Homemade Southern Cornbread

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There’s just something timeless about a skillet of golden Southern cornbread fresh out of the oven. Crisp on the edges, tender in the center, and brimming with rustic flavor, this humble bread tells a story of comfort, tradition, and community. It has the power to turn a bowl of beans into a feast and a pot of greens into a Sunday supper.

Homemade Southern cornbread stands out because it honors simplicity while delivering incredible texture. It’s less sweet than its Northern counterpart and relies heavily on cornmeal for that signature crumb. If you’ve never made it from scratch before, this is your sign. All you need is a hot skillet, a few pantry staples, and a love for soul-warming food.

Why You’ll Love This Homemade Southern Cornbread

This cornbread is deeply flavorful with its crisp crust and lightly crumbly interior. It pairs with everything from chili to barbecue and even makes a great breakfast with a pat of butter and drizzle of honey. It’s quick, forgiving, and uses ingredients you likely already have on hand. Plus, it feeds a crowd and tastes even better the next day.

What Kind of Cornmeal Should I Use?

Stone-ground cornmeal is the traditional choice for Southern cornbread. It brings a coarse texture and bold corn flavor that defines the dish. You can use yellow or white cornmeal depending on preference. Avoid self-rising cornmeal mix, as it may throw off the balance of leavening agents in this recipe.

Ingredients for the Homemade Southern Cornbread

A great cornbread is all about the basics. Each ingredient has a purpose, working together to create that perfect slice.

• Cornmeal
• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Buttermilk
• Eggs
• Butter
• Oil or bacon drippings

Cornmeal is the backbone of this recipe, offering texture and flavor. Flour adds lightness and structure, while baking powder and soda ensure the bread rises just enough. Salt enhances every bite. Buttermilk keeps it moist and tangy, and eggs bind it all. Butter brings richness and that golden top, and a bit of oil or bacon drippings in the skillet makes the edges crisp.

How To Make the Homemade Southern Cornbread

Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Skillet

Place your cast iron skillet in the oven and preheat to 425°F. A hot skillet is key for that irresistible crust.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, mix buttermilk, eggs, and melted butter until smooth.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and stir until just combined. Don’t overmix—a few lumps are okay.

Step 5: Pour and Bake

Carefully remove the hot skillet, add a tablespoon of oil or bacon grease, and swirl to coat. Pour the batter in, smooth the top, and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Let the cornbread cool for 10 minutes in the skillet before slicing. Serve warm and enjoy that perfect Southern crumb.

How to Serve and Store Homemade Southern Cornbread

This recipe feeds about 8 people generously, making it perfect for family dinners or potlucks. Serve it warm from the skillet with butter, or crumble it over stews for that Southern touch. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature or a week in the fridge. Reheat in the oven to restore its crisp edges.

What to Serve With Cornbread?

Chili

A bowl of hearty chili and a warm slice of cornbread is a match made in comfort-food heaven.

Collard Greens

Scoop up savory greens with your cornbread to soak in every last bit of juice.

Fried Chicken

Southern fried chicken and cornbread make a soulful, satisfying meal.

Barbecue Ribs

That smoky, sticky rib goodness gets a lift from the mildly sweet crumb of cornbread.

Pinto Beans

A classic pairing that needs nothing more than a spoon and a seat at the table.

Honey Butter

Sometimes all you need is a slather of sweet, creamy honey butter.

Country Ham

The saltiness of cured ham contrasts beautifully with warm cornbread.

Tomato Soup

It’s not traditional, but dunking cornbread into a steaming bowl of tomato soup is pure comfort.

Want More Southern Side Ideas?

If you love this Homemade Southern Cornbread, you might want to try these other classics from the blog:

• Try this hearty Cajun Potato Soup to pair with your cornbread.
• Serve alongside Mom’s Signature Macaroni Salad for a picnic-worthy combo.
• For a fresh crunch, whip up Smoky Fried Green Tomatoes with Fresh Salsa.
• Add comfort to your table with Creamy Corn Dip.
• Looking for another Southern bite? Honey Butter Skillet Corn might just steal the spotlight.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest board so you never forget how simple and satisfying cornbread can be.

Let me know in the comments if you jazzed it up with jalapeños or sweetened it slightly for a twist. Everyone has a cornbread story—I’d love to hear yours!

Explore more soul-soothing dishes and cozy kitchen inspiration on Zoe Recipes on Pinterest.

Conclusion

Homemade Southern Cornbread is one of those recipes that feels like home. Whether you grew up on it or just discovered it, it always brings a little extra love to the table. With its crispy edges and tender heart, this bread is as versatile as it is nostalgic. Try it once, and you’ll find yourself making it again and again.

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