Basic Corn Muffins (Quick And Easy)

Name: Basic Corn Muffins (Quick And Easy)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Ingredients: 1/3 cup granulated sugar; 1 cup all purpose flour; 1 cup cornmeal; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/3 cup oil; 1 1/4 cups milk; 1 egg beaten

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These basic corn muffins are a staple in American kitchens. They’re perfect for breakfast, or consumed as a snack or on the side with a meal. This recipe is quick and easy, making it ideal for busy mornings or last-minute baking.

This delicious basic corn muffin recipe is my favorite one for corn muffins, and I make them very often. The muffins are a wonderful combination of sweet and savory, with a golden, slightly crunchy exterior and a soft, fluffy interior. This recipe is made with simple ingredients that you likely have in your pantry as cornmeal, flour, sugar, oil, milk, and eggs, and come together in just a few minutes.

Whether you're pairing them with chili, like my popular Chocolate Chipotle Chili Soup, or enjoying them with a bit of honey butter, they are sure to be a hit. The recipe is versatile and can be easily customized with add-ins like cheese, jalapeños, or corn kernels for an extra burst of flavor.

Cornbread muffins versus corn muffins

Cornbread muffins are denser, have a coarser texture, are less sweet and typically are served as a side with meals like chili or BBQ. The batter can also be baked in a baking pan and served as bread for a savory meal.

Corn muffins are lighter and have a fluffier texture. They are also more sweet and are enjoyed as a snack or breakfast item. They pair well with both sweet and savory foods.

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients:

Granulated sugar: This adds just the right amount of sweetness to balance the cornmeal. You can obviously adjust the amount of sugar, based on your preferences.
All-purpose flour: This provides structure to the muffins, helping them hold their shape and giving them a tender crumb.
Cornmeal: Medium cornmeal is the best choice for this recipe. It provides a good balance of texture and flavor without making the muffins too gritty or dense. Also, medium cornmeal retains moisture well, so your muffins will not be dry.
Baking powder: This is the leavening agent that helps the muffins rise and become fluffy. Please do not replace it with baking soda, as they are not the same.
Salt: A little bit of salt enhances the flavors in baking goods.

Wet Ingredients:

Oil: Vegetable oil is a good choice because it has a neutral flavor, but you can also use melted butter for a richer taste.
Milk: Whole milk is ideal for adding moisture and richness, but you can use any milk you have on hand. Some people like to use buttermilk.
Egg: Beaten beforehand. It helps bind the ingredients together and adds a bit of richness.

How To Make Corn Muffins

Step 1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a muffin pan or line with paper muffin liners. This ensures the muffins don’t stick and are easy to remove.

Step 2. Combine the dry ingredients in a large bowl. This includes sugar, flour, cornmeal, baking powder, and salt. Mixing them well means even distribution of the baking powder, which is crucial for a good rise.

Dry ingredients in a glass bowl for corn muffins.

Step 3. Mix the wet ingredients in a separate medium bowl. This includes the oil, milk, and beaten egg. Combining them separately before adding to the dry ingredients helps to prevent overmixing.

Step 4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix until just blended. Overmixing can make the muffins tough, so stir gently.

Wet ingredients over dry ingredients for corn muffins.

Step 5. Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin pan. Fill each cup about ⅔ full, giving the muffins room to rise.

Corn muffin batter in the baking muffin pan.

Step 6. Bake for 20 minutes or until the muffins are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 7. Cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips for Perfect Corn Muffins

Don't overmix the batter. Stir just until the ingredients are combined to keep the muffins tender.
Use fresh ingredients. Check the expiration dates on your baking powder and cornmeal for the best results.
Experiment with add-ins. For extra flavor and texture, try adding a handful of shredded cheese, diced jalapeños, or corn kernels.

Storage Tips

For short-term storage, place them in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag at room temperature for up to 3 days.

To extend their freshness, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

For longer storage, individually wrap the muffins and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, labeling them with the date. They can be frozen for up to 3 months and thawed at room temperature or microwaved for 20-30 seconds when ready to eat.

What To Serve With Corn Muffins

Corn muffins are versatile and pair well with a variety of dishes. Here are some serving suggestions:

Savory Pairings:

Chili: The slight sweetness of the muffins complements the spicy, savory flavors of chili.
Soup: Serve with hearty soups like chicken noodle, potato and bacon soup, or vegetable soup for a comforting meal.
BBQ: They make a great side for BBQ dishes such as ribs, pulled pork, or grilled chicken.
Salads: Pair with a fresh green salad or a hearty salad like apple coleslaw or potato salad.

Sweet Pairings:

Honey Butter: Spread warm corn muffins with honey butter for a simple, sweet treat.
Jam or Preserves: Top with your favorite fruit jam or preserves for a burst of fruity sweetness.
Maple Syrup: Drizzle with maple syrup for a breakfast treat.

Breakfast or Brunch:

Eggs: Serve with scrambled eggs, omelets, or a breakfast casserole.
Bacon or Sausage: They pair perfectly with crispy bacon or sausage links for a complete breakfast.
Fresh Fruit: Add a side of fresh fruit like berries, melon, or sliced citrus for a light, refreshing contrast.

Recipe Faqs

What's the difference between cornbread muffins and corn muffins?

Cornbread Muffins are denser, have a coarser texture, and are less sweet. Their taste is focused on the savory corn flavor. They are typically served as a side with meals like chili or BBQ.
Corn Muffins are lighter and fluffier. They are sweeter, with a more cake-like quality. They are enjoyed as a snack or breakfast item and pair well with both sweet and savory foods.

Do corn muffins have gluten?

Yes, they do, as we add flour to the cornmeal.

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