or come up with your own creative twists to suit your taste preferences when it comes to this gluten-free cornbread recipe.

Cheesy Cornbread: Add shredded cheddar cheese or another type of cheese to the gluten-free cornbread batter before baking. The melted cheese creates a savory and gooey texture that complements the cornmeal's natural flavor. If needed use dairy-free cheese.

Jalapeno Cornbread: Incorporate finely chopped jalapeno peppers into the batter for a spicy kick. The heat from the peppers contrasts with the sweetness of the cornbread, creating a delicious balance of flavors.

Honey Cornbread: Replace some or all of the sugar in the recipe with honey. This adds a distinct floral sweetness and a hint of complexity to the cornbread. For this recipe use 35 grams of honey instead of the light brown sugar.

Bacon Cornbread: Mix crumbled bacon into the batter before baking. The smoky and salty flavor of the bacon adds a savory depth to the cornbread.

Herb Cornbread: Add chopped fresh herbs, such as rosemary, thyme, or chives, to the batter. The herbs lend a fragrant aroma and a burst of herbal flavor to the bread.

Cornbread with Whole Corn Kernels: Fold in whole corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned) into the batter for added texture and bursts of sweetness.

Buttermilk Cornbread: Replace the non dairy milk in the recipe with buttermilk. Buttermilk adds a tangy flavor and helps create a moist and tender crumb. To make dairy free buttermilk combine ½ tablespoon of white vinegar, apple cider vinegar, or lemon juice with the dairy-free milk.

Serving Ideas

Cornbread is a versatile and delicious side dish that can be served in various ways to complement a wide range of meals. Here are some ideas on how to serve cornbread:

Plain and Simple: Serve gluten-free cornbread on its own as a snack or side dish. It's great with a pat of butter (dairy-free butter if needed) and a drizzle of honey, highlighting its sweet and savory flavors.

Chili and Soups: Cornbread pairs exceptionally well with hearty dishes like a big bowl of Gluten Free Beef Chili, stews, and of course soups.

BBQ and Grilled Meats: Cornbread can be a wonderful accompaniment to grilled meats, such as barbecued ribs, pulled pork, or grilled chicken. Its slightly sweet and savory profile complements the smokiness of the meats.

Thanksgiving and Holiday Feasts: Cornbread is a classic addition to holiday meals, especially during Thanksgiving. This Small Batch Gluten Free Cornbread is a great alternative to dinner rolls.

Breakfast or Brunch: Enjoy cornbread as part of a hearty breakfast or brunch. You can serve it with scrambled eggs, bacon, or sausage for a filling morning meal.

Dessert: Sweet cornbread variations can be served as a dessert. Pair it with whipped cream, ice cream, or fresh berries for a delightful treat.

Side Dish with Southern Cuisine: Cornbread is a staple in Southern cuisine. Serve it with dishes like fried chicken, collard greens, and black-eyed peas for an authentic Southern meal.

FAQ - Gluten Free Dairy Free Cornbread