The Soft & Sweet Easy Cornbread Recipe for Every Occasion

Southern kitchens have long celebrated this easy cornbread recipe that brings comfort to any gathering.

Memories of grandma’s warm kitchen come flooding back with each golden slice.

Crisp edges and a tender crumb make this classic side dish irresistible.

Cornmeal provides a hearty base that transforms simple ingredients into something magical.

Minimal effort yields maximum flavor in this straightforward, foolproof preparation.

Anyone can master this recipe with just a few basic pantry staples.

Simple yet satisfying, you’ll want to bookmark this crowd-pleasing bread for every meal.

Let’s create a slice of culinary happiness that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Cornbread

• Effortless recipe perfect for beginners with simple steps and minimal kitchen skills required.
• Ideal for multiple occasions from family dinners to potlucks, picnics, and casual gatherings with its crowd-pleasing flavor.
• Minimal preparation time and straightforward ingredients make this cornbread a go-to solution for spontaneous meal companions or unexpected guests.
• Adaptable dish that appeals to all ages, satisfying both kids and adults with its golden, soft texture and subtle sweetness.

Your Cornbread Ingredient Guide

• Cornmeal: A coarse flour ground from dried corn that provides a classic golden color and rustic texture to the cornbread.
• All-Purpose Flour: Adds structure and helps create a tender crumb in the cornbread.
• Baking Powder: Provides the essential leavening that helps the cornbread rise and become light and fluffy.
• Sugar: Brings a subtle sweetness that balances the savory notes of the cornbread.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the other ingredients.

• Milk: Adds moisture and helps create a soft, tender texture in the cornbread.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the bread's rich structure.
• Butter: Provides rich flavor and helps create a moist, golden-brown cornbread.

• Butter, Honey: Classic accompaniments that complement the cornbread's warm, comforting flavor.

How to Make Cornbread – The Simple Way

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish

Set your oven to 400F (200C).

Generously grease an 8-inch square baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

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

Ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed with no lumps.

Step 3: Blend Wet Ingredients

• Whole milk
• Large eggs
• Melted butter

Blend until the mixture looks smooth and well combined, with no streaks of egg visible.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients.

Use a gentle folding motion to mix, stopping as soon as the batter looks just combined.

Overmixing can make the cornbread tough.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Transfer the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.

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

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

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Remove the cornbread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 5-10 minutes.

Slice into squares and serve warm.

Enjoy with a dollop of butter, drizzle of honey, or alongside your favorite Southern comfort dish.

Helpful Hints for Tasty Cornbread

• Add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt to the batter for extra richness and tenderness.
• Experiment with mix-ins like corn kernels, jalapeños, or shredded cheese to elevate the basic recipe.
• Avoid overmixing the batter to prevent tough, dense cornbread; stir just until ingredients are combined.
• Replace wheat flour with gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version without compromising taste.
• Wrap leftover cornbread tightly in foil and reheat in the oven to maintain its original soft texture and warmth.

Storing Cornbread for Freshness

• Store leftover cornbread in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
• Slice cornbread and place individual pieces in freezer bags. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date to track freshness.
• Wrap cornbread in aluminum foil and warm at 350F for 10-15 minutes. This method helps retain moisture and restore original texture.
• Wrap cornbread in a damp paper towel and heat for 15-20 seconds. Check frequently to avoid overcooking and maintain softness.

Cornbread Pairings You’ll Love

• Pair Savory Southern Chili: Complement the sweet, crumbly cornbread with a hearty beef or turkey chili, creating a classic comfort food combination that balances spicy and rich flavors.
• Sip Crisp Apple Cider: Match the cornbread's subtle sweetness with a cold, refreshing apple cider that brings out the bread's warm, golden notes and provides a light, fruity contrast.
• Serve with Creamy Butter Spread: Enhance the cornbread's texture by topping with a dollop of honey butter or herb-infused compound butter, adding an extra layer of richness and depth.
• Match with Tangy Collard Greens: Complete the Southern-style meal by pairing the cornbread with tender, vinegar-dressed collard greens that cut through the bread's density and add a zesty green element.

Cornbread – Ideas for Changing It Up

• Gluten-Free Cornbread: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to create a celiac-friendly version without compromising taste.
• Vegan Cornbread Delight: Substitute eggs with mashed banana or applesauce, and use plant-based milk and vegan butter to craft a completely dairy-free alternative.
• Spicy Jalapeño Cornbread: Mix diced jalapeños and shredded cheddar cheese into the batter for a zesty, savory kick that elevates the classic recipe.
• Herb-Infused Cornbread: Incorporate fresh chopped rosemary, thyme, or chives to add aromatic herbal notes and create a more sophisticated bread profile.

FAQs

• Can I use buttermilk instead of regular milk?

Yes, buttermilk will add a tangy flavor and make the cornbread more tender. Just replace the milk with an equal amount of buttermilk in the recipe.

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

Insert a toothpick into the center of the cornbread. If it comes out clean with no wet batter, the cornbread is done. The top should also be golden brown and slightly springy to the touch.

• Is it possible to make this cornbread gluten-free?

Absolutely! Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to use cornmeal that is certified gluten-free to ensure the entire recipe is gluten-free.

• Can I add extra ingredients to this basic cornbread?

Yes, you can customize it by adding jalapeños, cheese, corn kernels, or herbs like chives or rosemary. Just fold in your desired mix-ins gently before transferring the batter to the baking dish.

Easy Cornbread Recipe for Every Occasion Recipe

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4.7 from 29 reviews

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

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Description

Mouthwatering Cornbread Recipe brings Southern comfort straight to your kitchen with golden, crumbly goodness. Warm slices pair perfectly with chili, barbecue, or simply enjoyed on their own, promising a delightful taste of homestyle baking you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup milk

Leavening and Seasoning:

• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt

Binding and Fat:

• 1/4 cup melted butter (60 milliliters)

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Instructions

1. Prepare an 8-inch square baking dish by thoroughly coating with butter or cooking spray, ensuring complete coverage for easy cornbread removal.
2. Combine all dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl, creating a uniform blend of cornmeal, flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt using a whisk to eliminate potential lumps.
3. In a separate bowl, vigorously whisk milk, eggs, and melted butter until the mixture achieves a smooth, consistent texture with no visible egg streaks.
4. Gently fold wet ingredients into dry ingredients, using minimal strokes to prevent overmixing, which can result in tough cornbread.
5. Carefully pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly with a spatula to create a level surface for uniform baking.
6. Place in a preheated 400F (200C) oven, baking for 20-25 minutes until the top turns golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Remove from oven and let the cornbread rest for 5-10 minutes, allowing it to set and become easier to slice.
8. Cut into squares and serve warm, accompanied by softened butter or a drizzle of honey for added richness and sweetness.

Notes

• Swap wheat flour with gluten-free alternatives like almond or rice flour to make this recipe celiac-friendly.
• Add jalapeños or diced green chilies for a spicy kick that transforms the classic cornbread into a zesty side dish.
• For a moisture boost, fold in creamed corn or sour cream which creates an incredibly tender and rich texture.
• Experiment with mix-ins like shredded cheddar cheese, crispy bacon bits, or fresh herbs to customize the cornbread and match different meal styles.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 220 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg