Southern Cornbread Recipe (With Video) (2024)

Here's an easy homemade Southern cornbread recipe that gives you fluffy and moist cornbread from the inside with a crispy golden edge! It has a perfectly crumbly yet soft texture, making this easy cornbread recipe the best.

Cornbread is a Southern staple, and for a good reason! It's comforting, hearty, and can be enjoyed at any time of the day. Plus, you only need some simple pantry staples to make it.

With its golden crust and moist interior, this cornbread is a versatile companion to any meal, from hearty stews to backyard barbecues. You can also try my Southern chicken cornbread dressing! And if you like cornbreads, you'll love my Southern smothered chicken and potato salad.

❤️ WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS RECIPE

Easy: This traditional cornbread recipe requires minimal effort and only a few basic ingredients, making it perfect for inexperienced bakers.

Versatile: The recipe can be easily customized by adding ingredients like cheese, jalapenos, or bacon to suit different tastes.

Delicious: The cornbread is moist, fluffy, and has a slightly sweet and savory flavor that is loved by many.

Crowd-pleaser: This cornbread is a hit at potlucks, barbecues, and family gatherings, satisfying kids and adults alike.

Authentic: The easy Southern cornbread recipe captures the essence of traditional Southern cornbread, with its golden crust, tender crumb, and rich corn flavor.

🍊INGREDIENTS

Making this Southern cornbread is super easy, and you only need simple ingredients. More details about the ingredients and measurements are in the recipe card below!

Cornmeal: This is the star ingredient of the dish! A word of caution, though: don’t use pan yellow cornmeal for this recipe; it won’t work.

All-purpose flour: Many recipes use self-rising cornmeal, but that’s not what we’re doing. Instead, by using all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt in this recipe, we’re making our own at home!

Egg: A large egg will add richness to your cornbread, trust me!

Milk: Go for whole milk instead of skim milk for this recipe.

Melted butter: Melted butter will give your cornbread a delicious buttery flavor!

🔪 HOW TO MAKE SOUTHERN CORNBREAD

Here's how to make the most delicious homemade southern cornbread. For detailed instructions, check out the recipe card below.

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit or 190 degrees Celsius. Place your perfectly seasoned and greased 9” iron skillet in the oven.

Step 2

In a large bowl, beat the egg for a minute, add the sugar, and beat for two minutes. Add the melted butter, milk, and salt, and whisk.

Step 3

add the cornmeal to the previous mixture and mix until well combined. Sift the flour with baking powder and add to the cornmeal mixture.

Step 4

Your skillet should be hot enough now; spray it with vegetable oil or butter if you wish. Pour the batter into the skillet, spread the batter evenly, and bake for 20 minutes.

Step 5

Allow the cornbread to cool while in the skillet. Later, enjoy it with your favorite gravy, casseroles, or stews! Or add honey and butter and have it for breakfast.

👩🏽‍🍳 PRO TIPS

• Preheat your oven: Make sure your oven is preheated to the right temperature twenty minutes before you start baking your southern-style cornbread. This will help achieve that perfect fluffy texture from the inside with a crispy golden edge.
• Avoid over-mixing: When adding the flour with baking powder to the cornmeal mixture, be sure not to over-mix. Overmixing can lead to your cornbread becoming too dense.
• Use the right cornmeal: Avoid using pan yellow cornmeal for this recipe as it won't give you the desired result. The right cornmeal will make your cornbread crumbly yet soft.
• Say No to Hand Mixes: Never use a hand mixer when making Southern cornbread. Mixing by hand will prevent your cornbread from becoming too dense.

📖 VARIATIONS

Did you know that you can add more flavor to Southern cornbread? Here are a few variations.

Nuts: If you're a fan of a little crunch in your cornbread, this variation is for you. Simply add a half cup of your favorite nuts or a mixture of nuts to the cornbread batter. The nuts will add a delightful crunch and a slightly different flavor profile to the cornbread.

Dry fruits: For those who love a balance of sweet and spicy, consider adding some raisins and a pinch of cinnamon to the batter. The sweetness of the raisins will balance the heat of the cinnamon, making your cornbread a delicious sweet and spicy treat.

Cheese: Cheese lovers, this variation is a must-try. Add a cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the batter. The melted cheese will add a creamy texture and a tangy flavor to the cornbread, taking it to the next level!

Bacon and bell pepper: If you're in the mood for a savory twist, try adding cooked bacon pieces and finely chopped bell pepper to the batter. The smoky flavor of the bacon and the crunch of the bell pepper will complement the flavor of the cornbread and make it an irresistible side dish.

Caramelized onion: For a rich, savory variation, add caramelized onions to your cornbread. The sweetness of the caramelized onions pairs perfectly with the cornbread, making it an excellent accompaniment to steak or fried chicken.

🍽️ HOW TO SERVE

• Serve the Southern cornbread as a side dish with a bowl of chili or hearty soup. The slightly sweet and crumbly texture of the cornbread pairs perfectly with the savory flavors of the main dish.
• Use the cornbread as a base for delicious and filling cornbread stuffing. Crumble the cornbread and mix it with sautéed onions, celery, and your choice of herbs and spices. Bake it in the oven until golden brown and serve alongside roasted turkey or chicken.
• Cut the cornbread into small squares and serve as a delicious appetizer. Top each square with a dollop of chili, a slice of avocado, and a sprinkle of shredded cheese for a tasty bite-sized treat.
• Make a mouthwatering cornbread breakfast casserole by layering crumbled cornbread with cooked sausage, chopped vegetables, and grated cheese. Pour a mixture of beaten eggs and milk over the top and bake until the eggs are set. Serve for a hearty and flavorful breakfast or brunch.
• For a sweet treat, serve the cornbread warm with a drizzle of honey or maple syrup. The combination of the slightly sweet cornbread and the sticky sweet syrup creates a delightful flavor contrast that is perfect for dessert or even a special breakfast.

💬 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

🌡️ STORING

Refrigerate: If you have any leftover cornbread, it is best to store it in the refrigerator. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or put it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. It should last for up to a week in the refrigerator.

Reheat Instructions: To reheat your refrigerated cornbread, place it in the oven at a low temperature until it is heated through. This will help maintain that delicious, crispy, golden edge and keep it fluffy from the inside.

Freeze: If you can't consume your cornbread within a week, you can freeze it. Cut the cornbread into slices and place them in a ziplock bag. It can be frozen for up to three months.

Thawing Instructions: When you're ready to enjoy your frozen cornbread, let it thaw in the refrigerator. Once it is thawed, you can reheat it in the oven as instructed above.

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⭐PLEASE RATE AND REVIEW

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