Name: Buttermilk Cornbread Recipe - Moist, Fluffy Southern-Style
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 1 cup yellow cornmeal; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup granulated sugar (optional for sweeter cornbread); 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature; 2 large eggs, beaten; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted, plus extra for greasing; 2 tablespoons honey (optional, for honey sweet cornbread)

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Buttermilk Cornbread Recipe

Buttermilk cornbread is a classic Southern favorite that balances sweetness, tenderness, and a hint of tang from buttermilk. Unlike standard cornbread, this version achieves a moist, fluffy interior while maintaining a golden, slightly crisp crust. Each bite melts in your mouth, with a subtle buttery flavor complemented by the natural tanginess of buttermilk.

More Cornbread Recipes

What makes this buttermilk cornbread recipe special is its versatility. It pairs beautifully with hearty dishes like fried chicken, chili, or Southern-style greens. People love it because it combines comfort, simplicity, and a touch of elegance in every slice. The aroma of freshly baked cornbread fills the kitchen, making it an inviting, nostalgic dish that appeals to both adults and children.

This recipe is a perfect introduction to Southern-style baking at home, allowing you to experience the texture, flavor, and aroma of authentic cornbread without any shortcuts. Its tender crumb and subtly sweet notes make it a memorable addition to family meals and festive gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This buttermilk cornbread recipe is designed for home cooks who want foolproof results. The combination of cornmeal, flour, and buttermilk creates a tender, moist crumb while ensuring a golden-brown crust. Using simple pantry ingredients, you can create a cornbread that rivals any bakery or Southern kitchen.

You’ll love how adaptable this recipe is. It works as a base for sweet and moist honey cornbread, or a classic easy Southern cornbread for everyday meals. Whether you want to drizzle honey glaze over the top, serve with butter, or accompany chili and soups, this recipe delivers consistently excellent results. The texture is perfect for slicing into wedges, making it ideal for casual dinners or potluck contributions.

Additionally, mastering this recipe introduces fundamental techniques in baking Southern-style cornbread. It helps you understand the balance of wet and dry ingredients, mixing methods, and how to achieve the ideal texture moist inside, lightly crisp outside. This foundational skill also opens doors to experimenting with variations like salted honey cornbread or moist honey cornbread recipes with creative toppings.

Preparation and Cooking Time, also serving

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 25–30 minutes
Total time: 40–45 minutes
Servings: 8–10 slices

This includes preheating the oven, mixing ingredients, and baking. Resting time is optional but helps enhance the flavor and texture.

Ingredients

1 cup yellow cornmeal
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar (optional for sweeter cornbread)
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
2 large eggs, beaten
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted, plus extra for greasing
2 tablespoons honey (optional, for honey sweet cornbread)

Substitution Notes

Buttermilk can be replaced with milk plus 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar per cup
Butter can be replaced with oil for a slightly lighter texture
Honey can be swapped with maple syrup or omitted for traditional Southern cornbread
Sugar is optional depending on whether you want sweet or classic Southern style

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 9-inch cast iron skillet or baking dish with butter or oil. A well-seasoned skillet gives the cornbread a crisp, golden crust.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk thoroughly to ensure even distribution of leavening agents.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together buttermilk, eggs, melted butter, and honey (if using). Ensure the mixture is smooth and well-blended.

Step 4: Incorporate Wet and Dry Ingredients

Add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture and stir gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can create a dense cornbread. The batter should be slightly thick but pourable.

Step 5: Pour Batter into Pan

Transfer the batter into the prepared skillet or baking dish. Smooth the top with a spatula for even baking. Optionally, drizzle a little extra butter or honey on top for added richness and a light glaze.

Step 6: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. A cast iron skillet will produce a slightly crispier crust, enhancing texture contrast.

Step 7: Cool Slightly and Serve

Let the cornbread cool for 5–10 minutes before slicing. This allows the interior to set slightly while retaining moisture. Serve warm with butter, honey, or as an accompaniment to your favorite Southern dishes.

How to Serve

Serving buttermilk cornbread is all about highlighting its golden crust, tender crumb, and subtle tangy flavor. Freshly baked cornbread is best enjoyed warm, straight from the skillet or oven, when the exterior is perfectly crisp and the interior is soft and moist. Slice it into thick wedges or squares and serve on a rustic wooden board, a cast iron skillet, or a serving plate to showcase its homemade charm. For an inviting presentation, garnish with a small pat of butter that melts into each slice, or drizzle lightly with honey for added sweetness that complements the natural tang of the buttermilk.

Buttermilk cornbread pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes. Serve it alongside hearty Southern staples like chili, gumbo, or jambalaya for a comforting meal. It’s also excellent with creamy soups, roasted vegetables, or barbecue dishes, as its slightly sweet flavor balances savory and smoky notes. For breakfast or brunch, consider serving slices with soft scrambled eggs, bacon, or a fruit compote for a sweet-savory combination. The versatility of this cornbread allows it to adapt to any meal, from casual weekday dinners to festive gatherings with family and friends.

For added texture and flavor, you can serve buttermilk cornbread with toppings or accompaniments. A small bowl of honey butter, flavored with cinnamon or maple, elevates each bite. Savory options like whipped herb butter, sharp cheddar, or crumbled bacon work wonderfully for a more indulgent twist. You can also crumble the cornbread over soups or salads to act as a flavorful, crispy topping. The key is to keep it fresh, warm, and paired with complementary flavors so that every bite highlights the richness, sweetness, and homemade quality of your buttermilk cornbread.

Additional Tips

Use fine cornmeal for a tender crumb; coarser cornmeal produces a more rustic texture
Do not overmix the batter to prevent toughness
A cast iron skillet improves crust formation and heat distribution
Resting the batter for 5–10 minutes before baking enhances moisture
For honey cornbread, lightly brush the top with honey during the last 5 minutes of baking for a sweet glaze

Recipe Variations

Sweet and Moist Honey Cornbread – Add extra honey to the batter and brush the top with honey glaze after baking
Moist Salted Honey Cornbread – Incorporate a pinch of sea salt and drizzle with honey for a sweet-savory twist
Southern Cornbread Recipe Classic – Omit sugar and honey for a traditional easy Southern cornbread
Cornbread With Honey Butter Topping – Serve hot with a mixture of butter and honey for added richness

Freezing and Storage

Refrigeration: Store cooled cornbread in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Wrap cornbread tightly in plastic wrap or foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight at room temperature.
Reheating: Warm slices in a 350°F oven for 5–10 minutes, or microwave individual portions for 20–30 seconds.

Nutritional Information (Approx. per serving – 1 slice)

Calories: 180 kcal
Protein: 4 g
Carbohydrates: 28 g
Fat: 6 g
Fiber: 2 g
Sugar: 6 g
Sodium: 230 mg

Final Words

Making buttermilk cornbread at home is a comforting and rewarding experience that elevates a simple side dish into a warm, flavorful centerpiece. The tender crumb, golden crust, and subtle tang from the buttermilk create a balance of textures and flavors that pairs beautifully with soups, stews, chili, and barbecues. By preparing this recipe yourself, you have full control over ingredients and seasoning, ensuring each slice is fresh, moist, and perfectly golden. The act of baking from scratch allows you to truly appreciate the transformation of simple ingredients cornmeal, flour, butter, and buttermilk into a rich, satisfying bread that feels both rustic and elegant.

This buttermilk cornbread recipe is versatile, making it perfect for a variety of meals and occasions. You can serve it as a classic Southern side, drizzle it with honey for breakfast, or add mix-ins like cheese, jalapeños, or corn kernels for a creative twist. Its adaptability makes it a crowd-pleaser for family dinners, potlucks, or holiday gatherings. Learning to master the perfect rise and golden crust empowers home cooks to create a consistently delicious cornbread that rivals bakery or restaurant-quality versions, all within your own kitchen.

Beyond the flavor and versatility, making buttermilk cornbread at home transforms a simple dish into a meaningful culinary experience. The process of mixing, baking, and enjoying it fresh teaches patience and appreciation for traditional cooking techniques. Sharing freshly baked cornbread adds warmth and a personal touch to any meal, turning ordinary dinners into memorable experiences. By mastering this buttermilk cornbread recipe, you gain a reliable, flavorful, and comforting bread that embodies the heart of Southern cooking, perfect for creating lasting memories around the table.

FAQ’s

Yes, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend in a 1:1 ratio.

Yes, add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar per cup of milk to mimic buttermilk acidity.

Yes, prepare and bake in advance. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Use a preheated cast iron skillet and avoid covering the cornbread while baking.

Absolutely. Fold shredded cheese, diced jalapeños, or other mix-ins into the batter for savory variations.