Fluffy Honey-Drizzled Cornbread Recipe: Southern Comfort Joy

Southern kitchens have long treasured this delectable cornbread recipe that whispers comfort and warmth.

Crisp golden edges invite you to savor each delightful bite.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this simple yet magical dish.

Soft crumbs melt in your mouth, telling stories of farmhouse traditions.

Nostalgic aromas waft through the kitchen, promising pure satisfaction.

Simple ingredients blend into a magical creation that connects past and present.

Come share a slice of pure culinary joy that celebrates rustic elegance.

Cornbread: Why It’s Everyone’s Favorite

• Pairs wonderfully with soups, chili, barbecue, or as a standalone snack, bringing warmth and satisfaction to any meal.
• Simple ingredients and straightforward preparation invite everyone into the kitchen, turning cooking into a fun, shared experience.
• Minimal prep time and basic pantry staples mean you can have delicious, golden cornbread on the table in under an hour.

All You Need for Fluffy Cornbread

• Cornmeal: A coarse ground flour that gives the cornbread its signature texture and authentic corn flavor.
• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and helps bind the cornbread together.
• Baking Powder: Helps the cornbread rise and become light and fluffy.
• Sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness that balances the corn flavor.
• Salt: Enhances the overall taste of the cornbread.

• Milk: Adds moisture and helps create a tender crumb.
• Eggs: Provide richness and help bind the ingredients.
• Butter: Adds richness and a golden color to the cornbread.

• Butter: Perfect for spreading on warm cornbread for extra richness and flavor.

Simple Steps for Perfect Cornbread

Step 1: Prepare Baking Setup

Crank your oven to a toasty 400F (200C).

Grab a cast-iron skillet or baking dish and generously coat it with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

• Cornmeal
• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Granulated sugar
• Salt

Whisk these dry ingredients together until they’re evenly combined and free of lumps.

Step 3: Blend Wet Ingredients

• Whole milk
• Fresh eggs
• Melted butter

Whisk these ingredients until they’re smooth and fully incorporated, creating a creamy liquid mixture.

Step 4: Create Cornbread Batter

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients.

Gently fold everything together using a spatula.

Mix just until the ingredients are combined – don’t overmix, or your cornbread will turn tough and dense.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Transfer the batter into your prepared skillet or baking dish.

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

Your cornbread is ready when the top turns a gorgeous golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Let the cornbread rest for a few minutes after removing from the oven.

Slice into wedges or squares and serve warm.

Add a pat of butter on top for extra indulgence.

Cornbread Baking Pointers

• Stir the batter gently and minimally to keep the cornbread tender and light, avoiding tough or dense results.
• Add extras like jalapeños, corn kernels, or shredded cheese to create a personalized and exciting cornbread variation.
• Use a cast-iron skillet for crispy edges and even heating, which creates a delightful golden-brown crust.
• Check doneness with a toothpick and avoid overbaking to maintain a moist, soft interior that melts in your mouth.
• Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend to make the cornbread accessible for those with dietary restrictions.

Cornbread Storage for Maximum Freshness

• Store leftover cornbread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
• Slice cornbread and place individual pieces in freezer-safe bags. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label the bag with the date for easy tracking.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Wrap cornbread in aluminum foil and warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through. This method helps retain moisture and restore original texture.
• Warm individual slices for 15-20 seconds. Add a damp paper towel on top to prevent dryness and maintain softness.

Top Pairings for Cornbread

• Pair Hearty Chili with Cornbread Delight: The classic combination of spicy, rich chili and sweet, buttery cornbread creates a match made in comfort food heaven. The cornbread's subtle sweetness perfectly balances the bold, warming flavors of a robust chili.
• Complement with Crisp Southern Iced Tea: A cold, refreshing glass of sweet tea cuts through the cornbread's richness and provides a classic Southern pairing that enhances the bread's warm, comforting texture.
• Serve alongside Smoky BBQ Pulled Pork: The cornbread's soft, crumbly texture becomes an ideal vessel for soaking up tangy BBQ sauce, creating a mouthwatering combination that celebrates Southern culinary traditions.
• Elevate with Creamy Butter and Honey: A generous spread of soft butter and a drizzle of golden honey transforms the cornbread into an indulgent treat, adding layers of richness and sweet complexity to each bite.

Flavorful Cornbread Twists

• Gluten-Free Cornbread: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for a celiac-friendly version.
• Vegan Cornbread: Substitute eggs with mashed banana or flax eggs, and use plant-based milk and dairy-free butter alternative.
• Jalapeño Cheese Cornbread: Mix in diced jalapeños and shredded cheddar cheese before baking for a spicy, savory kick.
• Low-Sugar Option: Reduce sugar by half or use a natural sweetener like stevia to create a less sweet, more traditional cornbread.

FAQs

• What makes this cornbread so special?

The perfect balance of cornmeal and flour creates a tender, moist texture that’s not too dense or dry, with just the right amount of sweetness.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to create a delicious gluten-free version of the cornbread.

• How do I know when the cornbread is perfectly baked?

Look for a golden brown top and insert a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean with no wet batter, typically around 20-25 minutes of baking.

• What type of cornmeal works best for this recipe?

Stone-ground yellow cornmeal provides the best flavor and texture, giving the cornbread a more authentic and rich taste compared to more processed varieties.

Cornbread Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 39 reviews

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

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Hearty Southern Cornbread celebrates rustic comfort with golden, crumbly goodness straight from grandma’s kitchen. Warm, savory slices paired with butter invite you to savor pure homestyle deliciousness.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Dry Ingredients:

• 1 cup yellow cornmeal
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients:

• 1 cup whole milk
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup (4 tablespoons) melted butter

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare a 9-inch cast-iron skillet or baking pan by generously coating with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Combine all dry ingredients in a spacious mixing bowl, creating a uniform powder with no visible lumps.
3. Whisk together liquid components in a separate vessel, ensuring eggs are thoroughly incorporated and butter is evenly distributed.
4. Create a gentle well in the center of dry ingredients and slowly pour liquid mixture, folding carefully with minimal stirring to maintain a tender texture.
5. Transfer batter into prepared skillet, spreading evenly with a silicone spatula to guarantee consistent thickness.
6. Position in preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) and bake for approximately 22-27 minutes, monitoring color transformation to a rich golden-brown.
7. Verify doneness by inserting a clean toothpick into center – it should emerge without raw batter clinging to its surface.
8. Remove from oven and allow cornbread to rest for 5-7 minutes, enabling internal steam to settle and structure to stabilize.
9. Slice into wedges or squares, serving immediately while warmth and moisture are at peak quality.

Notes

• Enhance texture by using stone-ground cornmeal for a more authentic, rustic flavor profile.
• Customize the sweetness by adjusting sugar levels to suit personal preferences or regional taste variations.
• Transform into a gluten-free version by substituting all-purpose flour with almond or gluten-free flour blend.
• Add extra moisture and richness by incorporating sour cream or Greek yogurt into the wet ingredients mixture.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 250mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 27g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 50mg