Introduction

Few things beat the golden, crispy crust and tender interior of traditional Kentucky cornbread, especially when cooked on the Arteflame grill. The flat cooktop griddle ensures an even sear without burning, and using butter instead of oil gives this cornbread a rich, deep flavor. We'll be cooking this directly on the flat top cooktop for that perfect crunch and softness combination. Light up your Arteflame and let's get grilling!

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups cornmeal
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/4 cups buttermilk
• 2 eggs
• 5 tablespoons melted butter

Instructions

Step 1: Fire Up the Arteflame Grill

1. Pour vegetable oil on three paper napkins.
2. Place them in the center of the grill.
3. Stack firewood over the napkins.
4. Light the napkins and allow the firewood to catch fire.
5. Let the grill heat up for about 20 minutes until the flat cooktop is evenly heated.

Step 2: Prepare the Cornbread Batter

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, eggs, and melted butter.
3. Gradually mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring until smooth.

Step 3: Cook the Cornbread on the Arteflame

1. Generously butter the flat top cooktop where you'll pour the batter.
2. Pour the batter directly onto the hot flat griddle cooktop, shaping it into a circular disk.
3. Let it cook for about 4-5 minutes until the edges firm up and the bottom gets golden brown.
4. Carefully flip using a spatula and cook another 4-5 minutes or until fully cooked.
5. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick—it should come out clean.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

1. Remove the cornbread from the grill and let it rest for a couple of minutes.
2. Slice into wedges and serve warm with butter or honey.

Tips

• Use high-quality, stone-ground cornmeal for the best texture and flavor.
• Make sure the cooktop is evenly heated before pouring the batter for consistent cooking.
• Don't overmix the batter—this keeps the cornbread tender.
• If cooking multiple items, place the cornbread on the outer cooktop ring to keep it warm without overcooking.

Variations

• Cheesy Jalapeño Cornbread: Add 1/2 cup shredded cheddar and 1 diced jalapeño for a spicy kick.
• Maple Bacon Cornbread: Mix in 1/3 cup cooked, crumbled bacon and 2 tablespoons maple syrup for a sweet-savory twist.
• Southern Honey Cornbread: Replace sugar with 2 tablespoons honey for a richer sweetness.
• Herbed Cornbread: Add 1 teaspoon dried thyme and rosemary for an aromatic flavor.
• Sweet Corn & Scallion Cornbread: Stir in 1/2 cup sweet corn kernels and 2 chopped scallions for extra texture and taste.

Conclusion

Cooking this Kentucky-style cornbread on the Arteflame grill gives it a one-of-a-kind rustic touch with a perfectly balanced crispy crust and fluffy interior. By using butter and grilling directly on the flat cooktop, you enhance the flavor, making every bite irresistible. Light up your grill and treat your taste buds to something truly special!

Best Pairings

• Grilled BBQ Ribs
• Steakhouse-Quality Ribeye
• Southern-Style Collard Greens
• Grilled Buttered Corn
• Smoky Baked Beans