Classic Southern Cornbread

This classic Southern-style cornbread is golden, buttery, slightly crisp around the edges, and soft and tender inside. It’s perfect with chili, soups, beans, fried chicken, or Southern-style gravy.

Ingredients

• 1 cup (130 g) yellow cornmeal
• 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup (240 ml) buttermilk
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup (120 ml) melted butter
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil or melted butter, for the skillet

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).

Place a 9-inch cast-iron skillet in the oven while it preheats.

Heating the skillet helps create those delicious crispy edges.

2. Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together:

• Cornmeal
• Flour
• Sugar
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt

Mix until evenly combined.

3. Combine the Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and eggs.

Slowly whisk in the melted butter.

Make sure the butter isn’t extremely hot, or it may cook the eggs.

4. Make the Batter

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients.

Stir gently just until combined.

Don’t overmix. A few small lumps are perfectly fine.

The batter should be thick but pourable.

5. Prepare the Skillet

Carefully remove the hot skillet from the oven.

Add the vegetable oil or 2 tablespoons melted butter.

Swirl carefully to coat the bottom and sides.

Immediately pour in the cornbread batter.

You should hear a gentle sizzle when the batter hits the hot skillet.

6. Bake

Place the skillet in the oven.

Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 18–22 minutes, or until:

• The top is golden brown.
• The center is set.
• A toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

For an extra-golden top, brush the hot cornbread with a little melted butter as soon as it comes out.

7. Cool and Serve

Let the cornbread rest for about 5–10 minutes.

Slice into wedges and serve warm with butter.

🧈 Optional Additions

Cheddar Jalapeño Cornbread

Add:

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1–2 finely chopped jalapeños

Honey Butter Cornbread

Add 2 tbsp honey to the batter and serve with honey butter.

Bacon Cornbread

Add ½ cup cooked, crumbled bacon to the batter.

Sweet Cornbread

Increase the sugar to ¼ cup for a sweeter, cake-like version.

⭐ Tips for Perfect Cornbread

• Don’t overmix the batter.
• Preheating the cast-iron skillet gives you crisp, browned edges.
• Use buttermilk for a richer flavor and softer texture.
• Don’t overbake—the center should remain moist.
• For the best flavor, serve it warm with plenty of butter.

Prep time: 10 minutes
Bake time: 18–22 minutes
Total time: About 30 minutes
Servings: 8 wedges