Homestyle Southern Cornbread Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 cup yellow cornmeal
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/4 cup honey

Steps and instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan or cast-iron skillet.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
  3. In another bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, melted butter, and honey.
  4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
  5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
  6. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cornbread is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  7. Allow the cornbread to cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Tools for making

  • Mixing bowl - A large bowl to mix the dry and wet ingredients together.
  • Whisk - Used to combine the wet ingredients and create a smooth batter.
  • 9-inch round cake pan or cast-iron skillet - The baking vessel for the cornbread.
  • Toothpick - Used to check if the cornbread is fully cooked by inserting into the center and ensuring it comes out clean.
  • Oven - To preheat and bake the cornbread.
  • Grease - Used to coat the cake pan or skillet to prevent the cornbread from sticking.

Recipe variations

  • Adding diced jalapenos or green chilies for a spicy kick
  • Mixing in shredded cheddar cheese for a cheesy cornbread
  • Replacing the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option
  • Using buttermilk instead of whole milk for a tangier flavor
  • Incorporating cooked and crumbled bacon for a savory twist
  • Adding a handful of corn kernels for extra texture
  • Substituting the sugar with maple syrup or molasses for a richer flavor
  • Adding chopped herbs like rosemary or thyme for an herbed cornbread
  • Using a different type of sweetener, such as agave syrup or brown sugar
  • Mixing in diced onions or bell peppers for added flavor and crunch

Recipe overview

This cornbread recipe will yield a delicious, moist, and slightly sweet cornbread with a beautiful golden crust. This classic comfort food is simple to make, using staple pantry ingredients like cornmeal, flour, sugar, and honey. The baking process is straightforward, and the result is a versatile side dish that pairs perfectly with chili, BBQ, or your favorite soup. Expect a baking time of about 20 to 25 minutes, and the wonderful aroma of fresh cornbread filling your kitchen. Allow 10 minutes to cool before slicing and serving, then savor every bite of this homemade delight. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a beginner, you'll find this recipe to be a keeper. Enjoy the process, and most of all, enjoy your cornbread!

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different type of cornmeal? Yes, you can use white cornmeal or a combination of yellow and white cornmeal for a slightly different flavor and texture.
  2. Can I substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free alternative? Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend as a substitute for regular all-purpose flour.
  3. Can I use a different type of sweetener instead of granulated sugar? Yes, you can use brown sugar or maple syrup as a substitute for granulated sugar.
  4. Can I use a different type of milk? Yes, you can use any type of milk you prefer, such as skim milk, almond milk, or soy milk.
  5. Can I use vegetable oil instead of melted butter? Yes, you can use vegetable oil or any other neutral-tasting oil as a substitute for melted butter.
  6. Can I add any additional ingredients, like corn kernels or cheese? Absolutely! You can add corn kernels, shredded cheese, diced jalapenos, or any other desired mix-ins to customize your cornbread.
  7. How should I store the leftover cornbread? Store the leftover cornbread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Alternatively, you can refrigerate it for up to 5 days.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Mixing Bowl - A large bowl for combining the dry and wet ingredients.
  • Whisk - To thoroughly mix the wet ingredients together.
  • Cake Pan or Cast-Iron Skillet - A 9-inch round pan or skillet for baking the cornbread.
  • Toothpick - To test the doneness of the cornbread by inserting it into the center.

Origin stories

Cornbread is a quintessential dish in American cuisine, particularly associated with the South. Its roots, however, trace back to Native American cooking traditions. Indigenous tribes were grinding corn into cornmeal long before European settlers arrived, and they had their own techniques for turning it into bread. When settlers came, they adopted this method, adapting it over time to the cornbread that is more familiar today. Corn was a staple crop for many of these settlers, making cornbread a common feature at meals. Over time, different regions developed their own signature cornbread styles, with some favoring a sweeter, cake-like bread and others sticking to a more savory, crumbly version. Regardless of the style, cornbread remains a beloved dish to this day.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.