Cornbread is a beloved and iconic dish, widely enjoyed for its hearty and wholesome flavor. This delicious cornbread recipe is a crowd-pleaser that is not only easy-to-make but also pairs perfectly with a variety of dishes such as chili or barbecue.
Cornbread is a timeless comfort food with roots in Southern cuisine, loved for its golden crust, tender crumb, and subtle sweetness. Whether served with a hearty bowl of chili, alongside barbecue, or simply on its own with a smear of butter and drizzle of honey, cornbread has earned its spot as a staple at family tables across the country.
What makes cornbread so appealing is its simplicity. Made primarily from cornmeal, it has a rustic texture and a naturally earthy flavor that sets it apart from other breads. The basic ingredients include cornmeal, flour, baking powder, eggs, milk or buttermilk, and sometimes a touch of sugar. The beauty of the recipe lies in its flexibility. Prefer it savory? Skip the sugar and stir in shredded cheese, jalapeños, or cooked bacon. Like it sweet? Add a bit more sugar or a spoonful of honey for that cake-like finish.
Another hallmark of great cornbread is the crust, and that’s where a hot cast iron skillet comes in. When preheated before the batter is added, the skillet helps create a beautifully crisp bottom and edges while keeping the inside soft and moist. That contrast in texture is one of cornbread’s most satisfying qualities.
Cornbread also adapts easily to different forms. It can be baked in a round pan for slicing into wedges, poured into muffin tins for individual servings, or even cooked in a loaf pan for thicker slices. It’s quick to prepare and typically bakes in under 30 minutes, making it an ideal last-minute side dish.
Over the years, cornbread has evolved to suit regional tastes. In the North, it’s often sweet and cake-like, while in the South, traditional versions lean more savory with less sugar.
While cornbread is undeniably tasty, it is also noteworthy for its potential health benefits. When prepared with nutritious ingredients, cornbread can be a good source of essential nutrients, including dietary fiber, protein, and vitamins. Additionally, it can be easily customized to suit specific dietary preferences and requirements.
The versatility of cornbread truly shines when it is served alongside chili or barbecue. The rich and slightly sweet flavor of the cornbread complements the savory and robust tastes of these dishes, creating a satisfying and balanced meal. Whether you enjoy it as a side or as part of a main course, cornbread will enhance your dining experience.
In conclusion, this popular and easy-to-make cornbread recipe is a must-try for any cooking enthusiast. Its widespread appeal, health benefits, and delightful pairing options make it a fantastic addition to your recipe collection.

Ingredients
- 1 cup yellow cornmeal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter melted
- 1 egg large
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 9-inch square baking pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, melted butter, and egg.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Cornbread is life! Just a touch of honey on top makes it perfect!
Totally agree! Honey adds that special touch. I can’t get enough of cornbread!
Pretty easy recipe! I’m not much of a baker but I nailed it! 🍞
I can’t believe you nailed it! Cornbread can be tricky for some, but it sounds like you did great! 😄
Easy? Nah, I always mess up baking. Thought it was just me. 😕
MADE IT IN LIKE 30 MINUTES OMG SO YUM!
So easy to make! My kids helped, and it turned out great! Will definitely make again.
Kinda skeptical about the sugar, felt like too much for bread. But hey, it’s not bad!
I think the sugar really adds a nice sweetness to the cornbread! It balances the cornmeal well. 🤗
I dunno, I usually make cornbread without sugar. Isn’t it supposed to be kinda salty? 🤨
Mmmm, I love cornbread. Best recipe EVER!!!
I totally agree! This cornbread is so good! Soft and buttery, just how I like it.
Best ever? Really? I think my grandma’s recipe is way better. This one’s alright but not the best.
Nah, too sweet for my taste. I prefer my cornbread savory.
Too sweet? I kinda like it like this! But I’ve heard adding less sugar could make it more savory. 🤷♂️
I get that! Savory cornbread is great too. Try adding some cheese or jalapeños next time! 😋
Quick recipe and the kids loved it! We didn’t wait for it to cool and just dug in! 😂
But isn’t it supposed to cool? Kinda worried about the texture if you jumped in too soon…
So glad to hear your kids loved it! Must’ve been super tasty straight out of the oven! 😄
Baked this for dinner and it got eaten faster than I expected! 😮
I found it too sweet for my taste. Next time I’ll reduce the sugar.
This cornbread recipe is amazing! So fluffy and sweet! Will definitely make it again.
I’m glad you loved the recipe! It really is the best cornbread I’ve ever made. Have you tried it with honey butter? 🤤
I don’t get how it’s fluffy. Mine turned out like a rock! Maybe my measurements were off, idk…
This cornbread is the best! So fluffy and sweet. My kids love it!
I dont think its that good. Mine came out too dense. Maybe I did something wrong?
I totally agree! This cornbread recipe changed my life! Fluffy and sweet just like you said. Perfect for dinner!
I thought there was too much baking powder. It tasted kinda off to me…
I followed the recipe exactly but it didn’t rise much. Is my baking powder too old? Anyone else have this issue?
Yeah, old baking powder can totally mess things up! Try getting a fresh one next time. It makes a big difference!
Cornbread! Yum! 🥳
Love it! It goes great with my chili. Will make again!
Sounds delicious! I can’t wait to try it with my chili too!
Too sweet for my taste. I thought cornbread was supposed to be, like, savory or something, right?
Is it really cornbread without jalapeños? Just sayin’.
Just ok, kinda bland. Needs some jalapeños or cheese!
Not a fan. The texture was kinda weird for me. I prefer mine fluffier.
Is it really authentic cornbread if it has sugar in it? Just doesn’t feel right.
This ain’t the best cornbread I’ve had, but it’s decent. I think it needs more corn flavor.
This cornbread was delightful! Perfect texture and taste. Will make again!
Cornbread is for southerners! Can’t believe people outside the south eat this. Try it with buttermilk!
I might’ve overcooked it a bit. Still tasted good but not as fluffy as I hoped.
Idk about this. Seems like it needs more flavor or herbs or something. 🤔
I think it’s fine as is! Cornbread is supposed to be simple, right?
I totally get that! Maybe some herbs or jalapeños would give it a kick. 🌶️
Cornbread?? Where’s the corn?! This seems better as a cake lol.
Simple and easy recipe! My kids loved it. Thanks for sharing!
This cornbread is amazing! Made it for Thanksgiving and everyone loved it!
Good, but why so much baking powder? It puffed up too much.
I thought the baking powder was just right! It gave it that nice lift. Maybe your oven runs hot?
Too much baking powder? I dunno… I usually like my cornbread fluffy. But I guess it depends on taste. 🤷♂️
So easy! My kids loved it! We had it with chili, it was perfect.
Really enjoyed this recipe! I didn’t have unsalted butter, so I used margarine and it was still tasty!
Perfect with chili! Everybody should try this. Yumm!