Classic Soul Food Cornbread (Printer-Friendly)

Moist Southern-style cornbread baked in a skillet, paired with rich honey butter.

# What You Need:

→ Dry Ingredients

01 - 1 cup yellow cornmeal
02 - 1 cup all-purpose flour
03 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
04 - 1 tablespoon baking powder
05 - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
06 - 3/4 teaspoon fine salt

→ Wet Ingredients

07 - 1 cup whole milk
08 - 2 large eggs
09 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
10 - 1/4 cup vegetable oil

→ For Skillet Preparation

11 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

→ Honey Butter

12 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
13 - 2 tablespoons honey
14 - Pinch of salt

# Steps:

01 - Preheat oven to 425°F. Place a 10-inch cast-iron skillet inside to heat while preparing the batter.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly distributed.
03 - In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, melted butter, and vegetable oil until thoroughly combined.
04 - Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain a tender crumb structure.
05 - Carefully remove the hot skillet from the oven using an oven mitt. Add 2 tablespoons butter and swirl to coat the entire bottom and sides evenly.
06 - Pour batter into the hot buttered skillet and smooth the top surface with a spatula.
07 - Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the top achieves a golden brown color and a toothpick inserted into the center emerges clean.
08 - While cornbread bakes, beat softened butter with honey and a pinch of salt in a small bowl until smooth and fluffy.
09 - Allow cornbread to cool for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with honey butter on the side.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • Quick and easy to prepare in just 40 minutes from start to finish
  • Perfectly golden crust with a tender, moist interior
  • The cast-iron skillet creates unbeatable crispy edges
  • Homemade honey butter adds a sweet, luxurious touch
  • Versatile side dish that pairs beautifully with countless meals
  • Classic Southern comfort food that never goes out of style
02 -
  • Always preheat your cast-iron skillet for the crispiest edges
  • Don't overmix the batter—lumps are okay and ensure tender cornbread
  • Let melted butter cool slightly before adding to prevent scrambling the eggs
  • Use a toothpick to test doneness; it should come out clean or with just a few crumbs
  • Make the honey butter while the cornbread bakes to save time
  • Store leftover cornbread wrapped tightly at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days
Return