In short, there are four ways to reheat cornbread and make it taste freshly baked: using an oven, a microwave, a stove, or an air fryer. Each method involves heating the cornbread until it is warm and moist, covering it with foil or a lid to prevent drying out.
Cornbread is a healthy and delicious bread substitute that you can serve with any main course.
For me, it is more like a dessert because it is so delicious that you can eat it alone. And there’s nothing better than freshly baked cornbread, especially if my mom makes it. But it’s another story after you store cornbread for a few days.
I never told my mom that I always threw the cornbread in the trash the next day. I just didn’t like that dry, somewhat tasteless, and hard meal.
It wasn’t until adulthood that I realized there was a way to bring back the old glory of cornbread and enjoy it the day after preparation. Also, it’s good to know you can reheat frozen cornbread for more extended storage, and the taste will be perfect.
Way To Reheat Cornbread In The Oven
The oven is perhaps the best way to revive your stale cornbread and give it back a touch of juiciness and freshness.
The procedure itself does not require any special preparations, except for a little time that you will need to preheat the oven, and then the cornbread.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven to 350 °F
The best preheating temperature is medium heat of 350 degrees F, so turn on your oven and let it heat up. Take as much time as needed; don’t put the bread in a semi-warm oven.
Step 2: Place your Cornbread in a Tray and Cover with Foil
Place the cornbread in a baking tray or, if you have sliced leftovers, arrange them on a baking sheet. Put aluminum foil over to prevent the top from burning.
Step 3: Bake for 10 to 15 Minutes
Put the cornbread in the oven and bake for about 10 to 15 minutes, depending on how thick it is. Do not cook it for more than 15 minutes so it does not dry out.
Once the cornbread is ready, you can coat it with a little butter for extra juiciness and flavor.
Warming Cornbread In The Microwave
If you don’t have a lot of time for the oven, don’t feel bad. Your practical helper in the kitchen will equally assist to reheat leftover cornbread. The microwave result will not be bad at all, and you will be done in a few minutes. Reheating frozen cornbread is also more manageable in a microwave oven since you also have the thawing program.
Step 1: Put the Cornbread in a Bowl and Cover it
With a microwave, you can easily heat pieces of cornbread instead of a whole. Put it in a microwave safe dish and cover it with a lid or plastic wrap.
Remember to always leave a small opening so that the dish does not explode in the microwave. Another way is to cover it with a moist paper towel if you don’t want to mess with the lid.
Step 2: Nuke the Cornbread for 20 to 30 Seconds
Place the cornbread in the microwave, and turn it on the reheat setting. Nuke for about 20 to 30 seconds. Don’t leave it longer, or your cornbread is at risk of going dry. But you must reheat cornbread properly so don’t leave it lukewarm.
Warming Up Cornbread On A Stove
There is another reheating process for cornbread if you are in a hurry, and if you do not have a microwave. You can reheat your stale cornbread on the stove.
One thing about reheating on a stove is that you need to add a little fat, and so, the cornbread may get a bit of roasted flavor.
Step 1: Grease the Skillet and Preheat it
You can use oil or butter to grease the baking pan. Do not put too much—just enough to coat the bottom of the pan so that the cornbread does not stick.
Step 2: Bake the Cornbread for Few Minutes on Both Sides
It is necessary to cut the cornbread into slices to heat it this way. When the pan is heated, put the slices in it and fry them on each side until they reach the desired temperature. It will take approximately 2 minutes on each side.
Heating Cornbread In An Air Fryer
You can definitely reheat cornbread in an air fryer if you have one. It’s a quick and easy way, and the reheated cornbread will be very similar to the freshly made one.
The air fryer will probably give better results than the microwave method, and it is almost as fast. Here’s what you need to do for soft warmed bread.
Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer to 350 °F
Just like with a classic or toaster oven, the heating temperature will be best at 350 degrees. Let the appliance heat up entirely before putting the leftover cornbread in it.
Step 2: Place Leftover Cornbread in a Basket
You will achieve better results if the cornbread is cut into several slices than if it is whole. Of course, you can heat it in both forms. Only whole cornbread may need a slightly lower temperature and a longer heating process to even out the internal temperature.
Put the sliced cornbread in the air fryer basket so that there is a little space between the slices. You can line the bottom of the basket with aluminum foil if you want to avoid cleaning afterward, but this is not a necessary step.
Spray the surface of the cornbread with a bit of water or oil. You can also lightly coat melted butter. The purpose is to restore the juices to the bread and allow it to become soft again.
Step 3: Cook for 4 to 5 Minutes
The cooking time will be about 4 to 5 minutes. Of course, check whether the cornbread is heated enough and, if necessary, extend the heating time.
If the cornbread was whole, cutting it in the middle and checking the internal temperature would be a good idea or simply sticking the food thermometer inside.
FAQs
How long does cornbread last?
If you keep it at room temperature, the cornbread will last for about a day, or a maximum of two. The freshness will stay in the fridge for a few days longer, and you can freeze it freely so that it will last a couple of months.
Do I have to keep cornbread in the fridge?
You don’t have to put the cornbread in the fridge. You can have it at room temperature—just keep in mind that it will dry out a bit faster. It will, however, be pretty good for one day.
How do you soften dry cornbread?
If your cornbread is very dry, you can use a little trick when warming up. Cover it with a damp paper towel before placing it in the oven or microwave. That way, you may be able to regain some of the moisture.
Should cornbread be served warm or cold?
Cornbread is traditionally served warm, as it is at its best when fresh out of the oven. However, some people may also enjoy it at room temperature or even cold, depending on personal preference.
Conclusion
You can heat cornbread in any way we have presented to you, but if you have some extra time, we suggest that you opt for an oven. This method will be best for the tasty and fluffy cornbread you had in the beginning.
Feel free to make a little more of this favorite treat and freeze it. You can reheat cornbread that was frozen in the same ways as described. It will be great after thawing and reheating as if you just baked it.
Tanja is great lover of healthy eating and lifestyle, she has been editing TV series about nutrition and health for years. She also engaged in food production in the family business, mainly focused on fruit processing without destroying vitamins and minerals. She believes that quality nutrition is one of the key ingredients of a happy and healthy life.
