If you’re a fan of Southern cuisine, you’ve come across the renowned Brenda Gantt Cornbread Salad Recipe. This dish is special in many Southern households, and it’s easy to prepare.
In this article, we’re thrilled to guide you through making the cornbread base using White Lily cornmeal mix, eggs, and buttermilk. Then, we’ll walk you through assembling the Salad, complete with all the delicious toppings.
But before we delve into the recipe, let’s take a moment to appreciate what makes Brenda Gantt’s Cornbread Salad extraordinary. She said, “Most of the time I like my cornbread crunchy, but this time I don’t want it country.” This quote perfectly captures the essence of the recipe.
So, whether you’re seeking a new potluck favorite or looking to elevate your weekday dinner routine, Brenda Gantt’s Cornbread Salad is a fantastic choice. So, please put on your apron, and let’s get cooking!
Ingredients for Brenda Gantt Cornbread Salad Recipe
For Cornbread:
- ½ cup White Lily Self-Rising Buttermilk White Cornmeal Mix
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- ½ scoop sugar
For Salad:
- 1 can sweet corn, drained
- 1 can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- ½ bell pepper, diced
- 3-4 green onions, thinly sliced
- 2 cups grated cheese
- 3-4 tomatoes, diced
- 1 pack ranch dressing mix
- 1.5 cups mayonnaise
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 12 ounces cooked bacon, crumbled
Equipment & Tools Required
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk or spoon
- Greased baking dish
- Oven
- Cutting board and knife
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: About 15 minutes
How to Make Brenda Gantt Cornbread Salad
Step 01: Preheat the oven to 400°F. In a mixing bowl, combine 1/2 cup cornmeal, two eggs, 1 cup buttermilk, and 1/2 scoop sugar. Mix well until fully combined.
Step 02: Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish and bake for 15 minutes, until the Cornbread is golden brown and fully cooked. Allow it to cool completely.
Step 03: In another bowl, whisk together the ranch dressing mix, mayonnaise, and buttermilk until smooth and creamy. In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained sweet corn and pinto beans.
Step 04: In a separate mixing bowl, combine the grated cheese, diced bell pepper, diced tomatoes, and sliced green onions. Crumble the cooled Cornbread into small pieces and set aside.
Step 05: To assemble the Salad, start with a layer of half the Cornbread in the bottom of a large glass bowl or trifle dish.
Step 06: Top the Cornbread with half of the beans and corn mixture, followed by half of the diced tomatoes, green onions, cheese, and bell pepper. Pour half of the ranch dressing over the vegetables.
Step 07: Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients, finishing with a layer of crumbled bacon on top. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight before serving.
Kindly view the provided video for a more in-depth grasp of the process.
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Creative Serving Ideas for Brenda Gantt Cornbread Salad Recipe
1. Texas Roadhouse Salad: A fresh green salad with Brenda Gantt Cornbread Salad can provide a balance of flavors and textures. Serve the cornbread salad as a side dish alongside the Texas Roadhouse Salad.
2. Spanish Rice: Spanish rice makes a great accompaniment to the cornbread salad. The spicy and savory rice can complement the sweet and savory flavors of the cornbread salad.
3. Applebee’s Broccoli: Steam or roast the Applebee’s broccoli and serve it with the cornbread salad. The roasted flavor of the broccoli can add depth to the meal.
4. Mushroom Spinach Artichoke Dip: A warm and creamy spinach artichoke dip can be a delightful dip for pieces of cornbread salad. Serve the dip in a communal dish for guests to enjoy.
5. Publix Carrot Cake: For dessert, pair Brenda Gantt Cornbread Salad with a slice of Publix Carrot Cake. The sweet and spicy cake complements the salad’s flavors.
6. Chili (Alton Brown): A hearty chili can be served alongside cornbread salad for a satisfying meal. Guests can enjoy a bit of both to balance the flavors.
7. Ghost Pepper Ranch Sauce: If you’re looking for a spicy kick, serve ghost pepper ranch sauce as a dip for the cornbread salad. It can add some heat to the meal.
8. Cattleman BBQ Sauce: Barbecue sauce can be a great condiment for the cornbread salad. Drizzle it lightly over the salad or serve it on the side for dipping.
9. Starbucks Avocado Spread: Avocado spread can add a creamy element to the meal. Spread it on a piece of cornbread and enjoy the combination.
10. Pesto Chicken: Serve slices of Trader Joe’s Pesto Chicken with Brenda Gantt Cornbread Salad. The pesto flavor pairs well with the salad’s ingredients.
Some Special tips on this Brenda Gantt Cornbread Salad Recipe
1. Homemade Cornbread: If time allows, consider making homemade cornbread. It adds an extra layer of flavor to the dish. Ensure it cools completely before crumbling.
2. Cornbread Texture: Be cautious not to overmix the cornbread batter. Overmixing can result in a denser cornbread. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
3. Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh vegetables like tomatoes, onions, and bell peppers for the best taste and texture.
4. Layering: Take your time when layering the salad. Make sure each layer is evenly distributed for a well-balanced flavor.
5. Clear Bowl: Using a clear bowl for serving allows the beautiful layers of the salad to be visible and appreciated.
6. Chill Overnight: The salad should be refrigerated overnight before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the texture to set.
Common Problems and Solutions:
1. Mushy Cornbread: If the cornbread becomes mushy, try reducing the amount of dressing used or letting the cornbread cool completely before crumbling.
2. Watery Vegetables: If vegetables release too much liquid, drain them before adding to the salad.
3. Overdressed Salad: If the salad seems too creamy, add more vegetables to balance it out.
4. Dry Salad: To add more flavor and moisture, consider adding more dressing or a splash of vinegar.
5. Bland Flavor: Adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, or other seasonings to enhance the flavor.
6. Stale Cornbread: If your cornbread is stale or dry, briefly toast it in the oven before crumbling it.
Brenda Gantt Cornbread Salad is a remarkable addition to any meal. With its unique blend of flavors and textures, this Southern classic will impress your family and friends. Whether you’re looking for a side dish to complement your main course or a delicious salad, this recipe covers you.
So, why give this delightful dish a try at your next gathering and savor the goodness of Cornbread Salad and fresh veggies in every bite? We guarantee you will be satisfied! We appreciate your time reading this article and look forward to welcoming you back soon for more culinary adventures.
FAQs on Brenda Gantt Cornbread Salad Recipe
Here we have collect some commonly asked questions and their short answers on Brenda Gantt Cornbread Salad Recipe
1. What is Brenda Gantt’s cornbread salad recipe?
Brenda Gantt’s cornbread salad is a delightful Southern dish that combines crumbled cornbread with fresh vegetables and a tangy dressing.
2. What are the key ingredients for cornbread salad?
The main ingredients are cornbread, tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, bacon, and a mayo-based dressing.
3. Can I use store-bought cornbread for this recipe?
Yes, you can use store-bought cornbread, but homemade cornbread works just as well.
4. What is good to serve with cornbread salad?
Cornbread salad pairs well with grilled meats like chicken, pork, or even smoked sausage.
5. Is Brenda Gantt’s cornbread salad gluten-free?
The recipe is not gluten-free because it uses traditional cornbread, which contains wheat flour. You can explore gluten-free cornbread options for a suitable substitute.
6. Can I make Brenda Gantt’s cornbread salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the salad a few hours in advance, but it’s best to add the dressing just before serving to keep the cornbread from becoming too soggy.
7. Are there any vegetarian or vegan variations of this salad?
You can make a vegetarian version by omitting the bacon, or use vegan bacon alternatives to create a vegan-friendly cornbread salad.
8. What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store leftover cornbread salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should be consumed within 2-3 days.
9. Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
Yes, feel free to customize the salad with additional vegetables like cucumbers, corn, or avocados to suit your taste.
10. What is the secret to a great cornbread salad?
The key to a great cornbread salad is to let it chill in the fridge for a while before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
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