Delicious Paniolo Cornbread Recipe for Dinner Tonight

Welcome to the delicious world of Paniolo Cornbread, a mouthwatering recipe that will take your taste buds on a culinary journey to the beautiful Hawaiian islands. If you’re tired of the same old boring cornbread, this is your chance to try something new and exciting.

Paniolo Cornbread is a traditional dish that originates from Hawaii and is inspired by the local cowboy culture. This authentic recipe has been passed down for generations and is loved by locals and tourists alike. The combination of yellow cornmeal, coconut milk, and crushed pineapple gives this cornbread a unique flavor that will leave you wanting more.

In this recipe article, I will guide you through the step-by-step process of how to make Paniolo Cornbread from scratch. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is easy to follow and will produce impressive results.

So roll up your sleeves, preheat your oven, and get ready to embark on a culinary adventure with me as we explore the savory flavors of Paniolo Cornbread – a taste of Hawaii right in your own kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Paniolo Cornbread (Hawaii)
Paniolo Cornbread (Hawaii)

One of the reasons why Paniolo Cornbread from Hawaii is a must-try recipe is that it combines unique island flavors to create a delicious and satisfying twist on traditional Southern cornbread. The addition of crushed pineapple, coconut milk, and yellow cornmeal give this dish a sweet and savory flavor that sets it apart from other cornbread recipes. Don’t let cornbread Northern and Southern recipes bore your taste buds. This Hawaiian cornbread recipe will add some tropical flair to your dinner menu.

The texture is also something to rave about. The combination of cake flour and cornmeal makes it moist, tender, with a fine crumb. The recipe has the right balance of sweetness with sugar and baking powder as the backbone of the dish, providing delicate notes of flavor.

What I love most about this recipe is that it’s versatile. You can serve it for breakfast or lunch, as a side dish or appetizer or even as dessert. This recipe makes 8 servings, making it perfect for intimate gatherings with family or friends or potlucks.

These Paniolo Cornbread muffins make excellent additions to any meal and pair well with savory soups, stews, or barbecue dishes. But they’re so tasty you can eat them alone without any accompaniment.

The Paniolo Cornbread Hawaii recipe is budget-friendly, easy to make, and requires ingredients that are easily accessible at your local grocery store. It’s also suitable for everyone’s dietary preference since it is vegetarian-friendly.

This recipe is an excellent way to explore Hawaiian-style cuisine without breaking the bank. And if you want to take things up a notch, you can try experimenting with add-ins like diced ham or bacon bits.

Overall, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser that provides authentic Hawaiian flavors that will take your taste buds on an unforgettable trip to the islands.

Ingredient List

 Golden brown and crumbly, this Paniolo Cornbread will bring a taste of Hawaii to your kitchen.
Golden brown and crumbly, this Paniolo Cornbread will bring a taste of Hawaii to your kitchen.

Let’s get started with the ingredients you’ll need to make Paniolo Cornbread! Don’t worry, you probably already have most of these items in your pantry. But there are a few unique ingredients that give this recipe its Hawaiian twist. Here’s what you’ll need:

The dry ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups of cornmeal
  • 1/2 cup of flour
  • 1 tbsp. of baking powder
  • 1 tsp. of salt
  • 3/4 cup sugar

The wet ingredients:

  • 2 eggs
  • 1/2 cup of melted butter
  • 1/4 cup of coconut milk
  • 1/4 cup of crushed pineapple

Make sure to sift the cornmeal and flour for a finer consistency. You can also substitute the all-purpose flour for cake flour for a softer texture. Use unsalted butter or margarine if that’s what you have available, just remember to adjust the salt measurement accordingly. And if you don’t have coconut milk or crushed pineapple, don’t fret – there are some substitutions listed in the next section!

The Recipe How-To

 Nothing beats a freshly baked batch of this delicious cornbread straight out of the oven.
Nothing beats a freshly baked batch of this delicious cornbread straight out of the oven.

Now, it’s time to get our hands dirty and dive into the recipe how-to! Let’s turn on the music and preheat the oven. You can use either an 8-inch square baking dish or a cast-iron skillet for this recipe.

Ingredients

Here are the ingredients you’ll need:

  • 1 1/2 cups yellow cornmeal
  • 1/2 cup cake flour
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1 tbsp. baking powder (yes, tablespoon!)
  • 1/2 tsp. salt
  • 3/4 cup coconut milk (shake before measuring for uniform consistency)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 can (8 oz) crushed pineapple, including juice
  • 3/4 cup+ 2 tbsp. melted butter

Steps

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
  2. Sift together the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl.
  3. Add in the coconut milk, eggs, crushed pineapple with juice, and stir until smooth.
  4. Mix in 3/4 cup of melted butter until incorporated.
  5. Pour the batter into a greased 8-inch square baking dish or cast-iron skillet that has been coated with the additional 2 tbsp. of melted butter.
  6. Bake for about 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  7. Cool in the pan on a wire rack for 10 minutes before cutting into squares.

The paniolo cornbread is best served warm with some honey butter or alongside your favorite Southern-style barbecue. It’s a bit sweet for some folks’ tastes but still maintains that classic cornbread texture with the addition of a little bit of crunch from the pineapple chunks.

Do not over-bake as it will dry out quickly! And if you find yourself with leftovers, don’t worry – see the section on storing and reheating for tips on making it last well beyond its initial bake time.

Substitutions and Variations

Sometimes, we don’t have every ingredient on hand, or we want to switch things up a bit. Don’t worry, you can still make delicious Paniolo cornbread even if you don’t have all the original ingredients.

One substitution you could make is using regular milk instead of coconut milk. It might not be as tropical, but it will still add moisture and richness to the cornbread. You could also substitute honey for sugar to add a different level of sweetness.

If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding some crushed pineapple to the batter for a fruity twist. Just make sure to drain the juice first, or your cornbread may come out too wet.

For those who prefer a less sweet cornbread, reduce the amount of sugar added to 1/4 cup or eliminate it altogether. You could also mix in some yellow cornmeal with the flour for a more Southern-style cornbread.

If you’re not a fan of baking powder, you might consider using baking soda instead. Just remember that baking soda is much stronger than baking powder, so only 1/4 tsp should be used.

For a dairy-free version, use vegetable oil or coconut oil instead of butter and almond or soy milk instead of cow’s milk.

Finally, if you are in a pinch for time or don’t feel like making it from scratch, you can always use Bisquick cornbread mix or another pre-made mix for moist and delicious cornbread muffins.

No matter how you choose to make it, Paniolo cornbread is sure to be a flavorful addition to any meal.

Serving and Pairing

Now that you’ve prepared the ultimate Hawaiian-style cornbread, it’s time to talk about how to serve and pair it. Paniolo cornbread is a delectable dish that can be enjoyed on its own or as an accompaniment to a variety of meals.

One of the best ways to serve this cornbread is by brushing some honey butter on top after you take it out of the oven. The sweetness of the honey pairs perfectly with the savory flavors and adds an extra layer of richness to the bread. This method is perfect for a breakfast or brunch spread, or as a sweet addition to your classic Southern-style dinner meal.

If you prefer savory flavors, try serving paniolo cornbread alongside some classic chili or soups such as seafood chowder or tomato soup. The crumbly texture and slightly sweet corn flavor complement these dishes well and make for one comforting meal.

For more complex flavor profiles, try pairing the cornbread with Hawaiian-style barbeque meats such as kalua pork or beef brisket. It also makes for an excellent appetizer if sliced and served with a dip such as hummus or aioli.

Hawaiian-style cornbread is versatile, and there’s no wrong way to enjoy it. Whether you’re serving it with honey butter, chili, or sliced meats, this delicious cornbread will become a regular addition to your family meals.

So go ahead and experience this delightful slice of Hawaii at your dining table!

Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating

Making ahead and storing Paniolo Cornbread is a breeze. Cut your perfectly baked cornbread into serving sizes and wrap each piece up in aluminum foil, plastic wrap or a freezer bag — whatever you have available.

Store them at room temperature for up to three days or freeze them for later use for up to three months. If you’re freezing the cornbread, make sure it’s sealed tightly to avoid burn caused by air entering the packaging.

If you plan on reheating frozen cornbread, let it thaw in the fridge overnight first. From there, your options are as boundless as your creativity! Depending on your method of reheating, it’s best to remove any wrapping or packaging beforehand.

Here are some perfect ways to reheat those delicious Paniolo Cornbreads:

– Simply place them on a baking sheet and put them in the oven at 325F for around 10 minutes

– Toast them lightly in a toaster oven

– Pop them in a microwave with a damp paper towel over the top of them

But if I’m being frank, nothing beats freshly baked Paniolo Cornbread straight from the oven. So whenever possible, bake your batches fresh and enjoy all that warm and comforting corn goodness right away!

Tips for Perfect Results

When it comes to making Paniolo Cornbread, there are few tricks to ensure perfect results. As a culinary explorer, I have both researched and tested different tips to make sure that each batch turns out moist, fluffy and delicious. Here are some of the most important tips that I would recommend following for Paniolo Cornbread recipe:

1. Use fresh ingredients: It may seem obvious, but using fresh ingredients makes all the difference in the outcome of your cornbread. Be sure to use flour and cornmeal that have not overstayed their “best by” date, and check your baking powder to ensure it’s still active.

2. Sift dry ingredients: Sifting the dry ingredients together in a medium bowl helps remove any lumps and ensures an even distribution of baking powder, salt, sugar, and flour.

3. Avoid overmixing: Overmixing can cause tough or rubbery results. Mix the wet and dry ingredients just until combined – don’t worry if there are still some small lumps in the batter.

4. Preheat your oven: This is especially important when working with baked goods like cornbread. Make sure your oven is preheated 350°F before you start mixing everything together.

5. Don’t open the oven door: With all baked goods, try not to peek in on them while they cook as this can interfere with the cooking time.

6. Let it cool before cutting into it: Resist the urge to immediately dig in when you remove the bread from the oven! Paniolo Cornbread needs time to set after it’s been removed from heat.

7. Experiment with Ingredients: You might want to try including some crushed pineapple or coconut flakes for an extra tropical twist.

8. Serve with honey butter:

A delicious homemade honey butter and sam choy polynesian sauce on top of pieces of warm cornbread pretty much makes every mouth water!

Follow these tips for an authentic Hawaiian style Paniolo Cornbread every single time!

FAQ

As a culinary explorer, I know that at times, questions may arise even after thorough reading of a recipe. Hence, to ensure your flawless execution and enjoyable experience in making this Paniolo Cornbread with a Hawaiian twist recipe, here are some frequently asked questions along with my answers as a go-to guide for possible setbacks.

What is the difference between southern and northern cornbread?

When it comes to cornbread, there are two main varieties: Northern and Southern. Northern cornbread is less sweet and is made with yellow cornmeal and fewer eggs, resulting in a crumbly texture. On the other hand, Southern-style cornbread can be made with either white or yellow cornmeal, has a buttery taste and calls for more eggs, which produces a more cake-like texture.

What ingredient keeps cornbread from crumbling?

To prevent the cornbread from becoming too dry and crumbly, incorporating some oil and sour cream into the batter can help enhance its moisture and texture. This tip can come in handy when making cornbread recipes.

Which is sweeter Northern or Southern cornbread?

According to culinary historians, Northern cornbread has a distinct flavor and texture that sets it apart from its Southern counterpart. It is known to be sweeter, airier and more akin to cake than traditional Southern cornbread. This can be attributed to the inclusion of sugar or molasses, which was commonly used in earlier times.

What is cornbread called in the South?

The American South is known for its small and rich fried breads, also called “hot water” or “scald meal” cornbread. These cornbreads are typically 3-4″ in diameter, and some recipes include a small amount of wheat flour to ensure the bread’s consistency.

Bottom Line

In conclusion, I highly recommend trying this Paniolo Cornbread (Hawaii) recipe. This cornbread recipe is a delicious twist on the classic Southern cornbread, making it perfect for anyone who wants to explore and experiment with new flavors. It is a fantastic addition to any meal, and it is bound to impress your guests.

This recipe is easy to follow, and with a little bit of practice, anyone can achieve perfect results. The sweetness from the crushed pineapple and coconut milk, combined with the savory flavor of the yellow cornmeal and melted butter, gives this Paniolo Cornbread recipe its unique taste that you are sure to love.

Plus, with so many substitutions and variations available, such as using honey instead of sugar or adding in some jalapeño peppers for a spicy kick, you can make this recipe your own and tailor it to your personal preferences.

Overall, this Paniolo Cornbread (Hawaii) recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves delicious cornbread. With its tropical flavors and authentic Hawaiian twist, it’s sure to become one of your favorites too. So why not give it a try today? Happy cooking!

Paniolo Cornbread (Hawaii)

Paniolo Cornbread (Hawaii) Recipe

Adapted from Sam Choy's Polynesian Kitchen. Serve warm with honey and butter. Prep time does not include cooling time.
No ratings yet
Prep Time 10 mins
Cook Time 35 mins
Course Side Dish
Cuisine Hawaiian
Calories 487.7 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 cup cornmeal
  • 1 1/2 cups cake flour
  • 2/3 cup sugar
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup melted butter
  • 1 1/4 cups coconut milk
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 (8 ounce) can crushed pineapple, drained

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350°F.
  • Sift cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder and salt into a medium bowl.
  • In a separate bowl whisk together melted butter, coconut milk, and eggs.
  • Combine wet and dry mixtures.
  • Stir in pineapple.
  • Pour into a lightly greased 9" cake pan.
  • Bake until firm and golden brown, about 35 minutes.
  • Cool in pan for 30 minutes.
  • Loosen edges of cornbread from pan.
  • Place serving plate on top of pan, and invert cornbread onto plate.

Your Own Notes

Nutrition

Serving: 142gCalories: 487.7kcalCarbohydrates: 72.2gProtein: 5.1gFat: 20.8gSaturated Fat: 14.9gCholesterol: 77mgSodium: 420.8mgFiber: 1.3gSugar: 44.7g
Keyword < 60 Mins, Breads, Fruit, Grains, Pineapple, Polynesian, Quick Breads, Tropical
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