Cornbread

What You’ll Need To Make Cornbread

• Eggs: Give the cornbread structure and richness and help create a tender crumb.
• Sugar & Honey: Provide just the right amount of sweetness; the honey also adds a subtle floral note.
• Milk: Adds moisture and helps keep the crumb tender. Whole milk is best, but low-fat works well, too.
• All-Purpose Flour: Used along with the cornmeal to give the cornbread structure and a softer, more tender texture.
• Yellow Cornmeal: Gives the cornbread its signature corn flavor and slightly grainy texture. I’ve had good results with both Indian Head and Quaker.
• Baking Powder: Gives the cornbread its lift and keeps it from being too dense.
• Melted Butter: Adds rich, buttery flavor and contributes to the moist, tender crumb.
• Jump to the printable recipe for precise measurements

How To Make Cornbread

Mix the wet and dry ingredients: Whisk the eggs, honey, and milk together in one bowl. In a separate large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, and salt.

Make the batter: Add the wet ingredients and melted butter to the dry ingredients and whisk until just combined. A few lumps are fine—avoid overmixing, which can make the cornbread dense rather than tender.

Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top. You can also use a 9-inch cast-iron skillet; just keep an eye on it, as the cornbread may bake a little faster. Bake until the top is set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Serve: Let the cornbread cool briefly, then cut into squares and serve warm. Cornbread is best served fresh, but it can be frozen for longer storage. Enjoy!

What To Serve with Cornbread

Cornbread is a natural alongside oven pulled pork, baby back ribs, turkey chili, or white chicken chili. It’s also delicious warm from the oven with butter and a drizzle of honey.

Video Tutorial

Variations

You can easily switch up this basic cornbread recipe with add-ins to match any meal. For a savory kick, stir in diced jalapeños, shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese, or a handful of chopped fresh herbs like chives or thyme. If you want extra texture and sweetness, mix in fresh, cooked, or frozen corn kernels—no need to thaw if using frozen. For a smoky twist, try adding crisped oven-cooked bacon bits or a sprinkle of smoked paprika.