Are you ready to get your cornbread on? Whether you’re a Southern belle or just a lover of all things warm and crumbly, there’s no denying the appeal of a perfectly baked cornbread. And we’ve got just the thing for you – 18 delicious cornbread recipes that are perfect for any occasion!
From classic Southern-style to innovative twists like jalapeño cheddar and sweet maple, we’ve rounded up the best cornbread recipes out there. Whether you’re looking for a comforting side dish or a show-stopping centerpiece, these recipes have got you covered.
In this article, we’ll take you on a journey through the world of cornbread, exploring everything from traditional recipes to creative variations that will keep your taste buds guessing. So grab a glass of sweet tea and get ready to dig in – it’s time to talk cornbread!
Classic Southern Cornbread
Classic Southern Cornbread Recipe
There’s nothing quite like a warm slice of cornbread fresh from the oven, perfect for sopping up juices from your favorite fried chicken or biscuits and gravy. This classic recipe is a staple in many Southern households, with its crispy edges and moist interior.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup cornmeal
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1 cup buttermilk
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– Honey or sugar, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease an 8-inch square baking dish and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cornmeal, salt, baking soda, and baking powder.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together buttermilk and egg.
4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. The batter should still be slightly lumpy.
5. Pour in the vegetable oil and stir until the batter is smooth.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
7. Remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Honey Butter Cornbread
Moist and flavorful, this honey butter cornbread is the perfect accompaniment to your favorite comfort foods or as a sweet treat on its own. With the richness of melted butter and the warmth of honey, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup cornmeal
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 large egg
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 cup buttermilk
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease an 8-inch square baking dish.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cornmeal, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, combine sugar, melted butter, egg, and honey. Whisk until smooth.
4. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Pour in buttermilk and stir until batter is smooth.
6. Pour into prepared baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Jalapeño Cheddar Cornbread
This spicy cornbread is a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors, with the added kick of jalapeños and cheddar cheese. It’s a great side dish or snack for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup yellow cornmeal
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup milk
– 1-2 diced jalapeños (depending on desired level of heat)
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– Honey or maple syrup for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease an 8-inch square baking dish.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cornmeal, sugar, and baking powder.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, eggs, milk, and diced jalapeños.
4. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and stir until just combined. Fold in shredded cheddar cheese.
5. Pour batter into prepared baking dish and smooth top.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Buttermilk Cornbread
Classic Buttermilk Cornbread Recipe
Moist and flavorful, this classic cornbread recipe is a staple of American comfort food. Perfectly balanced between sweet and savory, it’s a great accompaniment to your favorite soups, stews, or as a side dish for your next barbecue.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease an 8-inch square baking dish.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cornmeal, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
- In a large bowl, whisk together buttermilk, egg, and melted butter. Add dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
- Pour batter into prepared baking dish and smooth top.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Skillet Cornbread with Crispy Edges
This classic skillet cornbread recipe yields a moist and flavorful bread with a crispy edge that’s perfect for snacking or serving alongside your favorite meals. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep work, you’ll be enjoying a delicious homemade cornbread in no time!
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 cup cornmeal
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup buttermilk
– 2 tablespoons melted butter
– Honey or maple syrup for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add buttermilk and melted butter; stir until just combined (do not overmix).
4. Pour batter into a greased 10-inch cast-iron skillet or oven-safe skillet.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Sweet Maple Cornbread
A classic cornbread recipe gets a sweet twist with the addition of pure Canadian maple syrup. This moist and flavorful bread is perfect for serving alongside your favorite soups, stews, or as a snack on its own.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 cup cornmeal
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup buttermilk
– 1 large egg
– 2 tablespoons pure Canadian maple syrup
– Unsalted butter, melted
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease an 8-inch square baking dish.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cornmeal, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together sugar, buttermilk, egg, and maple syrup.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Pour in the melted butter and stir until smooth.
6. Pour batter into prepared baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Cornbread Muffins with Bacon
Elevate your breakfast or brunch game with these crispy-on-the-outside, fluffy-on-the-inside cornbread muffins infused with the smoky goodness of bacon. Perfect for a crowd-pleasing morning gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup cornmeal
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 large egg
– 2 tablespoons butter, melted
– 6 slices of cooked bacon, crumbled
– Honey or maple syrup (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cornmeal, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together cream, egg, and melted butter. Add crumbled bacon and stir until combined.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, stirring until just combined (do not overmix).
5. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups.
6. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Gluten-Free Cornbread
A classic Southern favorite, this gluten-free cornbread recipe is a game-changer for those with dietary restrictions. Made with simple ingredients and easy to follow instructions, you’ll be enjoying a warm, crumbly loaf in no time.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cornmeal
– 1/2 cup almond flour
– 1/4 cup sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder (gluten-free)
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup buttermilk
– 1 large egg
– 2 tablespoons melted coconut oil
– Honey or maple syrup, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease an 8-inch square baking dish.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together cornmeal, almond flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together buttermilk, egg, and melted coconut oil.
4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Pour batter into prepared baking dish and smooth top.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Cornbread Stuffing with Herbs
Elevate your holiday meals with this fragrant and flavorful cornbread stuffing, infused with the warmth of herbs. Perfect for turkey or as a standalone side dish.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cornbread, crumbled
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh thyme
– 1/4 cup chopped scallions (green onions)
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, 1 minute.
3. Add the cornbread mixture and stir until well combined with the garlic and herbs.
4. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until lightly toasted and crispy on top.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Cornbread Pancakes
Start your day with a warm and fluffy twist on traditional pancakes. This recipe combines the comforting flavors of cornbread with the convenience of a pancake, perfect for breakfast or brunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 tablespoons cornmeal
– 2 tablespoons sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup milk
– 1 large egg
– 2 tablespoons butter, melted
– Honey or maple syrup for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In another bowl, whisk together milk, egg, and melted butter.
4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Drop by 1/4 cupfuls onto the preheated skillet or griddle.
6. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until bubbles appear on the surface and edges start to dry.
7. Flip and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until golden brown.
Cooking Time: Approximately 15-20 minutes for 8-10 pancakes.
Cornbread Salad with Avocado
This refreshing summer salad combines the warmth of cornbread with the creaminess of avocado, all tossed together with a medley of colorful vegetables. Perfect for a light and satisfying meal or as a side dish for your next barbecue.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup crumbled cornbread
– 1 ripe avocado, diced
– 2 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, etc.)
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/2 cup cucumber slices
– 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the cornbread, avocado, mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and red onion.
2. Drizzle the olive oil over the salad and toss gently to combine.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Top with crumbled feta cheese, if using.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Blueberry Cornbread
This moist and flavorful cornbread is a perfect combination of sweet and savory, featuring fresh blueberries and a hint of spice. It’s a great side dish for your next BBQ or family gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 cup yellow cornmeal
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup buttermilk
– 2 large eggs
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 1 cup fresh blueberries
– Honey or maple syrup (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease an 8-inch square baking dish.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together buttermilk, eggs, and melted butter.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Gently fold in blueberries.
6. Pour batter into prepared baking dish and smooth top.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Cornbread Casserole with Cheese
This creamy casserole combines the warmth of cornbread with the richness of melted cheese, perfect for a comforting side dish or main course.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cornbread mix
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1 large egg
– 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup grated Monterey Jack cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional)
– 1 tablespoon butter, melted
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together milk, egg, and cornbread mix.
3. Pour mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish.
4. Sprinkle cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the top.
5. If using green onions, sprinkle them on top of the cheese.
6. Drizzle melted butter over the casserole.
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Cornbread Waffles with Syrup
Start your day off right with a twist on traditional waffles – sweet cornbread waffles! These crispy and fluffy treats are perfect for breakfast or brunch, topped with a drizzle of warm syrup.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup yellow cornmeal
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1 large egg
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– Syrup (such as maple or honey)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your waffle iron according to manufacturer’s instructions.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together milk, egg, and melted butter.
4. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Pour about 1/4 cup of batter onto the waffle iron and cook for 3-5 minutes or until golden brown.
6. Serve warm with syrup drizzled on top.
Cooking Time: Approximately 15-20 minutes, depending on your waffle iron.
Cornbread Croutons for Soup
Transform stale cornbread into crispy, flavorful croutons to add texture and excitement to your favorite soups. This easy recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend lunch.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups stale cornbread, broken into small pieces
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a bowl, toss cornbread pieces with olive oil, salt, black pepper, and paprika (if using) until evenly coated.
3. Spread the mixture on a baking sheet in a single layer.
4. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until croutons are crispy and golden brown.
5. Remove from oven and let cool completely.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Cornbread with Creamed Corn
Elevate your cornbread game with this sweet and savory recipe that combines the comfort of traditional cornbread with the richness of creamed corn. This moist and flavorful bread is perfect for accompanying soups, stews, or as a side dish on its own.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 cup yellow cornmeal
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup creamed corn
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1 large egg
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease an 8-inch square baking dish.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cornmeal, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
3. In a large bowl, combine creamed corn, milk, egg, and melted butter. Stir until smooth.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Pour batter into prepared dish and bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Spicy Chipotle Cornbread
Elevate your meal with a twist on classic cornbread by infusing it with the bold flavors of chipotle peppers. This spicy and savory cornbread is perfect for accompanying your favorite chili, stews, or as a standalone snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup yellow cornmeal
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup buttermilk
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 1-2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (depending on desired level of heat)
– Honey or maple syrup (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease an 8-inch square baking dish.
2. Whisk together flour, cornmeal, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, buttermilk, and melted butter.
4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture and stir until just combined.
5. Stir in chipotle peppers, including some of the adobo sauce for added flavor.
6. Pour batter into prepared baking dish and smooth top.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
8. Remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Cornbread Pudding with Caramel
A twist on traditional cornbread, this sweet pudding is infused with caramel and perfect for a dessert or brunch treat.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cornbread mix
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 cup caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– 1 egg, beaten
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together cornbread mix, heavy cream, sugar, and melted butter until smooth.
3. Add vanilla extract and beaten egg; whisk until combined.
4. Pour mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish.
5. Drizzle caramel sauce evenly over the top of the pudding.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown and set.
7. Serve warm, topped with additional caramel sauce if desired.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Summary
Get ready to elevate your cornbread game with these 18 mouthwatering recipes! From classic Southern-style to sweet and savory twists, there’s something for every occasion. Try making a warm skillet cornbread with crispy edges, or add some heat with jalapeño cheddar cornbread. You can even use cornbread as a base for stuffings, salads, and casseroles. Whether you’re in the mood for comfort food or something new and exciting, this collection has got you covered. So go ahead, get baking, and taste the difference that homemade cornbread can make!