The Absolute Best Southern Cornbread Recipe – 7 Powerful Reasons This Golden Classic Wins Every Time

Oh my friends… thank you for being here. Truly. When someone says, “This is the best Southern cornbread recipe I’ve ever tried,” I take that personally — because in the South, cornbread isn’t just bread. It’s tradition. It’s Sunday supper. It’s cast iron sizzling on the stove before the oven even warms up.

This Southern Cornbread is golden, crispy on the edges, tender in the center, and rich with that unmistakable corn flavor. No sugar overload. No fluff. Just honest, savory, buttery perfection.

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Now let’s bake something legendary.

Overview of Southern Cornbread

This is authentic Southern-style cornbread — the kind baked in a hot cast iron skillet for that irresistible crispy crust.

Why You’ll Love This Cornbread

• Crispy golden edges
• Tender, moist crumb
• Savory (not cake-like sweet)
• Perfect with chili, BBQ, or greens
• Ready in under 30 minutes
• Made with simple pantry staples

What It Tastes Like

It’s rich and buttery with deep corn flavor. The outside has that signature crusty bite from hot oil and cast iron, while the inside stays fluffy and tender.

Serve it warm with a pat of butter melting into every crumb… oh yes.

Full Ingredients (Complete & Detailed)

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• 1 cup yellow cornmeal (stone-ground preferred for texture)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1½ cups buttermilk, room temperature
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or bacon grease (for skillet)

Optional Add-Ins (Southern Variations)

• ½ cup fresh corn kernels
• ¼ cup chopped jalapeños
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese

Tools You’ll Need

• 10-inch cast iron skillet
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Spatula

Cast iron is key here — it gives that legendary crust.

How to Make the Best Southern Cornbread

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Step 1: Preheat & Heat Skillet

Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).

Place cast iron skillet in oven with vegetable oil or bacon grease to heat for 5–7 minutes.

Hot skillet = crispy crust.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together:

• Cornmeal
• Flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk:

• Buttermilk
• Eggs
• Melted butter

Step 4: Combine

Pour wet ingredients into dry and mix gently until just combined.

Do not overmix.

Step 5: Bake

Carefully remove hot skillet from oven.

Pour batter into hot skillet — it should sizzle slightly.

Bake for 18–22 minutes, until top is golden and toothpick comes out clean.

Step 6: Rest & Serve

Let cool for 5–10 minutes before slicing.

Serve warm.

What to Serve with Southern Cornbread

This cornbread shines alongside:

• Chili
• Collard greens
• BBQ ribs
• Fried chicken
• Bean soup

For a cozy meal spread, try adding:

• https://poulef.com/easy-homemade-carbonara
• https://poulef.com/protein-cookie-dough
• https://poulef.com/gluten-free-banana-bread
• https://poulef.com/no-bake-energy-bites
• https://poulef.com/vegan-chocolate-chip-cookies

A sweet finish balances a savory Southern meal beautifully.

Tips for Perfect Southern Cornbread

• Use stone-ground cornmeal for texture.
• Heat the skillet thoroughly before adding batter.
• Do not add sugar if you want authentic Southern flavor.
• For extra crispy edges, use bacon grease.
• Let rest before slicing for cleaner cuts.

Storage Instructions

Room Temperature: 2 days airtight.
Refrigerator: 5 days.
Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze up to 2 months.

Reheat in oven at 350°F for 8–10 minutes.

General Information

Southern cornbread traditionally contains little to no sugar. It’s savory, sturdy, and meant to soak up juices from stews and greens.

Cast iron cooking dates back generations — and remains the gold standard for perfect cornbread crust.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my cornbread dry?

Likely overbaked or not enough buttermilk.

Can I make it without cast iron?

Yes, but crust won’t be as crisp.

Can I add sugar?

You can, but traditional Southern cornbread is not sweet.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Use gluten-free flour blend.

Can I double recipe?

Yes — use 12-inch skillet.

Nutritional Information (Per Slice – 8 slices)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	220 kcal
Carbohydrates	26g
Sugar	2g
Protein	6g
Fat	10g
Saturated Fat	4g
Fiber	2g
Sodium	290mg

Interactive Element

If you make this Southern Cornbread, I would absolutely LOVE to see it!

Save and share on Pinterest here:
https://www.pinterest.com/poulefrecipe/

Leave a review below and tag your skillet masterpiece — your kitchen stories matter here.

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