How Many Calories in Cornbread?

Cornbread is a staple in Southern cuisine and is often served as a side dish with meals such as chili or fried chicken. It is made from a combination of cornmeal, flour, eggs, milk, and butter. One of the most common questions people have about cornbread is how many calories it contains.

On average, a slice of cornbread contains around 150-200 calories. This can vary depending on the recipe and the ingredients used. A slice made with butter and sugar will have more calories than one made with low-fat milk and honey. Additionally, the size of the slice will also play a role in the calorie count. A larger slice will have more calories than a smaller one.

When it comes to the macronutrient breakdown of cornbread, it is primarily made up of carbohydrates. A slice of cornbread contains around 25-30 grams of carbohydrates. It also contains a moderate amount of protein, around 3-4 grams per slice, and a small amount of fat, around 5-6 grams per slice.

It is important to note that many commercial brands of cornbread mix contain added sugar, which can increase the calorie and carbohydrate count. Additionally, if the cornbread is fried or made with high-fat ingredients such as bacon grease, it will have a higher calorie and fat content.

One of the main concerns for many people when it comes to cornbread is the calorie content. How many calories are in a serving of cornbread? The answer to that question depends on the recipe and the serving size.

A standard serving size of cornbread is typically considered to be a one-inch square piece or a quarter of a standard 9×9 inch pan. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), a one-inch square piece of cornbread made with 1/3 cup of cornmeal, 1/3 cup of flour, and 2 tablespoons of sugar contains approximately 130 calories. However, this is just a basic recipe, and the calorie content can vary greatly depending on the ingredients used.

For example, if the recipe calls for additional ingredients such as butter or cheese, the calorie content will increase. A cornbread recipe that calls for 1/3 cup of butter and 1 cup of grated cheese will contain approximately 320 calories per serving. Additionally, if the recipe calls for sweeteners such as honey or maple syrup, the calorie content will also be higher.

Another factor that can affect the calorie content of cornbread is the cooking method. Cornbread that is cooked in a skillet or cast-iron pan will have a higher calorie content than cornbread that is baked in the oven. This is because the added fat from the skillet or pan will increase the overall calorie count.

It’s also important to keep in mind that the serving size can also play a role in the calorie content. A larger serving size will naturally contain more calories than a smaller serving size.

Overall, cornbread is a delicious and versatile food that can be enjoyed as a side dish or as a base for other dishes such as cornbread stuffing. While it does contain calories, it can be made with healthier ingredients to keep the calorie count in check.

In conclusion, the calorie content of cornbread can vary greatly depending on the recipe and serving size. A basic recipe made with 1/3 cup of cornmeal, 1/3 cup of flour, and 2 tablespoons of sugar contains approximately 130 calories per serving. However, if additional ingredients such as butter or cheese are used, the calorie content will increase. Additionally, cooking methods and serving size also affect the calorie content. It is important to be mindful of these factors when enjoying cornbread as part of a healthy diet.