The Best Homemade Southern Cornbread Recipe
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This Southern cornbread recipe is perfect for any occasion, with its golden crust and tender, fluffy center. It’s simple to make and brings a comforting taste of the South to your table.
- Authentic flavor: Made with buttermilk and a touch of sugar for that classic sweet-savory balance.
- Quick and easy: Ready in under an hour with basic ingredients you likely already have.
- Versatile: Perfect as a side dish or paired with chili, soups, or even a pat of butter on its own.
Recipe
Southern cornbread is a staple in many households, known for its slightly sweet flavor and crumbly texture. This classic recipe is straightforward, requiring just a few basic ingredients and minimal preparation. It’s perfect as a side dish for soups, stews, or barbecue.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease an 8-inch square baking pan or cast-iron skillet.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
- In a separate bowl, combine the buttermilk, egg, and melted butter.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cornbread cool slightly before serving.
Notes:
- For a richer flavor, use bacon grease to grease the pan.
- Adjust the sugar to taste if you prefer a less sweet cornbread.
Equipment:
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- 8-inch square baking pan or cast-iron skillet
Time:
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 25 minutes
Cuisine:
Southern
Serving:
Makes 9 servings.
Nutrition
Southern cornbread is a classic comfort food, rich in flavor and tradition. Here’s a breakdown of its nutritional content per serving.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 198 kcal |
| Total Fat | 7.5 g |
| Saturated Fat | 1.5 g |
| Cholesterol | 25 mg |
| Sodium | 380 mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 28 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.5 g |
| Sugars | 5 g |
| Protein | 4 g |
What To Serve With It
I love serving my homemade Southern cornbread with a big bowl of hearty chili—it’s the perfect combo for cozy nights. Classic collard greens, cooked slow with a bit of bacon, make another tasty side that balances the cornbread’s sweetness. Trust me, these pairings turn a simple slice into a meal you’ll crave.
Hearty Chili Pairing
When you’ve got a steaming bowl of hearty chili in front of you, it’s only natural to wonder what to serve alongside it for the perfect meal. For me, nothing beats a slice of warm, crumbly Southern cornbread. Its slightly sweet flavor balances the chili’s spice, soaking up every bit of that rich, tomatoey sauce. I love tearing off a piece and dunking it right into the bowl—it’s pure comfort food. Plus, cornbread’s texture adds a nice contrast to the chili’s thickness, making each bite feel complete. Together, they’re the ultimate pair, simple yet satisfying in every way.
Classic Collard Greens
Though it’s hearty on its own, classic collard greens shine even brighter when paired with the right sides. I love serving them with a slice of warm, buttery cornbread—it soaks up the potlikker like a dream. A scoop of creamy mashed potatoes or a pile of smoky baked beans balances their bold, earthy flavor. For protein, fried chicken or tender pulled pork works wonders. Don’t forget a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick! These combos turn a simple side into a meal that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. Trust me, it’s a match made in Southern heaven.
