Vegetarian Southern Johnny Squares
Bring a taste of the South to your table with these delightfully fluffy and golden-brown Vegetarian Southern Johnny Squares. Made with a blend of fine cornmeal, all-purpose flour, and a touch of baking powder for the perfect rise, these cornbread-inspired squares are elevated with sharp cheddar cheese, fresh scallions, and an optional kick of diced jalapeño. Buttermilk adds tangy richness, while melted butter and eggs ensure every bite is tender and satisfying. Ready in just 40 minutes, these savory squares are a versatile accompaniment to hearty soups, chili, or salads, but they're just as delicious served solo with a drizzle of honey or melted butter. Perfect for a comforting side dish or a quick snack, make these your go-to recipe for showcasing Southern flavors with a vegetarian twist.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup Cornmeal (fine or medium grind)
- 0.5 cup All-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon Baking powder
- 0.25 teaspoon Baking soda
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 2 tablespoons Granulated sugar
- 1 cup Buttermilk
- 4 tablespoons Unsalted butter (melted)
- 2 Eggs
- 0.5 cup Sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 0.25 cup Scallions (thinly sliced)
- 1 Jalapeño (seeded and finely diced, optional)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and lightly grease an 8x8-inch baking pan with butter or non-stick spray.
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar until well combined.
In a separate bowl or large measuring cup, whisk together the buttermilk, melted butter, and eggs until smooth.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the squares dense.
Fold in the shredded cheddar cheese, sliced scallions, and diced jalapeño (if using). The batter should be thick but spreadable.
Pour the batter into the greased baking pan, spreading it out evenly with a spatula or the back of a spoon.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Remove the pan from the oven and let the Johnny Squares cool in the pan for 5-10 minutes before slicing into 9 squares.
Serve warm as a side dish to soups, stews, or salads, or enjoy them on their own with a dollop of butter or honey. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1714 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 87.1 g | 112% | |
| Saturated Fat | 49.9 g | 250% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.5 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 583 mg | 194% | |
| Sodium | 3673 mg | 160% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 187.0 g | 68% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 11.5 g | 41% | |
| Total Sugars | 39.7 g | ||
| Protein | 50.5 g | 101% | |
| Vitamin D | 6.2 mcg | 31% | |
| Calcium | 778 mg | 60% | |
| Iron | 7.5 mg | 42% | |
| Potassium | 900 mg | 19% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
