Best Homemade Cornbread

Looking for an easy homemade cornbread recipe? This moist, gently sweet cornbread comes together quickly with just a handful of simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.

I’ve been baking this cornbread forever, and honestly, it’s become one of those comforting classics I turn to all the time. It hits that sweet spot perfectly—just sweet enough with a soft, cakey texture, but still a little crumbly in the best way. It’s like a warm hug on a plate, and the best part? You whip it up fast using common pantry staples.

This cornbread is the perfect partner for a big bowl of chili when you want a hearty, cozy meal. It also pairs wonderfully with crab cakes or boiled shrimp if you want to bring a bit of that East Coast vibe to your dinner. When you’re firing up BBQ chicken or ribs, this cornbread catches every smoky, juicy drip in the best way. And let me tell you, breakfast lovers—it’s amazing warm with a smear of honey butter or your favorite jam. Honestly, cornbread is one of those magic recipes that just works with almost everything!

What You’ll Need To Make Cornbread

• Eggs: They keep everything together, add moisture, and help the cornbread rise just right to give it that light, fluffy feel.
• Sugar and Honey: These two sweeteners team up to add the perfect touch of sweetness. Honey brings a lovely, gentle floral note that feels just cozy.
• Milk: This makes the batter moist and adds a bit of richness. I usually grab whole milk, but low-fat or 2% works fine too—just use what you have on hand.
• All-Purpose Flour: Mixing this with cornmeal balances out the texture. It softens the gritty cornmeal bite so your cornbread never feels dry or heavy.
• Yellow Cornmeal: The star of the show! It gives you that classic slightly grainy texture and warm, comforting corn flavor that we all love.
• Baking Powder: This is what gives the cornbread a gentle lift, making it nice and fluffy in the oven.
• Melted Butter: Adds rich buttery flavor and keeps the cornbread moist with a soft crumb that you’ll fall in love with.
• Jump to the printable recipe for exact measurements and all the details

Step-by-Step Instructions

Start by whisking the eggs in a medium bowl until they’re smooth and a bit frothy. Then stir in the honey and milk until everything blends together well.

In a larger bowl, combine the flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Whisk those dry ingredients well so everything mixes evenly.

Next, pour the wet ingredients and melted butter into the dry mix. Stir gently just until everything comes together—you want to avoid overmixing. Overdoing it can make your cornbread dense, and we’re all about light and fluffy here!

Pour the batter into a greased 8-inch square baking dish. I like to use a glass Pyrex, but any baking dish works just fine. For that classic Southern vibe, try a 9-inch cast iron skillet. Just remember, the cast iron might bake the cornbread a little faster, so watch it closely.

Bake the cornbread for about 25 to 30 minutes. You want the top to turn a gorgeous golden brown and feel firm when you press it gently. Keep a close eye near the end so it doesn’t dry out—that’s the worst part about cornbread!

Let your cornbread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before slicing. Serve it warm with a pat of butter—trust me, it’s heavenly. Leftovers will keep nicely at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to save some for later, wrap it tightly and freeze. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just thaw it and warm gently—it tastes just as amazing as fresh.

Variations

This simple cornbread recipe is such a great base—it’s super easy to make it your own depending on what you’re craving. Want to add a little kick? Stir in some diced jalapeños for a spicy bite. For gooey, melty goodness, toss in shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese right into the batter. Fresh herbs like chives or thyme bring a fresh, bright note that really lifts the flavor.

If you love texture and a tad bit of natural sweetness, fold in some fresh, cooked, or even frozen corn kernels—no need to thaw frozen corn first, saving you time and effort!

Craving smoky flavors? Sprinkle in some crispy cooked bacon or a pinch of smoked paprika. A few simple touches like these will turn this humble cornbread recipe into something extra special that pairs beautifully with almost any meal.