Cornbread is a classic comfort food, beloved for its slightly sweet and crumbly texture. Whether you’re serving it alongside chili, barbecue, or simply enjoying a slice with butter, homemade cornbread is a treat that’s easier to make than you might think. If you’ve been wondering How To Make Cornbread that’s moist, flavorful, and perfectly golden brown, you’ve come to the right place. This simple cornbread recipe is designed for home cooks of all levels, delivering fantastic results every time.
Why This Cornbread Recipe is a Must-Try
This isn’t just any cornbread recipe; it’s a family favorite that has stood the test of time and garnered rave reviews online. Here’s why you’ll love making this cornbread:
- Incredibly Easy: From start to oven, this recipe requires just about 5 minutes of active preparation. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a quick side dish.
- Pantry-Friendly Ingredients: You likely already have everything you need in your pantry. No buttermilk or hard-to-find items are required.
- Versatile Baking: Bake it in a skillet, cake pan, or muffin tin – whatever you have on hand will work.
- Quick Baking Time: In about 30 minutes, you’ll have a warm, freshly baked cornbread ready to enjoy.
This recipe is a staple for many families because it’s reliable and delicious. Get ready to impress your loved ones with your homemade cornbread!
What Makes This Cornbread So Good?
What sets this recipe apart from other cornbread recipes? It’s all about balance and simplicity.
- Perfectly Sweet: It offers a gentle sweetness that complements savory dishes without being overly sugary like cake. You can adjust the sugar to your preference, making it adaptable to different tastes.
- Moist and Tender: The combination of ingredients ensures a moist cornbread that isn’t dry or crumbly.
- Crumbly, Not Cakey: Achieving the right texture is key to great cornbread. This recipe strikes the perfect balance – crumbly enough to be classic cornbread, yet soft and satisfying.
This cornbread is incredibly versatile. Serve it with hearty soups, robust chilis, or alongside your favorite barbecue for a complete and comforting meal.
Simple Ingredients for Homemade Cornbread
Here’s what you’ll need to create this amazing cornbread. These common ingredients work together to create the perfect texture and flavor.
- All-purpose flour: Provides structure to the cornbread, ensuring it’s not too crumbly. For a lighter texture, ensure you’re not using self-rising flour.
- Yellow cornmeal: The heart of cornbread! Yellow cornmeal gives the bread its signature color, slightly coarse texture, and classic corn flavor.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness to balance the cornmeal and other flavors. Adjust the quantity based on your preference for sweet or savory cornbread.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors in the recipe, preventing it from tasting flat.
- Baking powder: The leavening agent that makes the cornbread rise and become light and airy.
- Oil: Adds moisture and tenderness. You can use various types of oil depending on what you have available.
- Egg: Binds the ingredients together and contributes to the rise and richness of the cornbread.
- Milk: Adds moisture and helps to create a tender crumb. You can use dairy or non-dairy milk alternatives.
For exact measurements, please refer to the recipe card at the end of this article.
Ingredient Swaps and Substitutions
One of the great things about this recipe is its flexibility. Feel free to make these easy substitutions based on your pantry and preferences:
- Oil: You can use melted butter for a richer flavor, or any neutral oil like canola, vegetable, avocado oil, or even coconut oil for a subtle hint of coconut.
- Cornmeal: Both fine and medium-ground cornmeal work well. Yellow cornmeal is traditional, but white cornmeal can also be used if that’s what you have.
- Flour: For a slightly healthier twist, you can substitute all-purpose flour with white whole wheat flour.
- Sugar: If you prefer a less sweet cornbread, reduce the sugar to as little as 2 tablespoons. For a sugar-free option, consider using a sugar substitute, though it may slightly alter the texture.
- Milk: Whole milk will give the richest flavor, but 2%, skim, or even non-dairy milks like almond milk, soy milk, oat milk, or coconut milk can be used.
- Egg: For an egg-free version, you can use a flax egg. To make a flax egg, mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 3 tablespoons of water and let it sit for 5 minutes to thicken.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Cornbread
Making cornbread from scratch is surprisingly simple. Follow these easy steps, and you’ll have freshly baked cornbread in no time. This recipe is so straightforward, even beginner bakers can achieve excellent results.
Step 1: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, yellow cornmeal, granulated sugar, salt, and baking powder. Ensure they are well combined to evenly distribute the leavening and salt.
Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients
Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients. Pour in the oil (or melted butter), egg, and milk.
Step 3: Mix Until Just Combined
Stir the wet and dry ingredients together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine. Overmixing can lead to tough cornbread.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Pour the batter into a greased baking dish or skillet. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Baking time will vary depending on the pan size.
Choosing Your Baking Dish and Adjusting Baking Times
You can bake this cornbread in various pans, which is part of its charm. Here’s a guide to adjust baking times based on your choice of pan:
- 8×8 inch square or round baking dish: Bake for 35 minutes.
- 9×9 inch square or round baking dish: Bake for 25 minutes.
- 9×13 inch pan (double batch): Bake for 45-50 minutes.
- Muffin tin (12 standard muffins): Bake for 15-18 minutes.
- Cast iron skillet (8-10 inch): Baking time is similar to square/round dishes of comparable size. For an extra crispy crust, preheat the skillet in the oven before adding the batter.
Pro Tip for Extra Crispiness: For an unbeatable crispy crust, preheat your cast iron skillet in the oven while it preheats. Carefully pour the batter into the hot skillet and bake as directed. The hot skillet starts cooking the edges of the cornbread immediately, creating a delightful crust.
Frequently Asked Questions About Making Cornbread
What’s the best cornmeal for cornbread?
Yellow cornmeal is the classic choice for cornbread due to its color and flavor. You can use fine or medium-ground cornmeal for this recipe. Avoid cornmeal mixes or self-rising cornmeal, as they contain added salt and baking soda that will throw off the recipe balance.
Cornmeal vs. Polenta vs. Grits – What’s the difference?
Cornmeal is dried, ground corn and is usually found in the baking aisle. Polenta and grits are also made from corn but are processed differently and have a different texture. For cornbread, stick with cornmeal. Corn flour, which is very finely ground cornmeal, can be used but will result in a different, less textured cornbread.
Milk substitutes in cornbread?
Yes! You can easily substitute cow’s milk with plant-based milks like almond milk, soy milk, oat milk, hemp milk, or coconut milk. Evaporated milk and powdered milk (dairy or non-dairy) are also great shelf-stable alternatives.
Can you freeze cornbread?
Absolutely! Cornbread freezes beautifully. Wrap individual slices or a whole loaf tightly in plastic wrap and then in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature for a few hours before reheating.
Delicious Topping Ideas for Your Cornbread
Cornbread is fantastic on its own, but adding toppings can take it to the next level. Here are some yummy ideas:
- Butter: Classic and simple.
- Honey: A drizzle of honey enhances the cornbread’s natural sweetness.
- Honey Butter: Combine softened butter with honey for a creamy, sweet topping.
- Jelly or Jam: Fruit preserves add a fruity contrast.
- Maple Syrup: For a richer sweetness.
- Savory Butter: Mix herbs, spices, or cheese into softened butter for a savory topping.
What to Serve with Cornbread
Cornbread is the perfect side dish for so many meals. Here are a few serving suggestions:
- Chili: Cornbread and chili are a match made in heaven.
- Soups and Stews: Hearty soups and stews are wonderfully complemented by a slice of cornbread for dipping.
- Barbecue: Cornbread is a must-have alongside pulled pork, ribs, or brisket.
- Beans: Serve it with baked beans, pinto beans, or ham and beans.
- Salads: Cornbread can even be crumbled over salads for added texture and flavor.
Make it Gluten-Free Cornbread
For those who need a gluten-free option, this recipe can easily be adapted. Simply replace the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Gluten-free cornbread is just as delicious and ensures everyone can enjoy this classic side.
Creative Ways to Use Leftover Cornbread
Don’t let leftover cornbread go to waste! Here are some delicious ways to repurpose it:
- Cornbread Dressing: Use it as the base for a savory cornbread dressing, perfect for holiday meals.
- Cornbread Salad: Crumble it into a cornbread salad for a unique and flavorful dish.
- Cornbread and Milk: A simple and comforting breakfast or snack – crumble cornbread into a glass and pour cold milk over it.
How to Store Cornbread Properly
To keep your cornbread fresh, store it properly:
- Counter Storage: In a bag or airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days, provided the room isn’t too warm or humid.
- Refrigerator Storage: In warm or humid conditions, store it in the refrigerator to prevent spoilage.
Ready to bake the best homemade cornbread? Follow the recipe below and enjoy this classic treat!
Craving more cornbread recipes? Explore these delicious variations:
30-Minute Southern Cornbread Recipe
Southwest Spicy Mexican Cornbread Recipe
Southern-Style Cornbread Dressing (With Make-Ahead Tips)
Crispy Cornbread Fritters: A Simple Southern Delight
The Best Homemade Cornbread Recipe
By: Melissa Griffiths
This homemade cornbread recipe is foolproof and yields perfect results every single time! It’s a quick and easy recipe that has been loved by families for years.
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Servings: 9 slices
Print Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (not self-rising)
- 1 cup yellow cornmeal (fine ground, not cornmeal mix)
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1/3 cup neutral oil or melted butter
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup milk (or milk substitute)
Equipment
- 9-inch round or square baking pan, or cast iron skillet
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 9-inch baking pan or skillet.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cornmeal, sugar, salt, and baking powder.
- Make a well in the center and add oil, egg, and milk. Stir until just combined (a few lumps are okay).
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Recipe Notes
- Baking Powder Adjustment: The original recipe used 3.5 teaspoons of baking powder, but this version uses 1.5 teaspoons for a more balanced flavor, based on recipe testing and reader feedback. Feel free to use 3.5 teaspoons if you prefer the original recipe.
- Pan Variations: Baking times vary with pan size. For an 8×8 inch pan, bake for 35 minutes; for muffins, bake 15-18 minutes; for a 9×13 inch pan (double recipe), bake 45-50 minutes.
- Cornmeal Type: Use yellow cornmeal, not cornmeal mix or self-rising cornmeal.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend for a gluten-free version. Let the batter rest for 30 minutes before baking for improved texture.
Nutrition Information
Serving: 1 slice (of 9), Calories: 274kcal, Carbohydrates: 40g, Protein: 5g, Fat: 11g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 24mg, Sodium: 443mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 16g
Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
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