Florida Crispy Grilled Cornbread

Introduction

Crispy on the outside, soft and delicious on the inside—this Florida-style crispy grilled cornbread is the perfect side dish for any BBQ or grilled feast. Cooked to perfection on the Arteflame Grill, this cornbread gets an incredible golden crisp on the edges while staying fluffy inside. The mild sweetness in this cornbread pairs beautifully with grilled meats and seafood. Once you try it, you'll never want to go back to oven-baked cornbread again!

Ingredients

• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1/2 cup melted butter (plus extra for grilling)
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup corn kernels (optional, for extra texture)

Instructions

Step 1: Fire up the Arteflame Grill

1. Pour some vegetable oil on three paper napkins and place them in the center of the grill.
2. Stack firewood over the soaked napkins and light the paper.
3. Wait about 20 minutes for the grill to reach optimal cooking temperature.

Step 2: Prepare the Cornbread Batter

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
2. In a separate bowl, mix the buttermilk, melted butter, and eggs until combined.
3. Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
4. Fold in the corn kernels if using.

Step 3: Grill the Cornbread

1. Grease the flat cooktop griddle of the Arteflame Grill with butter.
2. Pour small pancake-sized portions of batter onto the hot cooktop.
3. Cook for 2-3 minutes until bubbles form on top and the edges start looking crispy.
4. Flip each cornbread portion using a spatula and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
5. Remove when golden brown and crispy on both sides.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

1. Let the cornbread cool slightly before serving.
2. Serve warm with extra butter or a drizzle of honey.

Tips

• Use high-quality butter for grilling to enhance the flavor and crispiness.
• For extra crunch, let the cornbread cook a bit longer near the hotter center of the Arteflame cooktop.
• Adjust your heat by placing the batter closer or further from the center of the grill.
• Adding extra corn kernels gives a delightful burst of texture and sweetness.

Variations

1. Jalapeño Cheddar: Add diced jalapeños and shredded cheddar cheese for a spicy, savory kick.
2. Honey Butter: Mix a tablespoon of honey into the batter and brush the cooked cornbread with melted honey butter.
3. Smoky Bacon: Stir in crispy bacon bits for a smoky, salty crunch.
4. Coconut Cornbread: Replace buttermilk with coconut milk and add shredded coconut for a tropical twist.
5. Garlic Herb: Mix in chopped fresh herbs and minced garlic for an aromatic, herbaceous flavor.

Conclusion

Grilling cornbread on the Arteflame Grill takes this Southern favorite to the next level. Using butter and the flat griddle cooktop ensures an even cook while delivering a beautiful crisp on the edges. Try one of the variations above and make this simple cornbread recipe a staple in your outdoor cooking repertoire!

Best Pairings

• Grilled ribeye steak
• Smoked brisket
• BBQ pulled pork
• Grilled shrimp skewers
• Southern-style black-eyed peas
• Coleslaw