Irresistible Classic Homemade Cornbread Recipe for Beginners

Golden, warm, and irresistibly tender, this classic homemade cornbread recipe delivers comfort straight from the oven.

Southern kitchens have long celebrated this simple yet delectable bread that pairs perfectly with hearty stews and chili.

Corn kernels and buttermilk blend into a batter that promises a rich, slightly sweet flavor profile.

Each bite carries the warmth of traditional baking techniques passed down through generations.

The golden-brown crust crackles with a delightful texture that hints at the soft, moist interior waiting beneath.

Served piping hot with a pat of melting butter, this cornbread turns an ordinary meal into a memorable dining experience.

Get ready to savor a slice of pure, homemade deliciousness that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30-35 minutes

Total Time: 40-45 minutes

Calories: 190 kcal

Servings: 9

Cornbread from Scratch – Ingredient Lineup

• All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of the cornbread's structure, creating a tender and soft texture.
• Cornmeal: Brings the classic golden color and distinctive corn flavor, choose stone-ground for richer taste.
• Sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness that balances the cornbread's savory notes.
• Baking Powder: Ensures the cornbread rises beautifully and maintains a light, fluffy consistency.
• Salt: Enhances and deepens the overall flavor profile of the cornbread.

• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and provide richness and structure.
• Buttermilk: Creates a tangy flavor and helps tenderize the bread, look for fresh, high-quality buttermilk.
• Melted Butter: Delivers a rich, golden flavor and contributes to the cornbread's moist texture.

• Baking Pan: An 8×8-inch pan ensures even baking and perfect cornbread thickness, use a non-stick or well-greased pan.

Tools to Make Classic Homemade Cornbread

• 8×8-inch baking pan: Perfect for creating that classic cornbread shape and size.
• Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining dry ingredients with plenty of mixing space.
• Medium mixing bowl: Ideal for whisking wet ingredients smoothly.
• Whisk: Great for blending eggs, buttermilk, and melted butter evenly.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient proportions.
• Toothpick: Helpful for checking cornbread doneness by testing the center.
• Spatula or wooden spoon: Useful for stirring ingredients together gently.

How to Bake Classic Cornbread Easily

• Southern Kitchen Warmth

A cherished recipe passed through generations, this cornbread brings comfort and memories of family gatherings. The blend of simple ingredients creates a golden, tender masterpiece that speaks to Southern hospitality.

• Dry Ingredient Harmony

Grab a spacious mixing bowl and gently combine your cornmeal, flour, sugar, and leavening agents. Each dry ingredient contributes a unique texture and depth to the final creation.

• Liquid Magic

In a separate vessel, whisk eggs, buttermilk, and melted butter until smooth. These wet components transform dry ingredients into a cohesive, velvety batter that promises deliciousness.

• Gentle Mixing

Pour liquid mixture into dry ingredients, stirring with a light touch. Embrace imperfections – a few lumps ensure tenderness. Overmixing can lead to tough cornbread, so be kind and patient.

• Baking Transformation

Transfer the batter into a prepared pan, spreading evenly. Let the oven work its magic, transforming raw ingredients into a golden, fragrant delight that will fill your kitchen with warmth.

• Perfect Completion

Bake until a slender tester emerges clean, signaling your cornbread has reached culinary perfection. Allow a brief cooling moment before serving this comforting slice of Southern tradition.

Cornbread Flavor Add-ins & Tips

• Mix in crispy bacon bits or diced jalapeños for an extra flavor kick.
• Replace buttermilk with regular milk or plant-based alternatives for dietary needs.
• Warm your buttermilk and melted butter slightly to help ingredients blend more smoothly and create a softer crumb.
• Bake the cornbread in a preheated cast-iron skillet for a crispy, golden-brown crust that adds delicious depth to the classic recipe.

Best Ways to Serve Homemade Cornbread

• Hearty Breakfast Companion: Pair this warm, golden cornbread with scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, and a dollop of honey butter for a satisfying morning meal that will kickstart your day.
• Chili Night Sidekick: Crumble this cornbread into a steaming bowl of rich beef chili, letting it soak up the savory sauce and add a delightful texture to your comfort food dinner.
• Southern-Style Appetizer Platter: Slice the cornbread into bite-sized squares and serve alongside pickled vegetables, pulled pork, or as part of a rustic appetizer spread that celebrates classic Southern flavors.
• Dessert Transformation: Drizzle warm cornbread with melted butter and a generous swirl of maple syrup, turning this classic side dish into a sweet treat that bridges the gap between bread and dessert.

Storing Tips for Your Homemade Cornbread

• Cornbread Freshness Plan: Store leftover cornbread in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days to maintain its delightful texture and flavor.
• Freezing Magic: Wrap individual cornbread slices in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Frozen cornbread stays delicious for up to 3 months, perfect for quick future meals.
• Reheating Perfection: Warm refrigerated or frozen cornbread in the oven at 300°F for 10-15 minutes. This method restores the crispy edges and soft center, making it taste freshly baked.
• Moisture Maintenance: Place a paper towel in the storage container to absorb excess moisture and prevent sogginess, keeping your cornbread light and fluffy for longer.

Golden Homemade Cornbread Recipe

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4.9 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 40-45 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Rustic buttermilk cornbread delivers Southern comfort with golden, crispy edges and a tender crumb. Families gather around this simple yet satisfying bread, savoring its rich, buttery flavor that connects generations.

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Ingredients

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• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ⅓ cup butter, melted
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 cup buttermilk or soured milk (240 ml)
• ¼ cup sugar (50 g)
• 3 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 400°F and lightly grease a 9-inch square baking pan with butter or cooking spray.
2. Dry Mixture: Whisk cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large mixing bowl until completely combined and free of lumps.
3. Wet Components: Blend eggs, buttermilk, and melted butter in a separate bowl until smooth and fully incorporated.
4. Batter Creation: Pour wet ingredients into dry mixture, stirring gently until just combined, maintaining a slightly lumpy consistency to ensure tender cornbread.
5. Baking Process: Pour batter into prepared pan, spreading evenly with a spatula, and bake in the center of the oven for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center emerges clean.
6. Cooling and Serving: Remove cornbread from oven, let rest in pan for 10 minutes to set structure, then slice and serve warm, ideally accompanied by butter or honey.

Notes

• Prevent Overmixing: Stir batter gently to keep cornbread tender and avoid tough, dense texture.
• Temperature Precision: Use moderate oven heat around 375-425°F for even golden-brown baking without burning.
• Moisture Balance: Cultured dairy like buttermilk ensures rich flavor and soft, moist cornbread consistency.
• Resting Ritual: Allow cornbread to cool 10-15 minutes after baking to help structural integrity and easier slicing.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 190
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 27 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg