Southern Cornbread Recipe (2024)

This easy family Southern cornbread recipe is delicious and crispy yet tender! Made in cast iron skillet with 5 ingredients and ready in 30 minutes!

Looking for more easy bread recipes? I think you’ll love my angel biscuits, sandwich bread recipe, and this 4-ingredient, no-yeast Irish soda bread.

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Southern cornbread is a delicious food that’s part of my Southern heritage, and when you taste this recipe, you will know why. It’s part of my heirloom Southern Cornbread Dressing, a bowl of classic chili, perfect with a Pinto Bean supper, and the best thing to partner with my vegetable soup. And you can never go wrong with taking a slice or two, slathering it with butter, and maybe even giving it a drizzle of honey.

Table of Contents

  • Homemade Cornbread Recipe
  • What Skillet Makes The Best Cornbread?
  • How to Make Cornbread Recipe
  • Ingredients
  • Step-by-Step Instructions
  • Recipe Variations
  • Storage Tips
  • What to Eat with Cornbread
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • More Favorite Bread Recipes
  • Southern Cornbread Recipe

Homemade Cornbread Recipe

Southern Cornbread is a classic side dish that is also a must in traditional southern cooking. Generations of cooks in my family have made it this way. And without a doubt in my mind, a good cornbread recipe is an essential part of so many southern meals. But this cornbread recipe is special – no dry cornbread is accepted here.

Since watching my grandmother and mother make it and now making it more times than I can count myself, there’s a certain way to make great homemade southern cornbread – and I believe this is it!

This family recipe only has five ingredients. And it does not contain sugar. If you want to add a pinch, I won’t stop you, but it’s not a part of how I make this recipe.

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What Skillet Makes The Best Cornbread?

A hot, greased cast iron skillet makes the best cornbread! It gives the cornbread a crispy, golden exterior that is the hallmark of a great southern cornbread. While golden and crispy on the outside, this cornbread is tender and delicious on the inside.
A cast iron skillet is a treasure and can be used for generations! I’ve shared tips and information about caring for them, including how to clean and how to season them.

How to Make Cornbread Recipe

In addition to a cast iron skillet, you’ll need:

Ingredients

Be sure to see the recipe card below for the full listing of ingredients, instructions, notes, and estimated nutritional information.

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  • Cornmeal – This recipe uses finely ground self-rising cornmeal. If you aren’t able to find it or prefer to use regular cornmeal, see how to make this recipe using regular cornmeal in the Recipe Variations below.
  • Flour – This recipe also uses self-rising flour. The addition of flour makes for a moist, tender, soft Southern cornbread.
  • Eggs – room temperature eggs incorporate best into the cornbread batter.
  • Buttermilk – adds such amazing flavor and adds to the tenderness of the bread.
  • Water – lightens the batter for the perfect consistency in this tender and moist cornbread recipe.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat. Preheat oven to 425º Fahrenheit.

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Prep the Skillet. Coat a large iron skillet with enough butter to coat the bottom and sides of the skillet. Place the coated skillet into the oven for the butter to melt. Remove the skillet from the oven once it has melted. Swirl the skillet to make sure it is well coated. Leave any excess melted butter in the skillet.

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Mix and Bake. Meanwhile, stir together the cornmeal, flour, eggs, buttermilk, and water and pour into the hot skillet. The sizzling hot butter will rise along the edge of the cornbread batter. Return the skillet to the oven and bake for about 25 minutes or until the bread has risen, is developing a golden brown color, and the center springs to the touch. Carefully remove from oven once done and place on a heat-proof surface.

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Serve. Serve directly from the skillet by cutting into wedges or squares, or allow hot cornbread to stand for about 5 minutes and carefully flip cornbread out onto a serving plate and slice. Serve and enjoy plain or with a bit of butter. It’s also good drizzled with a bit of honey.

Recipe Variations

Southern Cornbread with Regular Cornmeal. If you use regular cornmeal, choose finely ground cornmeal in an equal amount used in the recipe. Add 1 teaspoon salt and 2 teaspoons baking powder, and proceed with the recipe as written.

Cornbread Muffins. My family loves this easy and delicious cornbread muffin recipe. It is slightly sweetened with honey, but you can adjust the sweetness or completely omit it if you prefer. For my muffins, I like to use stone-ground cornmeal, as you’ll see in the recipe.

Storage Tips

To Make ahead: Allow to cool completely. Once cooled, cover tightly with wrap or foil. Store on the countertop for up to 2 days.

To Freeze: Once cooked, allow the cornbread to cool completely. Then, portion into airtight, freezer-safe container(s) and freeze for up to 3 months.

To Thaw. Allow frozen cornbread on the counter to thaw overnight.

To Reheat and Serve. Reheat in oven or microwave until warm and serve.

What to Eat with Cornbread

It is delicious, crumbled in or eaten with a cold glass of milk, as my granddaddy enjoyed it at times, and it makes the perfect southern side dish.

It’s a must with turnip greens, black-eyed peas, and pinto beans and is simply perfect with chili and beef stew, too. Mimi’s Cornbread Salad Recipe is a tasty layered salad that we love for family gatherings. It’s delicious served alongside a pot roast and vegetables. There are so many ways to enjoy it!

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does your cornbread recipe include sugar?

No. My southern cornbread recipe does not include any sugar. You can add it if you like.

More Favorite Bread Recipes

The Best Banana Bread Recipe

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The Best Pizza Dough

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Three Ingredient Buttermilk Biscuit Recipe

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Here’s my family’s Southern Cornbread Recipe. It is a treasure!

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Southern Cornbread Recipe

Robyn Stone

4.97 from 30 votes

This Southern Cornbread recipe is a classic Southern dish and makes the BEST cornbread! Easy recipe is delicious and crispy yet tender! Made in cast iron skillet with 5 ingredients and ready in 30 minutes!

Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes minutes

Servings: 8

Ingredients

  • 2 cups (244 g) self-rising cornmeal
  • 1 cup (113 g) self-rising flour
  • 2 large (100 g) eggs
  • 2 cups (490 g) buttermilk
  • 1/2 cup (114 g) water

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 425º F.

  • Coat large (12 inch) skillet with enough vegetable shortening or butter to coat the bottom and sides of the skillet. Place the coated oven into the oven for the butter or shortening to melt. Remove the skillet from oven once melted.

  • Meanwhile, stir together the cornmeal, flour, eggs, buttermilk and water and pour into the hot skillet. Return to the oven and bake about 25 minutes or until bread has risen and center springs to the touch.

  • Serve directly from skillet or allow to stand about 5 minutes and flip onto a plate for serving.

Notes

Storage Tips

To Make ahead: Allow to cool completely. Once cooled, cover tightly with wrap or foil. Store on the countertop for up to 2 days.

To Freeze: Once cooked, allow the cornbread to cool completely. Then, portion into airtight, freezer-safe container(s) and freeze for up to 3 months.

To Thaw. Allow frozen cornbread on the counter to thaw overnight.

To Reheat and Serve. Reheat in oven or microwave until warm and serve.

Recipe Variations

Southern Cornbread with Regular Cornmeal. If you use regular cornmeal, choose finely ground cornmeal in an equal amount used in the recipe. Add 1 teaspoon salt and 2 teaspoons baking powder, and proceed with the recipe as written.

Cornbread Muffins. My family loves this easy and delicious cornbread muffin recipe. It is slightly sweetened with honey, but you can adjust the sweetness or completely omit it if you prefer. For my muffins, I like to use stone-ground cornmeal, as you’ll see in the recipe.

Nutrition

Serving: 1slice | Calories: 264kcal | Carbohydrates: 43g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 53mg | Sodium: 83mg | Potassium: 241mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 165IU | Calcium: 81mg | Iron: 1.5mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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Enjoy!
Robyn xo

Categorized as:30 Minutes or Less Recipes, Bakery, Bread Recipes, Freezer Friendly Recipes, Make-ahead Recipes, Pantry Staples, Recipes, Side Dish Recipes, Simple Recipes, Southern Favorites

Welcome to Add A Pinch

About Robyn

Robyn Stone is a cookbook author, wife, mom, and passionate home cook. Her tested and trusted recipes give readers the confidence to cook recipes the whole family will love. Robyn has been featured on Food Network, People, Southern Living, and more.

Read more about Robyn

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Southern Cornbread Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is the difference between regular cornbread and Southern cornbread? ›

She notes that Northern cornbread is sweeter, lighter, and more cake-like than Southern cornbread. Not surprisingly, it includes sugar (or molasses, in the earlier centuries), unlike traditional Southern cornbread.

Why do Southerners not put sugar in cornbread? ›

Sugar in the cornbread interferes with the flavor of the vegetables. Don't put sugar in your cornbread! Traditional cornbread isn't sweet, but many favorite recipes have sugar in them.

What ingredients keep cornbread from being dry? ›

Just like the buttermilk, sour cream can be added to help cornbread stay moist. Just like buttermilk is fermented milk left over from making butter, sour cream is fermented cream. It is actually thicker than buttermilk and has more tang to it.

Which is better for cornbread white or yellow cornmeal? ›

Traditional southern cornbread is a staple in the south and is classically made from white cornmeal, although yellow cornmeal can be used, and cooked in a pre-heated cast iron skillet.

What is the difference between New England and southern cornbread? ›

Northern cornbread isn't very sweet and is made with fewer eggs and yellow cornmeal to achieve a crumbly texture. Southern-style cornbread can be made with white or yellow cornmeal, has a buttery finish and calls for more eggs, which produces a cakelike texture.

Is medium or fine cornmeal better for cornbread? ›

As for the best cornmeal for cornbread, either fine- or medium-grind cornmeal is a great choice. Medium-grind cornmeal will bring slightly more texture and grittiness to the batter, which you may or may not want (it's up to you!). You can use fine or medium cornmeal in these extra corny muffins.

Why is cornbread not healthy? ›

The exact nutritional profile of cornbread can vary depending on the specific recipe and ingredients used. However, cornbread generally contains high amounts of carbs, phosphorus, and sodium in each serving. One piece of cornbread prepared from a commercially prepared mix contains ( 2 ): Calories: 198.

What is cornbread called in the South? ›

Corn pones are a staple of Southern U.S. cuisine and have been discussed or referenced by many American writers, including Mark Twain.

Is cornbread good or bad for diabetics? ›

Cornbread is delicious and a great accompaniment to any meal. However, it is not a good idea if you are a diabetic. The high starch and cornmeal contents are carbohydrates which are broken down into sugar in the body. Sugar is extremely dangerous for people with diabetes, so it is best to avoid it.

What does adding an extra egg to cornbread do? ›

The yolk will make the texture more dense and smooth, a bit brownie-like, while the fact that your original batter was too thick means that the additional liquid will help the baking powder achieve better leavening, giving you an airier texture.

What can I add to cornbread mix to make it better? ›

corn kernels (canned or frozen) chopped jalapeños and or canned mild green chilies, and cheddar cheese all make great additions to cornbread. You can use butter to give the cornbread a special kick to make it taste better. I have used butter to give the cornbread more flavor.

Why does my Jiffy cornbread fall apart? ›

Cornbread normally cracks on top, but if it is too extreme and falling apart there are a few options. Do not over mix ingredients. Stir until they are just moistened. Add an extra egg yolk, even if the recipe doesn't call for an egg.

Can you put too many eggs in cornbread? ›

Eggs are responsible for giving baked goods structure, which means the amount you use directly affects the resulting texture. Using too few eggs will make your desserts dense, but using too many will make them rubbery. The explanation for this lies in the fact that eggs are made up of protein.

What grind of cornmeal is best for cornbread? ›

It ranges in texture from fine to coarse. For this recipe, I like to use coarse cornmeal because it adds that traditional cornbread texture. When you mix it with flour, it provides the perfect crumb. I prefer to use stone-ground cornmeal, which you can find in the baking aisle or bulk bins.

What kind of corn is best for cornbread? ›

But one of the easiest ways to jazz up a basic cornbread is by adding sweet corn, which creates more layers of that sweet and sunny flavor. Fresh corn is always best if it's in season, cut straight off the cob, but frozen is nearly as good. Just let the corn thaw and then drain it completely, patting dry if needed.

What is different about Southern cornbread? ›

Northern cornbreads tend to be more cake-like, on the sweet side, with a finer crumb due to more flour in the mixture. Southern cornbread is flavored with bacon grease, and cooked in a cast iron skillet, a perfect side for barbecues, or chili. It also tends to be rather crumbly.

What is the difference between New York cornbread and southern cornbread? ›

Southern cornbread has traditionally been made with little or no sugar and smaller amounts of flour (or no flour), with northern cornbread being sweeter and more cake-like. Southern cornbread traditionally used white cornmeal and buttermilk. Other ingredients such as pork rinds are sometimes used.

What is Southern cornbread made of? ›

In a large mixing bowl, mix dry ingredients: cornmeal, flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt; Set aside. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and buttermilk. Pour the mixture into the dry ingredients and mix well. Take the cast iron skillet out of the oven and pour the batter into it.

Is real Southern cornbread sweet? ›

Real, traditional, Southern-style cornbread is savory, not sweet, and always has been.

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