Fluffy Southern Classic Cornbread Recipe for Cozy Dinners

Cornbread has always been a southern staple that brings warm memories to the table.

Comfort radiates from each golden, crumbly slice of this classic recipe.

Generations have passed down their special techniques for creating the perfect batch.

Soft, buttery textures mingle with a hint of sweetness that makes everyone smile.

My grandmother’s approach taught me cornbread isn’t just food – it’s a connection to tradition.

Simple ingredients come together with minimal effort, promising delicious results.

Savor each bite and let the rich, homemade flavor transport you to a cozy kitchen.

Classic Cornbread: Why It’s Always a Crowd-Pleaser

• Warm, golden, and incredibly satisfying, this classic cornbread brings instant homey comfort that appeals to all ages, making it an ideal side dish for family meals or casual gatherings.
• Easily adaptable for different occasions, from weeknight dinners to potlucks, this cornbread pairs wonderfully with soups, chili, barbecue, and can be customized with add-ins like jalapeños or cheese for extra excitement.
• Ready in under 30 minutes from start to finish, this recipe offers maximum flavor with minimal effort, allowing home cooks to enjoy fresh, homemade bread without spending hours in the kitchen.

What You’ll Need to Make Classic Cornbread from Scratch

• Cornmeal: A coarse flour ground from dried corn that provides the classic texture and authentic flavor of cornbread.
• All-Purpose Flour: Helps bind the ingredients and creates a tender crumb in the cornbread.
• Sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness to balance the savory corn flavor.
• Baking Powder: Helps the cornbread rise and become light and fluffy.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cornbread.

• Milk: Provides moisture and helps create a soft, tender texture.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add richness to the cornbread.
• Butter: Adds rich flavor and helps create a moist, tender crumb.

• Butter, Honey: Provides additional flavor and can be used as a topping when serving the cornbread.

Steps to Bake Golden, Moist Classic Cornbread

Step 1: Fire Up The Oven

Crank the oven to 400°F.

Grab your trusty 8-inch square baking dish or cast-iron skillet and give it a quick grease-up to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Blend Dry Ingredients

Toss cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt into a big mixing bowl.

Whisk them together until they’re perfectly blended.

Step 3: Whip Wet Components

In a separate bowl, mix milk, eggs, and melted butter.

Blend until everything looks smooth and incorporated.

Step 4: Marry The Mixtures

Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients.

Stir gently until just combined.

Don’t go crazy with mixing – a few little lumps are totally fine and will make your cornbread tender.

Step 5: Bake To Golden Perfection

Transfer the batter into your prepared dish.

Slide into the hot oven and bake for 20-25 minutes.

• Top turns a beautiful golden brown
• A toothpick comes out clean when inserted in the center

Step 6: Rest And Enjoy

Let the cornbread cool down for a few minutes.

Slice and serve while warm.

Feel free to slather with butter or drizzle with honey for extra deliciousness.

Tips for Nailing Texture and Flavor in Classic Cornbread

• Stir the batter gently and briefly to keep the cornbread tender and avoid a tough, dense texture. Stop mixing when ingredients are just combined.
• Use stone-ground cornmeal for richer flavor and more authentic texture. Yellow cornmeal offers a deeper, sweeter taste compared to white cornmeal.
• Insert a toothpick in the center to check if cornbread is fully baked. The toothpick should come out clean with just a few moist crumbs attached.
• Add jalapeños, corn kernels, or shredded cheese to the batter for extra texture and delicious variations. These mix-ins create exciting flavor dimensions.
• Serve cornbread warm for the best taste and texture. A slight warmth helps butter melt beautifully and enhances the bread's soft, comforting qualities.

How to Keep Classic Cornbread Fresh After Baking

• Store cooled cornbread in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
• Slice cornbread, wrap individual portions in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
• Warm individual slices for 15-20 seconds on medium power. Add a damp paper towel to prevent dryness and maintain moisture.
• Wrap cornbread in aluminum foil, place in a 150C (300F) oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through. Unwrap last few minutes for a crispy exterior.

Side Dishes That Pair Nicely with Classic Cornbread

• Pair with Hearty Chili: The rich, slightly sweet cornbread perfectly complements a spicy beef or vegetarian chili, balancing heat with its comforting texture.
• Complement with Pulled Pork: Serve alongside slow-cooked pulled pork for a classic Southern-style meal that highlights the cornbread's rustic charm.
• Match with Buttermilk Fried Chicken: The crispy, golden chicken creates a delightful contrast to the soft, crumbly cornbread, making a mouthwatering comfort food combination.
• Drink with Sweet Tea: Cool down the meal with a tall glass of traditional Southern sweet tea, which echoes the cornbread's subtle sweetness and provides a refreshing counterpoint.

Flavor Options to Elevate Classic Cornbread

• Gluten-Free Cornbread: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Dairy-Free Version: Substitute milk with unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk, and use coconut oil instead of butter for a lactose-free option.
• Jalapeño Cornbread: Add finely chopped jalapeños and shredded cheddar cheese to the batter for a spicy, savory kick that transforms the classic recipe.
• Honey Cornbread: Reduce sugar and replace it with honey for a natural sweetener that adds depth and richness to the traditional cornbread flavor.

FAQs

• What gives classic cornbread its signature texture?

The combination of cornmeal and flour creates a perfect balance between crumbly and tender, with the cornmeal providing that distinctive grainy texture and golden color.

• Can I make cornbread without sugar?

While sugar adds a subtle sweetness, you can reduce or omit it for a more savory version. The cornbread will still be delicious and have a more traditional, less sweet profile.

• Why is it important not to overmix the batter?

Overmixing develops gluten, which can make the cornbread tough and dense. Mixing just until the ingredients are combined ensures a tender, light texture with a perfect crumb.

• What's the best way to know if my cornbread is fully baked?

Use the toothpick test – insert a toothpick into the center of the cornbread. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the cornbread is perfectly baked and ready to enjoy.

Classic Cornbread Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Southern comfort converges in this classic cornbread recipe, delivering golden warmth straight from grandma’s kitchen. Rich buttermilk and stone-ground cornmeal promise a delectable side you’ll savor alongside hearty stews and chili.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Ingredients:

• 1 cup (240 ml) cornmeal
• 1 cup (120 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) baking powder
• 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) salt

Wet Ingredients:

• 1 cup (240 ml) milk
• 2 large eggs

Fat Ingredient:

• 1/4 cup (60 ml) unsalted butter (melted)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the cooking vessel by generously coating an 8-inch square baking dish or cast-iron skillet with oil or butter. Heat the oven to a precise 200C (400F).
2. Create a dry ingredient foundation by thoroughly blending cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a spacious mixing bowl using a whisk.
3. In a separate container, vigorously whisk milk, eggs, and melted butter until the liquid mixture achieves a smooth, uniform consistency.
4. Gently fold the liquid ingredients into the dry mixture, stirring with minimal agitation. Embrace a few small lumps, as overmixing can compromise the cornbread’s delicate texture.
5. Transfer the batter into the prepared cooking vessel, ensuring an even distribution. Position in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, monitoring until the surface transforms into a rich golden hue.
6. Verify doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should emerge clean and dry. Remove from the oven and allow the cornbread to rest for several minutes.
7. Slice into generous portions and serve while still warm. Enhance with a pat of creamy butter or a drizzle of golden honey for added indulgence.

Notes

• Customize the sweetness by adjusting sugar levels, making it more or less sweet depending on personal preference.
• Transform into a gluten-free version by substituting regular flour with almond or gluten-free flour blend.
• Enhance flavor by adding mix-ins like jalapeños, corn kernels, or shredded cheese for extra texture and taste.
• Prevent dry cornbread by avoiding overmixing the batter and checking doneness early to maintain moisture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg