Best Cornbread Recipe

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Warm. Golden. Slightly sweet with crisp edges and a soft center, this homemade cornbread recipe hits every note you want. And yes, it’s the one you’ll keep coming back to. Why? Because it’s consistent, simple to mix, and bakes up with that perfect balance of fluffy and rich thanks to the creamed corn and honey. It’s not dry, it’s not crumbly, it’s everything you want in cornbread.

Ingredient Notes

• Creamed corn – the secret ingredient. It adds moisture, texture, and flavor without extra effort
• Yellow cornmeal – the base of the recipe, gives that classic texture and flavor.
• All purpose flour – balances the cornmeal so it’s not too gritty
• Granulated sugar – adds sweetness and helps with browning
• Butter – melted and cooled, adds richness and flavor
• Honey – brings a subtle depth and keeps everything moist
• Eggs – bind everything together and add structure
• Buttermilk – gives a slight tang and tender texture

How to Make the Best Cornbread Ever

This Cornbread Recipe is an easy side dish that can be made in 35 minutes! It’s a one-bowl, tasty and moist recipe that gives you amazing results every single time. Find the full recipe details, including ingredients and measurements down below in the printable recipe card.

Step 1: Preheat Oven + Prep Pan

Preheat oven to 375° F. Spray a 9×13 baking dish or cast-iron skillet with nonstick spray.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

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

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

Create a well in the center. Pour in melted butter, honey, eggs, buttermilk, and creamed corn.

Step 4: Stir + Pour

Stir until a smooth batter forms. Don’t overmix, stir just until combined. Pour into prepared pan.

Step 5: Bake

Bake 20–25 minutes until the top is lightly golden and edges are set. Cool at least 15 minutes before slicing.

Tips for Success

• Use room temperature eggs and buttermilk for smoother mixing
• Don’t overmix the batter… it keeps the texture soft
• Let it cool slightly before cutting so it holds together better
• For crispy edges, preheat your cast iron skillet before adding batter
• A glass baking dish gives you a softer edge and even bake

Baking Tools You’ll Need

Before you start, grab a few kitchen basics so everything comes together smoothly and bakes up just right. Here’s what I like to use and why it helps:

• Whisk – Helps evenly combine everything and keeps the batter smooth without over mixing.

• 9×13 baking dish – This is perfect for even baking and gives you soft, tender edges with a consistent texture throughout.

• Cast iron skillet – If you want those golden, slightly crisp edges, this is the move. It also holds heat really well.

• Mixing bowls – A good set keeps prep simple and organized, especially when you’re separating dry and wet ingredients.

What to Serve with Cornbread

This cornbread pairs with just about everything, but here are a few favorites:

• Chili recipes – the sweetness balances spicy flavors perfectly
• BBQ chicken – great for soaking up sauces
• Pulled pork – soft cornbread + savory meat is always a win
• Soup recipes – especially creamy or hearty soups
• Roasted vegetables – adds a comforting side to any meal

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover cornbread covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat slices in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

To freeze, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature and reheat before serving.

You can make this ahead! Just bake, cool, and store until ready to serve.

Variations

• Bake in muffin tins for individual portions
• Add shredded cheddar cheese for a savory twist
• Stir in jalapeños for a little heat
• Swap honey for maple syrup for a different flavor profile

FAQ

More Recipes to Try

• Instant Pot Mac and Cheese
• Butter Drop Biscuits
• Classic Chili recipe
• BBQ chicken sliders
• Smoked Sausage Corn chowder

Simple ingredients. Big payoff. This cornbread recipe checks every box and then some. The printable recipe card is below. Have a wonderful day, friends!

If you make this recipe, I would really appreciate it if you would give it a star rating and leave your review in the comments! If you have a picture of your finished dish, post it on Instagram using the hashtag #laurenslatest and tagging me @laurens_latest.