Name: Southern Cornbread Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 1 cup yellow cornmeal; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1 cup buttermilk; 2 large eggs; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for skillet)

Hey y’all! If you’re craving something golden, moist, and wonderfully crumbly with just the right amount of crisp crust, this Southern Cornbread Recipe will have you coming back for seconds (and thirds!). It’s simple, comforting, and an absolute must for family gatherings, holiday feasts, or cozy weeknight dinners. Whether you’re a longtime cornbread lover or just discovering this Southern staple, you won’t believe how easy and mouthwatering homemade cornbread can be. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Southern Cornbread Recipe

Classic flavor—slightly sweet, rich, and wonderfully comforting.
Super easy and quick with just a handful of pantry staples.
Perfectly crisp edges with a tender, moist crumb inside.
Versatile side dish for chili, BBQ, soups, or just slathered in butter.
Adaptable for gluten-free or dairy-free diets with simple swaps.

Ingredients

1 cup yellow cornmeal (stone-ground preferred)
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup buttermilk (room temperature)
2 large eggs (room temperature)
1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted and slightly cooled), plus extra for greasing
Optional: 1/4 cup vegetable oil for extra moisture

Directions

Prep Your Pan

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
Generously grease a 9-inch cast-iron skillet or 8×8-inch square baking dish with butter and place in the oven to preheat while you mix the batter. This helps achieve a crispy crust.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.

Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and eggs.
Stir in the melted butter (and oil, if using) until well incorporated.

Bring It All Together

Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir just until combined—don’t overmix; a few lumps are fine!

Bake the Cornbread

Carefully remove the hot skillet or dish from the oven. Pour the batter in and smooth the top evenly.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

Make sure your buttermilk and eggs are at room temperature for the best texture.
For an extra-crispy crust, let the skillet heat in the oven for at least 10 minutes before adding the batter.
Don’t overmix the batter—just stir until everything is moistened.

Variations

Cheesy Jalapeño: Stir in 1 cup shredded cheddar and 1 diced jalapeño for a spicy kick.
Sweet Corn: Gently fold in 1/2 cup drained canned or thawed frozen corn for bursts of sweetness.
Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

Required Equipment

9-inch cast iron skillet or 8-inch square baking dish
Large and medium mixing bowls
Whisk and sturdy spoon
Measuring cups and spoons
Oven mitts

Storage Instructions

Store leftover Southern cornbread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. For longer keeping, wrap slices well and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes for best texture.

Suggested Pairings & Serving Recommendations

Serve warm with a pat of butter and drizzle of honey.
Pair with chili, collard greens, or southern-style BBQ.
Enjoy for breakfast with eggs and bacon, or as a hearty snack with coffee.

Pro Tips for Perfect Southern Cornbread

Use stone-ground cornmeal for authentic flavor and texture.
Preheat the baking dish to give the cornbread a crisp, golden crust.
Add a splash more buttermilk if the batter seems too thick—it should be pourable but not runny.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make this Southern Cornbread Recipe without a cast iron skillet?: Absolutely! Use an 8×8-inch metal or glass baking dish—just be sure to preheat it for best results.
Is Southern cornbread supposed to be sweet?: Traditional Southern cornbread is just lightly sweetened, if at all, but feel free to adjust the sugar to suit your taste.
How do I know when the cornbread is done?: The top should be deep golden and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out free of wet batter (a few moist crumbs are fine).

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20-25 minutes
Total time: 30-35 minutes

Southern Cornbread Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Southern Cornbread Recipe

Ingredients