Description
This BEST Moist Cornbread Recipe features a tender, golden crumb with a perfect balance of sweetness and savory flavors. Made with simple pantry ingredients like cornmeal, flour, buttermilk, and eggs, it delivers a moist and fluffy texture every time. Ideal as a side for chili, barbecue, or your favorite Southern dishes.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup yellow cornmeal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup buttermilk (or milk + 1 tablespoon vinegar)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil or melted butter
- 2 tablespoons honey (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish or a cast-iron skillet thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the yellow cornmeal, all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until evenly blended.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the buttermilk (or milk with vinegar), eggs, vegetable oil or melted butter, and honey if using, until smooth and combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cornbread tough.
- Pour Batter into Pan: Transfer the batter to the prepared baking dish or skillet and smooth the top evenly with a spatula.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. The cornbread is done when it turns golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cornbread to cool slightly in the pan before slicing. Serve warm for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Buttermilk can be substituted with regular milk plus 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice as a quick sour milk substitute.
- Using a cast-iron skillet adds a nice crispy edge and deeper flavor but a baking dish works just as well.
- Honey is optional and adds a subtle sweetness—feel free to omit or adjust to taste.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the cornbread light and fluffy.
- For extra moisture and richness, you can replace vegetable oil with melted butter.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
