Best Gluten Free Cornbread Recipe – Easy & Moist
Gluten Free Cornbread Recipe
A great gluten free cornbread recipe should taste just like the classic version you remember. It should have a lightly crisp edge, a golden crust, and a soft, tender center that holds together when sliced. Too often gluten free baking gets a bad reputation for being dry or crumbly, but that only happens when the flour balance and moisture levels are off. When done properly, gluten free cornbread is rich, buttery, and deeply corn flavored with a gentle sweetness that makes you want another slice.
What makes this recipe special is technique, not complicated ingredients. As a chef, I focus on texture first. Cornmeal gives structure and flavor, while a well chosen gluten free flour blend keeps the crumb soft. Yogurt or buttermilk adds moisture and tenderness. The batter rests briefly so the grains hydrate. Then we bake it in a hot pan so the edges sizzle the moment the batter hits the surface. That simple step creates the crisp crust people love. This gluten free cornbread recipe delivers everything you expect from homemade gluten free cornbread, whether baked as a skillet bread or turned into Crispy Cornbread Muffins.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This gluten free cornbread recipe stands out because it delivers consistently great results, even for home bakers who may not have much experience with gluten free flours. The balance of cornmeal and gluten free flour blend ensures a tender, moist interior that holds together beautifully without being gummy or dense. Every bite has that slightly sweet, naturally corn-forward flavor, while the edges achieve a delicate crispness that makes the bread irresistible.
Unlike many gluten free recipes that can be dry or crumbly, this recipe is designed to be forgiving, so minor adjustments in ingredients or baking conditions won’t ruin the outcome. It’s a recipe that makes you feel confident in the kitchen because you can rely on it to perform perfectly every time. Beyond texture and flavor, this recipe is versatile and practical, making it a favorite for everyday cooking.

You can prepare it in a traditional skillet for a rustic, homey presentation, or portion it into Gf Cornbread Muffins or Crispy Cornbread Muffins for easy serving and meal prep. The flavors are subtle enough to pair with chili, soups, or roasted meats, but also appealing with a drizzle of honey or a smear of butter at breakfast. This adaptability, combined with the simplicity of one-bowl mixing and minimal cleanup, makes it one of the Best Gluten Free Cornbread Recipes for both busy weeknights and special occasions. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll reach for repeatedly because it consistently delivers that perfect balance of moist, tender crumb and golden, flavorful crust.
Preparation and Cooking Time, also serving
Ingredients
Substitution notes

Step by Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the pan
Place a cast iron skillet or metal baking pan in the oven and preheat to 425 F. Heating the pan first is critical. When the batter hits the hot surface it creates immediate browning and that signature crust.

Step 2: Mix the dry ingredients
In a large bowl whisk the cornmeal, gluten free flour blend, baking powder, baking soda, sugar, and salt. Whisking evenly distributes the leavening so the bread rises uniformly.

Step 3: Combine the wet ingredients
In another bowl whisk eggs until slightly frothy. Add buttermilk, melted butter, oil, and honey. Whisk until smooth. Fully combining the liquids ensures an even crumb and prevents greasy pockets.

Step 4: Make the batter
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Fold gently with a spatula just until combined. Do not overmix. Overmixing can make gluten free breads dense. The batter should look thick but pourable.

Step 5: Rest the batter
Let the bowl sit for 10 minutes. This small rest allows the cornmeal to absorb moisture and soften. It improves texture and gives you a Gluten Free Cornbread Recipe Moist result instead of gritty.

Step 6: Prepare the pan
Carefully remove the hot skillet from the oven. Add a small pat of butter or oil and swirl to coat. You should hear a light sizzle.

Step 7: Bake
Pour the batter into the hot pan. Spread gently. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the top is golden and a toothpick comes out clean. The edges should be crisp and slightly darker.

Step 8: Cool and slice
Let cool for 10 minutes before slicing. Cutting too early can cause crumbling. A short rest helps the structure set.
How to Serve
Serving this gluten free cornbread is as much about presentation as it is about flavor. For a classic approach, serve it warm straight from the skillet with a pat of butter melting on top, letting the edges remain crisp while the center stays tender. Slice it into generous squares for family meals or small wedges for entertaining. If you’re making Gf Cornbread Muffins or Crispy Cornbread Muffins, place them on a serving platter with a small dish of honey, butter, or fruit preserves for a visually appealing and interactive way for guests to enjoy them. A light sprinkle of fresh herbs like chives or parsley can elevate the look without overpowering the natural sweetness and corn flavor.
This gluten free cornbread recipe is incredibly versatile when it comes to pairings. For a comforting dinner, serve alongside hearty soups, stews, chili, or roasted meats. Its subtly sweet flavor complements savory dishes like barbecue chicken or pulled pork while still holding its own when enjoyed at breakfast with scrambled eggs and fresh fruit. You can even incorporate it into more creative meals by crumbling it over salads as a crunchy topping or using slices for mini cornbread sandwiches with cheese or smoked meats. No matter how you serve it, the golden color, tender crumb, and crisp edges make it an inviting addition to any table.
Additional Tips
Recipe Variations
Freezing and Storage
Nutritional Information
Final Words
Baking at home should feel approachable and satisfying, and this gluten free cornbread recipe is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can deliver big results. You do not need specialty tools or complicated techniques to make bread that tastes incredible. When you understand the small details like letting the batter rest, preheating the pan, and balancing moisture, everything falls into place. The result is homemade gluten free cornbread with a crisp golden crust and a soft, tender crumb that feels just as comforting as any traditional version you grew up with.
What I love most about this recipe is how dependable it is in real kitchens. It works for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, potlucks, and quick breakfasts the next day. You can bake it in a skillet, slice it into squares, or turn it into Gf Cornbread Muffins or Crispy Cornbread Muffins for easy grab and go portions. It pairs beautifully with soups, chili, barbecue, or simply butter and honey. If you have been searching for the Best Gluten Free Cornbread Recipe that delivers flavor and texture every time, this Cornbread Recipe Without Gluten truly checks every box.
Once you make it a few times, it naturally becomes one of those recipes you memorize and adapt. You might add cheese, fresh corn, or even turn it into Butternut Squash Muffins Gluten Free when you want something seasonal. That flexibility is what makes a recipe worth keeping. My advice is simple. Keep this Easy Gluten Free Cornbread in your regular rotation, bake it often, and trust your instincts in the kitchen. Great food does not have to be complicated. With the right gluten free cornbread recipe, warm, fresh bread is always within reach.
FAQ’s
Best Gluten Free Cornbread Recipe – Easy & Moist
Course: Bread Recipes9
servings15
minutes25
minutes210
kcalIngredients
1 cup fine yellow cornmeal
1 cup gluten free all purpose flour blend with xanthan gum
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
3 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs at room temperature
1 1/4 cups buttermilk or plain yogurt thinned with milk
1/4 cup unsalted butter melted
2 tablespoons neutral oil
2 tablespoons honey
Directions
- Place a cast iron skillet or metal baking pan in the oven and preheat to 425 F. Heating the pan first is critical. When the batter hits the hot surface it creates immediate browning and that signature crust.
- In a large bowl whisk the cornmeal, gluten free flour blend, baking powder, baking soda, sugar, and salt. Whisking evenly distributes the leavening so the bread rises uniformly.
- In another bowl whisk eggs until slightly frothy. Add buttermilk, melted butter, oil, and honey. Whisk until smooth. Fully combining the liquids ensures an even crumb and prevents greasy pockets.
- Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Fold gently with a spatula just until combined. Do not overmix. Overmixing can make gluten free breads dense. The batter should look thick but pourable.
- Let the bowl sit for 10 minutes. This small rest allows the cornmeal to absorb moisture and soften. It improves texture and gives you a Gluten Free Cornbread Recipe Moist result instead of gritty.
- Carefully remove the hot skillet from the oven. Add a small pat of butter or oil and swirl to coat. You should hear a light sizzle.
- Pour the batter into the hot pan. Spread gently. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the top is golden and a toothpick comes out clean. The edges should be crisp and slightly darker.
- Let cool for 10 minutes before slicing. Cutting too early can cause crumbling. A short rest helps the structure set.
