Cornbread is tastiest served warm, so what’s the best way to cook leftovers? Discover the best ways to reheat cornbread for the most delicious texture and taste.
Cornbread is an American favorite that has lasted for centuries, and it’s not hard to see why. Its beautiful cake-like texture and brilliant yellow color have made it an iconic table bread, enjoyed by millions.
But what do you do with leftovers? How can you warm it and still retain the wonderfully light and crumbly texture of your favorite cornbread recipe? Our reheating guide is here to help.
We have the best ways to heat up your leftover cornbread, explaining when each method is best and provide a step-by-step guide to warming your leftovers the right way. From microwaving it in a mug to baking it in the oven with butter and honey, get the best results the easy way.
Oven
The oven is the best way to reheat food, giving you accurate temperature control and easy access. Since most kitchens already have a home oven, you won’t need any special equipment for this method.
A fan-assisted oven will give the best results because it ensures solid heat distribution, ensuring your cornbread is warmed evenly across its surface and throughout its cake-like texture. Furthermore, using aluminum foil in the oven is the best way to reheat food without letting it turn dry or soggy.
Along with your oven and cold cornbread, you will also need a baking tray, aluminum foil, and cooking spray.
Preheat the oven at 350˚F for about 15 minutes. Line the baking tray with foil and apply cooking spray to the surface of the foil. Place the leftover cornbread on the foil and tent it with more foil, allowing a small amount of air to flow around it. Tenting the cornbread in foil will allow it to come to temperature without charring or drying out on the surface, keeping it moist ad soft. Reheat in the oven for 10 minutes.
This method provides the best results by far but does take longer. If you aren’t pushed for time, this is the way to go.
Toaster Oven
Reheating is one of the primary functions of a toaster oven. In addition to the convenience that a regular oven provides, this countertop oven is portable.
A toaster oven may not be large enough for all dishes. It is difficult to cook a full dinner on a standard dish since it is about 22 inches long and 12 inches high. It does, however, do a great job of reheating foods like cornbread.
Since cornbread is a baked dish, it is important to find a way to reheat it without burning the crust or drying it out. When you are done, you still want it to be light and fluffy. You can quickly do this with a toaster oven. This will not only be a faster option, but a more efficient option as well because it distributes heat evenly.
For the toaster oven method, preheat it to 350 F. In a pan, lay the aluminum foil on a plate and put cornbread on it. Cook the bread for about 20 minutes. Remove it from the oven and leave it to cool slightly before serving. The bread will be fresh on the inside and have a crispy crust on the outside.
Microwave
Microwaves are often the most common way to heat food. It is easy, fast, and convenient. There is also less risk of getting burned during the process. A microwave, a microwave-safe dish or container, a cover, paper towels, and cornbread are required. Under no circumstances should you use foil.
Set your microwave to the reheat setting. You can wrap the cornbread in paper towels to keep moisture from evaporating, then place the bread in a container or plate and cover it. 30 seconds should be enough. It’s better to start with less time and put it back in for more seconds if it isn’t entirely done yet. Once it passes the sweet spot, it’s easy to end up with overheated, inedible bread.
When it is finished, you can serve it as desired with the dressing of your choice.
Frying Pan & Stovetop
You will need a large frying pan or cast-iron skillet, a stovetop, your cornbread, and butter or oil. Grease the skillet with butter or oil first. Make sure it is well greased and evenly distributed. Set the stove to medium-low. Place the cornbread in the skillet.
Turn the bread occasionally, making sure that each side is evenly heated. Tongs will come in handy here. The bread should be evenly heated on all sides in about 5 minutes. The downside to this method is that it uses oil or butter, which may conflict with some diets.
Instant Pot
Instant Pots can be used to reheat food as well as one-pot slow cooker classic recipes. This method requires a heat-resistant container, foil, and butter or cooking oil.
Brush butter or oil over the cornbread to prevent them from sticking together. Place the cornbread in the heat-resistant container and place it in the instant pot. You have two options here. You can either use the slow cook setting or the warming setting. Be sure to wrap the bread tightly in foil or parchment paper before you place it in the slow cooker, close the lid and let it do its job.
The advantage of using this method is that you can stack up many layers of cornbread and reheat them simultaneously to save time. The downside is that you can end up with soggy bread and you won’t get the same crispy crust as you do with an oven.
Air Fryer
One of the healthiest cooking methods is using an air fryer because it helps you reduce the amount of oil you use. Moreover, it’s efficient, fast, and convenient.
You will need a silicone mold, an air fryer, and cornbread to make this. First, preheat the air fryer for about 7 minutes. Put the cornbread in the silicone molds and fry it in the air fryer. You need to make sure the bread is dry and has no leftover toppings, dressings, or oils. Leave it in for about 15 minutes maximum. Nevertheless, you will need to constantly monitor the bread to ensure it is not drying out.
FAQ
Find out everything you need to know with our cornbread quick tips and questions.
What’s the best way to store cornbread?
The best way to store cornbread is in an airtight container or plastic bag in a cool and dry place. You can refrigerate it for up to one week, but it’s best used within two days of baking.
Can you freeze cornbread?
You can freeze cornbread in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to three months. Thaw frozen cornbread at room temperature and reheat it in the oven before eating.
How long is cornbread good for?
Cornbread will last for 2-3 days at normal room temperatures, but it’s best when eaten within 1 day.
What does cornbread taste like?
The taste of cornbread depends upon the ingredients used. Basic versions use only cornmeal, eggs, and milk (or buttermilk), while recipes with added ingredients are often sweeter or more savory.
How to fix stale cornbread?
Add butter to the cornbread before wrapping in foil and reheating in the oven. If using a microwave, wrap the cornbread in a wet paper towel. This ensures that it doesn’t become overly hard or lose its delicate texture.
