Easy Cornbread Recipe (with Video)

Easy Cornbread Recipe: Cornbread is a beloved dish in Southern and American cuisine. With its slightly crumbly yet moist texture, it pairs wonderfully with chili, barbecue, or even as a standalone snack with butter and honey. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make!

This step-by-step guide will help you make a delicious cornbread that’s golden brown on the outside and soft on the inside. Whether you like it sweet, savory, or cheesy, you can easily customize it to suit your taste. Let’s get started!

Ingredients Needed

To make the perfect cornbread, you’ll need the following ingredients:

Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup cornmeal (yellow or white)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour (for structure)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (adjust based on preference)
• 1 tablespoon baking powder (for a fluffy texture)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (enhances flavor)
• 1 cup buttermilk (adds moisture and tanginess)
• 1/2 cup melted butter (for richness)
• 2 large eggs (helps bind the batter)

Optional Additions:

• 1/2 cup shredded cheese (for a cheesy cornbread)
• 1/2 cup corn kernels (for extra texture)
• 1 diced jalapeño (for a spicy kick)
• 1 teaspoon honey (for a touch of sweetness)

Substitutions:

• No buttermilk? Use 1 cup of milk + 1 tablespoon vinegar.
• No eggs? Use 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce or yogurt as a replacement.
• Prefer a gluten-free version? Use gluten-free all-purpose flour instead.

Essential Kitchen Tools

Before you start, make sure you have the right kitchen tools:

• Mixing bowls (one for dry ingredients, one for wet ingredients)
• Whisk and spatula (for mixing)
• Measuring cups and spoons (for accuracy)
• Baking pan or cast iron skillet (for baking)
• Oven mitts (for safety)

How to Make Easy Cornbread – Step by Step Guide

Step 1: Preparing the Oven and Pan

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures even baking.
2. Grease your baking pan with butter or oil to prevent sticking.
3. If using a cast iron skillet, place it in the oven while preheating for an extra crispy crust.

Step 2: Mixing the Dry Ingredients

1. In a large bowl, combine the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
2. Use a whisk to mix well, ensuring the baking powder is evenly distributed.
3. Sifting the dry ingredients helps remove lumps and makes the cornbread fluffier.

Step 3: Mixing the Wet Ingredients

1. In another bowl, whisk the eggs until slightly frothy.
2. Add the buttermilk and melted butter, mixing until combined.
3. If adding honey, mix it in now for even distribution.

Tip: Using room temperature ingredients helps the batter mix more smoothly.

Step 4: Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients

1. Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring gently.
2. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to fold everything together.
3. Mix just until combined—overmixing can make the cornbread dense instead of fluffy.

Step 5: Pouring and Baking the Cornbread

1. Pour the batter into your greased baking pan or preheated cast iron skillet.
2. Smooth the top with a spatula for even baking.
3. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden brown.

Step 6: Testing for Doneness

1. Insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, your cornbread is ready.
2. If the center is still wet, bake for another 5 minutes and check again.

Step 7: Cooling and Serving

1. Let the cornbread cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing.
2. Serve warm with butter, honey, or jam for extra flavor.

Cornbread Variations

• Sweet Cornbread: Add 2 extra tablespoons of sugar or honey.
• Cheesy Cornbread: Mix in shredded cheddar cheese before baking.
• Spicy Cornbread: Add diced jalapeños for a spicy twist.

Tips for Storing Leftover Cornbread

• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• Refrigerate for up to 1 week.
• Freeze for up to 3 months—just wrap slices individually in plastic wrap.

FAQs about Easy Cornbread Recipe

What ingredients do I need for easy cornbread?

To whip up this easy cornbread, you’ll need some basic pantry staples: cornmeal, all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, milk, an egg, and vegetable oil or melted butter. Simple, right?

How long does it take to make cornbread?

From start to finish, you’re looking at about 30 minutes. That’s 10 minutes to mix your ingredients and 20 minutes in the oven. Quick and delicious!

Can I make cornbread without a cast iron skillet?

Absolutely! While a cast iron skillet does give cornbread a fantastic crust, any baking pan will work. Just make sure to grease it well to prevent sticking.

Is cornbread gluten-free?

Traditional cornbread recipes include flour, so they aren’t gluten-free. However, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to easily make it celiac-friendly.

How can I keep cornbread moist?

The secret to moist cornbread is not overmixing the batter and not overbaking it. Also, adding a bit of yogurt or sour cream can help keep it wonderfully moist.

Can I add extras to my cornbread?

Yes! Cornbread is versatile. Feel free to stir in some corn kernels, jalapeños, cheese, or herbs to jazz it up.

How should I store leftover cornbread?

Keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate it to extend its freshness for up to a week.

Remember, the key to perfect cornbread is to keep it simple and follow the basics. Enjoy baking and even more, enjoy your meal!

Conclusion

Making homemade cornbread is simple, quick, and delicious. Whether you prefer it sweet, savory, or spicy, this recipe is the perfect base to experiment with. Now that you know how to make cornbread from scratch, why not bake a batch today?