Homemade Country Cornbread Recipe (2024)

by Michelle Dunster

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This delicious cornbread recipe is soft, ultra moist, super flavourful and easy to make. I've been making my cornbread using this recipe for years, and it's my absolute favourite! This homemade cornbread recipe creates a perfectcrisp and golden topwith a satisfyingly moist and delicious inside… I know you're going to love it!

Cornbread is one of those things that has the magical ability to sendme right back to the happy timesof my childhood. There's just something so comforting and heartwarming about a good old-fashioned cornbread recipe, and I know many of you feel the same way! 😀

One of my favourite things (besides devouring it!) is thedelicious smellthe cornbread fills the house with while it's baking.Smells like home! Grammie made some of the best cornbread!

This is my favorite cornbread recipe and I'm sure it'll soon be your favorite as well!

I hope you enjoy this recipe! ❤️ If you give it a try, please let me know how it turned out for you in the comments section at the bottom of the page or share a pic of your om noms on Instagram and tag @dishesanddustbunnies! ❤️

Homemade Country Cornbread Recipe (1)

What's the difference between Southern cornbread and regular cornbread?

Southern cornbread can be made with either white or yellow cornmeal, has more eggs than regular cornbread making its texture more cakelike. Regular (or Nothern) cornbread is less sweet and the southern version as well.

The recipe in this post is more like a Southern sweet cornbread – It's golden and slightly sweet, with a cakelike texture.

*This post has been updated from an earlier version to include new photos and a few tweaks to the original recipe to make it even more scrumptious!*

Be sure to see the recipe card at the bottom of the post for full ingredients & instructions!

How to make The Best Homemade Cornbread Recipe – Overview
How to make Cornbread from Scratch

You can find the full recipe details, including ingredient amounts and the full instructions in the recipe card at the bottom of this post, but first, here's a quick overview of how to make this homemade cornbread recipe!

If you haven't made cornbread before, you'll be happy to know that this is sooooo easy to make! You'll find the complete instructions and ingredients in the recipe card at the bottom of this post, but first, here is a little overview of making delicious homemade cornbread.

Start by combining the dry ingredients in a mixing bowl (flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking soda, and salt). Next, in a separate mixing bowl, combine all of your wet ingredients (eggs, yogurt, creamed corn, oil).

Combine the wet with the dry ingredients, then pour the batter into a greased and parchment lined glass baking dish and bake in the oven for 30 minutes at 400°F. Once the cornbread has finished baking, serve warm, then spread melted butter over the top. Yum!

Be sure to see the recipe card at the bottom of the post for full ingredients & instructions!

What ingredients are in Cornbread?

This classic version of deliciously moist cornbread uses simple and easy to find ingredients. Cornmeal is the main ingredient along with some all purpose flour, a tiny tiny amount of sugar, a little baking soda and some salt.

The wet ingredients for this version of cornbread create a moist and flavourful treat indeed!

For this recipe, besides eggs and a little oil, I added some plain yogurt and creamed corn! The creamed corn gives the cornbread an amazing flavor and also adds some yummy little corn pieces throughout. The yogurt gives it a nice moist richness too!

Do you have to add sugar to cornbread?

This easy homemade cornbread recipe calls for a very small amount of sugar, and if you'd leave it out, it'll be a little less sweet but it won't drastically affect the results of your cornbread.

What kind of cornmeal is used in cornbread?

There are two types of cornmeal that are commonly used in cornbread recipes: white cornmeal and yellow cornmeal. White cornmeal is ground from white maize, while yellow cornmeal is ground from yellow maize.

For this recipe, I used yellow cornmeal as it's what my grandmother would use when she made her homemade cornbread. I love the texture and the golden color it creates in cornbread!

White cornmeal will work just as well if you prefer!

Homemade Country Cornbread Recipe (3)

Be sure to see the recipe card at the bottom of the post for full ingredients & instructions!

Recipe Variations

There are so many ways to customize this easy cornbread recipe! Try some of these ideas:

  • Add some diced jalapeños to the batter for a little bit of a spicy kick.
  • For a more sweet cornbread recipe, add in ¼ cup of sugar.
  • For a more savory cornbread, omit the sugar.
  • If you want a denser cornbread, add an extra egg to the batter.
  • For a lighter cornbread, use self-rising flour.
  • To make a vegan version of this cornbread, use a plant-based milk and egg replacer.
  • Add some grated cheddar cheese to the batter for a cheesy cornbread.
  • For a gluten free cornbread, use a gluten-free flour blend.
  • Try baking the cornbread in muffin tins to make cornmeal muffins!

This cornbread is delicious as is, but you can also top it with some honey butter, jam, or even a little bit of gravy. Serve it alongside your favorite soup or chili recipe for a complete meal. Enjoy!

How to Tell when Cornbread is Done

You'll know that your cornbread has finished baking when the top is golden brown and the edges have pulled away from the sides of the pan. When a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, with no wet batter clinging to it, it's ready!

How to store Cornbread and keep it fresh

For this cornbread recipe, as it contains yogurt to keep it moist, I would highly recommend storing it in the fridge inside a sealed container or zip top bag.

Before serving, you can warm them up in the oven for a bit or leave it on the counter to reach room temperature for about 15 minutes.

Can I freeze cornbread?

Yes! This cornbread freezes really well. I like to slice it into squares and then place them in a freezer bag. When I'm ready to enjoy a piece, I just pop it in the microwave for a few seconds until it's warmed through. So handy!

If you don't think you'll be able to eat all of the cornbread within a few days, I would highly recommend freezing it. It will last for months in the freezer and tastes just as good as when it's fresh out of the oven.

To thaw frozen cornbread, place it on a plate and let it sit at room temperature for about an hour. Or, if you're in a hurry, you can pop it in the microwave for a few seconds until it's warmed through.

How long is cornbread good for?

When stored in the fridge, this cornbread recipe should be good for about 1 week. When stored in the freezer it should be good for 2-3 months.

Homemade Country Cornbread Recipe (4)

Be sure to see the recipe card at the bottom of the post for full ingredients & instructions!

Ways to use Leftover Cornbread

If you have leftover cornbread, here are some handy and creative ways to use it up!

  • Crumble it up and use it as a topping for chili or soup.
  • Toast it and top with honey or jam for a quick breakfast or snack.
  • Make cornbread pudding by soaking cubed cornbread in milk or cream overnight, then baking it the next day until golden brown and bubbly.
  • Use it as the base for a savory bread pudding, adding in cooked sausage, vegetables, and cheese.
  • Crumble it up and lightly toast it in the oven to create “cornbread croutons” and use it as a topping for salad instead of regular croutons.
  • Make a savory cornbread stuffing (aka cornbread dressing) by mixing crumbled cornbread with sautéed onions, celery, and herbs.
  • Use it to make meatloaf or meatballs extra moist and flavorful.
  • Toast cornbread slices, then top with avocado and a fried egg for a hearty breakfast or brunch.

Can I make this recipe in a cast iron skillet?

Yes you can! This recipe will likely make more cornbread batter than will fit into a single cast iron skillet, so you may need to half the recipe in this case. Just remember to grease the pan well so the cornbread doesn't stick.

If you're using a cast iron skillet for baking your cornbread, one nice idea is to cook your bacon in the skillet first, then leave your bacon grease in the pan, then pour batter on top. This will flavor your cornbread very nicely and will also prevent it from sticking to the pan.

Some Fun Topping Ideas for Cornbread

Here are some of our favorite topping ideas:

  • Honey and butter – one of the most classic and delicious combinations!
  • Maple syrup – for a slightly sweeter cornbread
  • Cheese – sharp cheddar is our favorite, but any type of cheese would be delicious
  • Jam – another sweet option that would be amazing with some fresh fruit

What to serve with Cornbread

Cornbread is such a classic and easy to make side that goes great with just about anything. It's especially wonderfulwhen served warm and fresh from the oven. 😋

Below are some yummy ideas on what to serve cornbread with:

  • Hearty soups, stews and chili
    • Easy Classic Homemade Chili
    • Homemade Vegetable Beef Soup
  • Pork
    • Pan Seared Pork Chops with Sage and Brown Butter
    • French Onion Smothered Pork Chops
  • Beans
  • Green veggies – green beans, collard greens, brussel sprouts, etc
  • Salads
    • Coleslaw Recipe
  • Anything with Jalapenos!
  • Cheese
  • Anything BBQ

Other Recipes you'll enjoy

  • Honey Garlic Chicken
  • 30 Awesome Sauce Recipes to Make at Home
  • Homemade Onion Soup Mix
  • Homemade Taco Seasoning Mix

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Homemade Country Cornbread Recipe (5)

Homemade Country Cornbread

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  • Author: Michelle Dunster – DishesAndDustBunnies.com
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 12 squares 1x
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Ingredients

Scale

  • 1/2 cup all purpose flour
  • 2 1/4 cups cornmeal
  • 1/2 tsp sugar
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 1/4 tsp salt
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 1/3 cup plain yogurt
  • 2 tbsps oil
  • 2 (14 oz) cans of creamed corn (if you have homemade use 1 2/3 cup)
  • Optional but nice: 2 tbsps melted butter, to spread on top after baking
Homemade Country Cornbread Recipe (6)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
  2. Grease a 9″x13″ glass baking dish using cooking spray or butter.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine all the dry ingredients using a whisk (flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking soda, salt).
  4. Combine the wet ingredients in a separate mixing bowl (eggs, yogurt, oil, creamed corn).
  5. Pour the wet ingredients into the mixing bowl with the dry ingredients and combine.
  6. Pour the batter into the greased baking dish and spread evenly using your mixing spoon.
  7. Place into the oven to bake for 25-30 minutes. Use a toothpick to test its doneness – when the toothpick comes out clean when inserted into the middle, it's ready.
  8. Brush melted butter over the top of the cornbread (this is optional but really nice!)
  9. Allow the cornbread to cool for about 5 minutes before cutting into 12 squares.
  • Prep Time: 5 mins
  • Cook Time: 30 mins
  • Category: Bread
  • Method: Bake
  • Cuisine: American/Canadian
Homemade Country Cornbread Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What's the difference between Southern cornbread and regular cornbread? ›

Northern cornbreads tend to be more cake-like, on the sweet side, with a finer crumb due to more flour in the mixture. Southern cornbread is flavored with bacon grease, and cooked in a cast iron skillet, a perfect side for barbecues, or chili. It also tends to be rather crumbly.

Why do Southerners not put sugar in cornbread? ›

Sugar in the cornbread interferes with the flavor of the vegetables. Don't put sugar in your cornbread! Traditional cornbread isn't sweet, but many favorite recipes have sugar in them.

What is Southern cornbread made of? ›

In a large mixing bowl, mix dry ingredients: cornmeal, flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt; Set aside. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and buttermilk. Pour the mixture into the dry ingredients and mix well. Take the cast iron skillet out of the oven and pour the batter into it.

Which makes better cornbread white or yellow cornmeal? ›

Southerners, on the other hand, tend to prefer white cornmeal. Many people believe that it is because, in the old South, families used white cornmeal as it more closely resembled “fancy” European wheat flour. In any case, today it remains a main component in traditional Southern buttermilk cornbread.

What is cornbread called in the southern region? ›

It is commonly called "cornbread" in the Southern United States and is not known by a different name in this region. Cornbread is a simple bread that is made by mixing cornmeal, flour, salt, baking powder, and milk to form a batter, which is then baked in the oven.

Is medium or fine cornmeal better for cornbread? ›

As for the best cornmeal for cornbread, either fine- or medium-grind cornmeal is a great choice. Medium-grind cornmeal will bring slightly more texture and grittiness to the batter, which you may or may not want (it's up to you!). You can use fine or medium cornmeal in these extra corny muffins.

Why is cornbread not healthy? ›

Cornbread is quite low in fiber, providing only one to two grams per serving. While yellow cornmeal is a whole grain with around 6 grams of fiber per cup, cornbread is often made of a mixture of cornmeal and refined flour, making each serving a low-fiber option.

What makes cornbread unhealthy? ›

Cornbread is high in carbs and sodium, and many commercial varieties are refined. Cornbread also sometimes contains gluten, which some people may need or want to avoid.

Which is sweeter northern or southern cornbread? ›

Northern Cornbread: History and Recipe

She notes that Northern cornbread is sweeter, lighter, and more cake-like than Southern cornbread. Not surprisingly, it includes sugar (or molasses, in the earlier centuries), unlike traditional Southern cornbread.

What is the best cornmeal for cornbread? ›

What Kind of Cornmeal Is Best for Cornbread? I usually use fine cornmeal to make cornbread, but if medium-ground or coarse is all you can find, you can use that, too. Yellow cornmeal is the most common, but if you have white cornmeal, that's also fine to use.

Is cornbread an African American food? ›

Cornbread is as American as apple pie, but its origins date back far beyond the inception of this country. With roots in Mesoamerican, Native American, and African cultures; history and people have shaped this iconic American bread into what it is today.

Should Southern cornbread be sweet? ›

In 1892, a Times correspondent, after enumerating the many types of corn-based breads eaten in Virginia, noted, "It will be observed that in none of them is sugar used. There are cornmeal puddings served with sweet sauces, but no Southern cook would risk the spoiling of her cornbreads by sweetening them."

Can you put too many eggs in cornbread? ›

Eggs are responsible for giving baked goods structure, which means the amount you use directly affects the resulting texture. Using too few eggs will make your desserts dense, but using too many will make them rubbery. The explanation for this lies in the fact that eggs are made up of protein.

Why does my cornbread taste gritty? ›

The key to cornbread that isn't gritty is letting the cornmeal soak in the milk for a bit. For a cakier style, you need more flour than cornmeal, and to make it nice and sweet, without being overpowering, you need a mixture of sugar and something else (like honey, in this recipe).

What makes cornbread gritty? ›

First the gritty taste is the type of corn meal you purchased. Just purchase a fine milled corn meal. BUT you can make corn bread from Cream of Wheat. Yes corn bread can be made with other ingredients other than corn meal.

What is the difference between southern cornbread and New York cornbread? ›

The Difference In Cornbread Lies In These Key Ingredients

Also, Southern-style cornbread should contain very little sugar and flour, and if you can, get your hands on stone-ground cornmeal. If you favor moist, sweet Northern-style cornbread, use flour and sugar liberally in your mix.

Is real Southern cornbread sweet? ›

Real, traditional, Southern-style cornbread is savory, not sweet, and always has been.

Is Jiffy cornbread the same as cornmeal? ›

Are cornmeal and cornbread mix the same thing? No, but cornmeal is one of the ingredients present in cornbread mix. The mix will have additional ingredients like flour, sugar, and salt for additional body and flavor, as well as a leavening agent like baking soda for a fluffier texture.

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