Alabama Grilled Cornbread Cakes

Introduction

Get ready to experience the most flavorful Alabama Grilled Cornbread Cakes! These mini cornbread patties are grilled to crunchy perfection on the outside while staying irresistibly soft in the center. Cooking them on the Arteflame grill infuses them with a rustic, smoky flavor that an oven just can’t match. The large flat cooktop ensures they brown evenly without burning, making this an effortless and tasty side dish.

Ingredients

• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 egg
• 2 tablespoons melted butter (plus more for grilling)
• 1/2 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen, thawed)

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.
3. Light the paper napkins and allow the fire to build.
4. Wait about 20 minutes for the flat cooktop to heat up evenly and be ready for grilling.

Step 2: Prepare the batter

1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
2. In another bowl, mix the buttermilk, egg, and melted butter.
3. Slowly combine the wet ingredients with the dry ingredients, stirring until just mixed.
4. Fold in the corn kernels.

Step 3: Grill the cornbread cakes

1. Lightly butter the heated flat cooktop surface.
2. Spoon small amounts of batter onto the griddle, about 2-3 inches wide.
3. Cook until the edges start to firm up and bubbles form in the batter (about 2-3 minutes).
4. Flip each cake and grill for another 2-3 minutes until golden brown.
5. Remove from the grill and serve warm.

Tips

• Use fresh sweet corn for an extra burst of flavor.
• Don't overcrowd the grill—give each cake some space to cook evenly.
• Keep an eye on the heat zones of your Arteflame; place cakes closer to the center for crispier edges.
• Brush a little melted butter over the grilled cakes for an added buttery finish.

Variations

1. Cheesy Jalapeño: Add 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese and 1 diced jalapeño for a spicy, cheesy twist.
2. Honey Butter: Mix 2 tablespoons of honey into the batter for a subtly sweet flavor.
3. BBQ Cornbread Cakes: Stir in 1 tablespoon of your favorite BBQ sauce and a pinch of smoked paprika.
4. Herb & Garlic: Add 1 teaspoon dried thyme and a minced garlic clove for a savory variation.
5. Southern Bacon: Fold in 1/4 cup crumbled crispy bacon for a smoky, salty kick.

Conclusion

These Alabama Grilled Cornbread Cakes are a game-changer for traditional cornbread lovers! The Arteflame grill ensures the perfect golden crisp while keeping the inside tender and flavorful. Whether you serve them as a side or enjoy them with some buttery drizzle, they are bound to be a hit at your next cookout.

Best Pairings

• Barbecue Ribs – Smoky, tender ribs pair beautifully with these crisp cornbread cakes.
• Grilled Chicken – The soft texture contrasts perfectly with juicy grilled chicken.
• Coleslaw – A refreshing, crunchy slaw complements the warm cornbread.
• Pulled Pork – The slight sweetness of the cornbread brings out the richness of the pork.
• Grilled Vegetables – Serve alongside grilled zucchini and bell peppers for a complete meal.