Golden, crumbly cornbread with a hint of sweetness is a classic Southern vegetarian side dish. This family-friendly bread pairs perfectly with chili, BBQ, and soups.
Preheat the oven to 400°F and grease an 8-inch square baking pan with a thin layer of butter or oil.
In a large bowl, whisk together cornmeal, all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined for a consistent crumb.
In a separate bowl, whisk the milk, egg, and melted butter, ensuring the butter is warm but not hot to avoid scrambling the egg.
Pour the wet mixture into the dry mixture and gently fold with a spatula until just combined; do not overmix or the bread will become dense.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smooth the top, and bake in the oven for 20-24 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean with a few moist crumbs.
Cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes on a wire rack before slicing to help set the crumb and make serving easier.