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

Why do southerners not put sugar in cornbread? ›

The most common theory is a change in cornmeal itself. Until early in the 20th century, Southern cornmeal was made with sweeter white corn and it was water-ground. When industrial milling came along, that changed. The steel-roller mills used yellow corn that was harvested before it was ripe, so it had less sugar.

What is the difference between cornbread and southern cornbread? ›

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.

Why does my homemade cornbread fall apart? ›

Cornmeal gives cornbread its classic color and flavor, but too much can make your bread crumbly. Try replacing a little bit of cornmeal with flour. The specific measurements will depend on how much cornmeal and flour is in your recipe, but you should try to have more flour than cornmeal in your batter.

Why is cornbread not healthy? ›

The exact nutritional profile of cornbread can vary depending on the specific recipe and ingredients used. However, cornbread generally contains high amounts of carbs, phosphorus, and sodium in each serving. One piece of cornbread prepared from a commercially prepared mix contains ( 2 ): Calories: 198.

What is the difference between yankee cornbread and southern cornbread? ›

The thing that distinguishes Southern cornbread from, say Yankee cornbread, or any other cornbread one is likely to eat outside of the southern states, is that it is savory, not sweet, and it is made mostly with cornmeal.

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 kind of corn is best for cornbread? ›

But one of the easiest ways to jazz up a basic cornbread is by adding sweet corn, which creates more layers of that sweet and sunny flavor. Fresh corn is always best if it's in season, cut straight off the cob, but frozen is nearly as good. Just let the corn thaw and then drain it completely, patting dry if needed.

Which cornmeal is best for cornbread? ›

Yellow cornmeal is the most common, but if you have white cornmeal, that's also fine to use. Can I Bake This in a Skillet? Baking cornbread in a skillet gives it an even heartier, crunchier crust. Bake this in a 9- or 10-inch oven-safe greased skillet at the same temperature for the same amount of time.

Will an extra egg make cornbread less crumbly? ›

Yes, but we recommend using an egg substitute, like applesauce. Eggs, or egg substitutes help add structure to the cornbread. Without an egg or substitute, the cornbread may crumble and fall apart easily.

Should you let cornbread batter rest? ›

1Heat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Note: We recommend allowing cornbread batter to sit for 10 to 15 minutes before baking, so if you prefer, you can delay heating the oven until you make the batter. 2Melt the butter, and then set aside to cool slightly.

Can you over mix cornbread? ›

Pour batter into prepared pan. The batter will be lumpy. Overcome the urge to mix until smooth. Overmixing can cause the corn bread to peak and have tunnels, resulting in a tough texture.

How to make cornbread less dry and crumbly? ›

10 Easy Ways to Keep Cornbread Moist
  1. Don't overcook it. Over-cooking cornbread is possibly the number one reason why your cornbread is dry. ...
  2. Don't over-mix it. ...
  3. Add in some Flour. ...
  4. Use Buttermilk instead of regular milk. ...
  5. Add in some oil. ...
  6. Add in some sour cream. ...
  7. Add in an extra egg. ...
  8. Add Corn to the batter.
Jul 6, 2022

How to prevent cornbread from falling apart? ›

Though it's worth noting that Kent also recommends adding an egg to help keep the dish intact, and egg yolks are pretty fatty. A source of protein such as yogurt may lend stability, but eggs are unbeatable in this regard. Whatever you do, don't add sand or bake your cornbread in the shape of a castle.

Why is my homemade cornbread so dry? ›

Cornbread is known for being dry, and that's because it's not properly hydrated. This can lead to unpleasant. hard bits that get stuck in your teeth, making the final product taste even drier. Start by soaking your cornmeal and buttermilk overnight. or up to 24 hours.

Does Southern cornbread have sugar in it? ›

If a Southerner didn't put sugar in their cornbread, then there's no sugar in Southern cornbread. A lot of people are emotionally invested in this question. Asking it is a quick way to start a fight in our Facebook food group. Ask that question, and kitchen knives will be drawn.

Is it necessary to put sugar in cornbread? ›

"You put sugar in the cornmeal because you are not working with brix corn," Roberts says, using the trade term for sugar content. "There's no reason to add sugar if you have good corn."

Is cornbread sweet in the South? ›

A quick Google search will tell you that Southern cornbread is oftentimes devoid of any sugar, while its Northern counterpart is light, sweet, buttery and cakelike.

Did cornbread originally have sugar? ›

Early cornbread consisted of cornmeal, water, and salt and was baked over a fire or in a hearth. Without milk, eggs, or sugar, early versions of the bread were quite different than what we eat today, but they offered a vital source of energy.

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