The Best Classic Homemade Cornbread Recipe: Golden & Fluffy

Cornbread captures the essence of comfort food with its golden, crumbly texture and rich, inviting aroma.

Southern kitchens have long celebrated this beloved staple that reimagines simple ingredients into pure culinary magic.

Warm memories of family gatherings often revolve around this rustic side dish that bridges generations and cultural traditions.

Crisp edges and a tender interior make cornbread a versatile companion to countless meals, from hearty stews to casual weekend breakfasts.

Regional variations showcase the adaptability of this classic recipe, each with unique nuances that reflect local tastes and cooking styles.

Home cooks treasure cornbread as a connection to culinary heritage, passing down treasured techniques through generations of passionate baking.

Mastering this straightforward yet soulful recipe promises a delightful journey into authentic home cooking.

A Cornbread Recipe That’s All About Balance

• Comfort in Every Bite: This cornbread delivers that warm, homey feeling with its golden-brown crust and soft, tender interior that reminds you of family gatherings and Sunday dinners.
• Super Simple Prep: Whip up this recipe in just minutes with basic pantry ingredients, making it perfect for busy home cooks who want delicious results without complicated techniques.
• Versatile Sidekick: Pair this cornbread with chili, soups, barbecue, or enjoy it on its own as a quick snack that transforms any meal from ordinary to extraordinary with its rich, slightly sweet flavor and crumbly texture.
• Quick Comfort Cooking: Ready in under an hour, this recipe offers maximum taste with minimal effort, giving you a fresh, homemade side dish that beats any store-bought version and fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma.

Ingredients for Tender, Golden Cornbread

• Cornmeal: A Southern staple that gives the bread its signature texture and golden color, with stone-ground varieties offering the most authentic flavor.
• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and helps create a tender crumb in the cornbread.
• Sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness that balances the corn's natural flavor.
• Baking Powder: Essential leavening agent that helps the cornbread rise and become light and fluffy.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances the sweetness.

• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add richness to the cornbread.
• Buttermilk: Provides tanginess and helps create a moist, tender texture with its acidic properties.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds rich flavor and helps create a golden, crispy exterior when melted.

• Baking Pan: An 8×8-inch pan ensures even baking and the perfect cornbread thickness.

How to Bake Classic Cornbread with Perfect Crust

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish

Warm up your oven to 350°F. Take an 8×8-inch baking pan and coat it generously with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Yellow cornmeal
• Granulated sugar
• Baking powder
• Salt

Whisk these dry ingredients together until they’re well blended.

Step 3: Blend Wet Ingredients

• Fresh eggs
• Buttermilk
• Melted unsalted butter

Make sure to mix these ingredients until they’re smooth and fully incorporated.

Step 4: Create the Batter

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Gently stir the mixture until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make your cornbread tough and dense.

Step 5: Bake the Cornbread

Transfer the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. To check doneness, insert a toothpick into the center- it should come out clean with no wet batter clinging to it.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Remove the cornbread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This helps it set and makes cutting easier. Slice into squares and enjoy warm with butter or honey.

Tips for Moisture and Structure in Every Slice

• Prevent Tough Texture: Mix wet and dry ingredients just until combined to avoid developing gluten, which can make cornbread dense.
• Boost Moisture: Add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt to the batter for extra richness and tenderness.
• Customize Flavor: Experiment with mix-ins like jalapeños, corn kernels, or shredded cheese to elevate the basic recipe.
• Check Doneness Carefully: Use the toothpick test near the center, ensuring it comes out with just a few moist crumbs for perfect moisture.
• Pan Selection Matters: Use a cast-iron skillet for crispier edges and a more authentic, golden-brown crust that adds incredible texture.

How to Keep Cornbread Fresh for Longer

• Refrigerate: Store leftover cornbread in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days to maintain its freshness and prevent drying out.
• Freeze: Wrap individual cornbread slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months for convenient future enjoyment.
• Reheat: Warm refrigerated or thawed cornbread in the oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes, or microwave for 15-20 seconds until heated through, to restore its soft, tender texture.

Perfect Matches for a Slice of Cornbread

• Pair with Hearty Chili: The rich, slightly sweet cornbread perfectly complements a bowl of spicy beef or vegetarian chili, balancing the heat with its comforting texture.
• Match with Tangy Barbecue Pulled Pork: The sweetness of the cornbread cuts through the smoky, tangy flavors of slow-cooked pulled pork, creating a mouth-watering combination.
• Serve with Classic Southern Sweet Tea: The cool, refreshing drink provides a perfect contrast to the warm, crumbly cornbread, enhancing the overall dining experience with its sugary notes.
• Enjoy with Creamy Buttermilk Coleslaw: The crisp, tangy slaw adds a fresh crunch that complements the soft, buttery cornbread, creating a well-rounded side dish pairing.

Mix-Ins and Additions to Try in Cornbread

• Jalapeño Corn Kick: Dice 2-3 fresh jalapeños and fold into the batter for a spicy southwestern-style cornbread with extra heat and bold flavor.
• Cheesy Cheddar Classic: Mix 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese into the batter before baking, creating a rich and savory cornbread with melted cheese throughout.
• Honey Herb Blend: Substitute 2 tablespoons of sugar with honey and add 1 tablespoon of fresh chopped rosemary or thyme for an aromatic and slightly sweet cornbread variation.
• Skillet Bacon Cornbread: Crisp 4-5 bacon slices, crumble them, and sprinkle over the top before baking for a smoky, crispy texture and robust bacon flavor.

Classic Homemade Cornbread Recipe

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4.8 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Cornbread emerges as a Southern comfort classic, blending golden cornmeal with buttery richness. Warm, crumbly slices invite comfort and nostalgia, promising a delightful taste of home-style cooking that connects families around the dinner table.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 cup buttermilk or soured milk

Sweeteners and Seasonings:

• ¼ cup sugar
• 3 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt

Fat/Liquid:

• ⅓ cup butter, melted

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to a moderate temperature and prepare a square baking vessel with a light coating of grease to prevent sticking.
2. Gather dry ingredients in a spacious mixing bowl, blending cornmeal, flour, granulated sweetener, leavening agent, and mineral seasoning until uniformly distributed.
3. In a separate container, thoroughly whisk together protein-rich eggs, tangy cultured dairy liquid, and liquefied golden butter until smoothly integrated.
4. Gently merge wet and dry components, stirring with minimal manipulation to maintain a tender texture; small lumps are acceptable and preferable to overmixing.
5. Transfer the silky batter into the prepared cooking vessel, ensuring even distribution across the surface.
6. Position the pan in the preheated oven and allow the cornbread to transform into a golden, fragrant delicacy, monitoring for a perfect doneness indicated by a clean utensil test through the center.
7. Once baked to a rich, sun-kissed hue, remove from the oven and let the cornbread rest briefly, allowing its internal structure to stabilize before slicing and serving.

Notes

• Achieve the perfect golden-brown crust by using a well-seasoned cast-iron skillet for baking.
• Buttermilk creates a tender, moist texture and adds a subtle tangy flavor to the cornbread.
• Avoid overmixing the batter to prevent a tough, dense result – mix just until ingredients are combined.
• For a flavor boost, consider adding chopped jalapeños, shredded cheese, or crumbled bacon to the batter.
• Let the cornbread cool for 10-15 minutes before slicing to help it set and maintain its structure.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer preservation.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 211
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 147mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 52mg