Name: Southern Cornbread Recipe: Classic, Moist, and Golden
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 1 cup cornmeal (medium grind); 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup granulated sugar (optional for slight sweetness); 1 tbsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp baking soda; 1/2 tsp salt; 1 cup buttermilk; 2 large eggs; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (plus extra for greasing skillet)

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Southern Cornbread Recipe

Southern cornbread is more than just a side dish; it’s a comforting, golden-brown staple that has been a cornerstone of Southern kitchens for generations. With a crisp crust, tender crumb, and rich corn flavor, this southern cornbread recipe perfectly balances texture and taste. Unlike sweet cornbread or overly dense variations, classic Southern cornbread is slightly savory, with just a touch of sweetness from natural corn flavors, making it ideal for pairing with hearty dishes like soups, stews, chili, or fried chicken.

More Cornbread Recipes

People love this southern cornbread recipe because it’s simple to prepare, uses minimal ingredients, and delivers maximum flavor. The golden crust formed from cast-iron skillet baking contrasts with the soft, moist interior, creating a perfect bite every time. Southern cornbread carries nostalgic flavors that remind home cooks of family gatherings and comforting meals, while still being approachable enough for beginners to try at home.

Whether served as a companion to homemade soup, as part of a Sunday dinner, or simply enjoyed with butter and honey, this southern cornbread recipe is versatile, delicious, and reliable.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crisp Golden Crust
Baked in a preheated skillet or pan, the crust develops a rich golden color and a satisfying crunch.
Moist and Tender Interior
The combination of cornmeal and buttermilk ensures a soft, tender, and flavorful crumb inside each slice.
Authentic Southern Flavor
This classic recipe stays true to Southern cornbread traditions with subtle savory notes and natural corn flavor.
Versatile Pairings
Perfect with soups, stews, chili, or fried chicken, and excellent as a breakfast treat with honey or butter.
Simple Ingredients, Big Impact
Uses everyday pantry ingredients and doesn’t require fancy techniques, making it approachable for any home cook.
Crowd-Pleasing
This easy southern cornbread recipe is ideal for gatherings and meal prep, keeping well at room temperature or lightly reheated.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Mixing Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 20–25 minutes
Total Time: 35–40 minutes
Servings: 8 slices

This timing ensures the cornbread cooks evenly, with a golden crust and a tender interior.

Ingredients

1 cup cornmeal (medium grind)
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar (optional for slight sweetness)
1 tbsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup buttermilk
2 large eggs
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (plus extra for greasing skillet)

Substitution Notes:

Milk plus 1 tbsp vinegar or lemon juice can replace buttermilk for a homemade alternative
Coconut oil or vegetable oil can replace butter for a dairy-free version
For a slightly sweeter cornbread, increase sugar to 1/3 cup

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and place a cast-iron skillet or baking pan inside to heat. A hot skillet ensures a crisp, golden crust.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

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

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together buttermilk, eggs, and melted butter until fully combined.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture. Stir gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cornbread light and tender.

Step 5: Prepare the Skillet

Carefully remove the preheated skillet from the oven. Add a small amount of butter or oil to coat the bottom. Pour the batter into the hot skillet, spreading evenly.

Step 6: Bake the Cornbread

Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The skillet will give the edges a crisp texture while keeping the interior moist.

Step 7: Cool Slightly Before Serving

Allow the cornbread to cool for 5–10 minutes in the skillet before slicing. This resting time helps the crumb set while keeping it tender.

How To Serve

Serve warm with a pat of butter for a classic presentation.
Pair with hearty soups, chili, or stews for a comforting meal.
Slice into wedges and serve alongside fried chicken, collard greens, or Southern-style barbecue.
For breakfast or brunch, drizzle with honey or maple syrup and serve with fresh fruit.
Present on a wooden board or cast-iron skillet for a rustic Southern aesthetic that emphasizes the golden crust.

Additional Tips

Preheat the skillet for a perfectly crisp crust.
Avoid overmixing the batter to maintain a light, tender interior.
Use medium grind cornmeal for authentic texture; fine grind can make cornbread dense.
Allow the cornbread to rest before slicing to prevent crumbling.
Slightly sweet or savory variations can be achieved by adjusting sugar or adding herbs.
Cast-iron skillets produce the best golden crust, but a greased baking pan works well too.

Recipe Variations

One of the best things about a classic southern cornbread recipe is how adaptable it is. Once you master the base batter and understand the homemade corn bread process, you can easily adjust flavor, texture, and richness to match your meal or personal taste. These variations keep the soul of traditional Southern cornbread while giving you new ways to serve it throughout the week.

Buttermilk Skillet Cornbread
Replace regular milk with full fat buttermilk and add 2 extra tablespoons melted butter or bacon drippings to the batter. The buttermilk adds gentle tang and tenderness, creating that signature soft crumb that pairs beautifully with homemade soup with cornbread or chili. Bake the batter in a preheated cast iron skillet so the edges fry slightly when they hit the hot fat. This creates a deep golden crust that tastes almost buttery and crisp. If you want true Southern style cornbread, this is the variation to try first.
Sweet Cornbread Version
Some families prefer a lightly sweet cornbread recipe sweet style, especially for breakfast or brunch. Add 2 to 4 tablespoons sugar or honey to the batter. The sweetness should be subtle, not cake-like. It simply balances the natural corn flavor and pairs nicely with butter, jam, or fresh fruit. This version works wonderfully served warm with coffee or alongside savory dishes like fried chicken. It also makes excellent leftovers for turning into cornbread croutons or stuffing.
Cheesy Jalapeño Cornbread
If you like a little heat and richness, this savory twist is perfect. Fold in 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar and 2 tablespoons finely chopped jalapeños. The cheese melts into the crumb, adding creamy pockets of flavor, while the peppers give gentle warmth without overpowering the bread.This variation is fantastic with barbecue, beans, or grilled meats. It also complements loaded chili bowls and makes your southern cornbread recipe feel bold and modern while still comforting.

Freezing and Storage

Cooked Cornbread: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2–3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5–10 minutes.
Freezing: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or in the refrigerator before reheating.
Portioning: Slice into wedges before freezing for easy reheating and serving.

Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)

Calories: 210 kcal
Protein: 5g
Fat: 8g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 5g

Values vary depending on ingredients and portion sizes.

Final Words

A true southern cornbread recipe is more than just a side dish. It is the kind of food that carries memories, tradition, and comfort in every bite. The crisp golden crust, the tender crumb inside, and that deep corn flavor create something simple yet deeply satisfying. When you pull a hot skillet of southern cornbread from the oven and hear that gentle sizzle, you know you have made something honest and homemade. It does not rely on complicated steps or fancy ingredients. It relies on technique, care, and good classic cornbread ingredients that have stood the test of time. That is exactly why this recipe never goes out of style.

What makes this southern cornbread recipe especially valuable for home cooks is how dependable it is in everyday life. You can serve it with homemade soup with cornbread on a cold evening, alongside chili, barbecue, or beans, or crumble it into soup and cornbread recipes for extra heartiness. It fits just as naturally on a weeknight dinner table as it does on a holiday spread or Thanksgiving dinner menu. Once you understand the homemade corn bread process and follow these homemade cornbread instructions, you will realize how easy southern style cornbread truly is. Mix, pour, bake, and you are rewarded with warm, fresh bread that tastes far better than anything store bought.

At the end of the day, cooking should feel grounding and satisfying, and this southern cornbread recipe delivers exactly that. It reminds you that some of the best dishes come from the simplest methods and a few pantry staples. Try it once as written, then adjust the sweetness, texture, or add-ins to suit your family’s taste. Keep this best cornbread recipe in your regular rotation and you will always have a reliable, comforting side ready to complete any meal. Homemade cornbread has a way of bringing people back to the table, and that kind of food is always worth making.

FAQ’s

Yes, but medium grind provides a better texture for classic Southern cornbread.

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

Use a preheated cast-iron skillet and slightly brush with butter or oil before adding the batter.

Yes, you can bake and store at room temperature for a few days, or freeze for longer storage.

Absolutely. Shredded cheddar, rosemary, thyme, or even green onions enhance flavor for a savory variation.