Southern Cornbread Recipe (2024)

Jump to Recipe

Fill your kitchen with the smell of freshly baked Southern Cornbread in just about an hour!! This classic recipe from my Mississippi Auntie Rose creates a super moist, buttery and fluffy Cornbread that makes for the perfect snack or side.

Table of Contents

The Heart and Soul of this Southern Cornbread Recipe

Cuisine Inspiration: Southern American
Primary Cooking Method: Baking
Dietary Info: Vegetarian
Key Flavor: Savory with a hint of Sweetness
Skill Level: Easy

Sweet Highlights:

  • Moisture Magic: Melted butter and sour cream work together to create an exceptionally moist crumb.
  • Easy Peasy: Using self-rising cornmeal simplifies the process, making this recipe a breeze.
  • Golden Glory: Expect a beautiful golden crust with a soft, tender interior.
  • Versatile Companion: Perfect alongside a bowl of chili, under a pile of pulled pork, or just slathered with butter and honey.
  • Time-Honored Tradition: This recipe pays homage to the classic Southern cornbread, embodying a rich culinary heritage.

Ingredients

Now let’s start off by saying that this cornbread is a work of genius from my Auntie Rose. At this point, she literally wings this recipe but I got her to the point where we were actually able to write it down! Seriously write it down!!

Here are the key ingredients in her cornbread:

  • Cornmeal
  • Flour
  • Sugar
  • Milk
  • Eggs
  • Sour Cream
  • Butter
  • Oil

For this cornbread, the cornmeal isn’t just any cornmeal. We use self rising cornmeal to add a nice lift to this cornbread. It bakes up beautifully because of it.

We also add some flour so the texture isn’t too grainy. However we want it to be true Southern cornbread so it is much more cornmeal than flour.

Now comes the ingredient that causes a huge stir: Sugar. A lot of Southerners don’t like sugar in their cornbread. They don’t believe cornbread should be sweet so this is really just to balance the savory of this bread. You won’t really taste the sweetness here.

For milk, we use whole milk. It makes a huge difference. Don’t go for skim for this. The whole milk makes this much more moist, in addition to the oil and sour cream added. The combo of all of it is amazing and makes the cornbread melt in your mouth.

And finally we use melted butter as well and love it! It gives it that lovely hint of buttery flavor!

How to Make Southern Cornbread

Making cornbread is simple because it requires few ingredients and even fewer steps. But as with any simple recipe, the key to its success is following instructions.

The key to this particular recipe is making sure you get those crispy edges that add an extra layer of both texture and flavor. To ensure your bread gets its crunchy, buttery crust you gotta get that skillet sizzling hot.

Tip: While you are preparing your batter, heat your skillet on the stove with a few drops of water inside. Once the water starts dancing, you’re ready!

This method works much faster than heating your skillet in the oven.

If you don’t have a cast iron skillet there are plenty of other options. An ovenproof skillet, baking dish or even a pie dish will work just fine! Just be sure to heat it up too. However I would recommend getting a cast iron skillet since it has so many uses and is a staple in Southern homes.

Ideal Texture

A good cornbread recipe is hard to come by but today is your lucky day. Traditional Southern Cornbread is going to be super moist and buttery with crispy golden edges and the perfect crumb. My recipe creates just that.

The result of this recipe should be a wonderfully light cornbread that has a distinct, almost grainy, texture. The corn flavor itself is light and slightly sweet but nothing too overpowering. Absolutely perfect.

How to Serve

My absolute favorite way to eat cornbread is on its own, straight out of the oven and smothered in salted butter. Each bite is sweet but salty, crumbly yet firm and just so perfectly delicious. I have, on many occasions, eaten cornbread for dinner without any shame.

But cornbread makes for an incredible side dish that can be served with just about anything. Bowls of chili and full plates of soul food are this recipes best friend. Dip it in your gumbo and let it soak up the juices from your collard greens. No matter how you serve it, this cornbread is amazing.

You will also use this recipe along with my Chicken Stock to make my Southern Cornbread Dressing.

Other recipes you can serve this cornbread with are:

  • Red Beans and Rice
  • Pinto Beans
  • Black Eyed Peas
  • Chicken Fried Steak
  • Fried Pork Chops
  • Salisbury Steak Skillet

Other Amazing Cornbread Recipes

If you want to try other amazing cornbread recipes, check out my Fried Cornbread,Jiffy Cornbread,Corn Pone,Mexican Cornbread,Classic Corn MuffinsandHot Water Cornbread.

Southern Cornbread Recipe (4)

Southern Cornbread Recipe

Fill your kitchen with the smell of fresh-baked Southern Cornbread in just about an hour! This classic recipe creates a super moist, buttery and fluffy Cornbread that makes for the perfect snack or side.

Print Pin Rate

Course: Bread

Cuisine: soul food, Southern

Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes minutes

Total Time: 1 hour hour

Servings: 14 servings

Calories: 421kcal

Author: Jocelyn Delk Adams

Ingredients

  • 5 cups self rising cornmeal mix I use Pearl Milling Company
  • 5 tbsp all purpose flour
  • 5 tsp granulated sugar
  • 2 1/2 cups whole milk room temperature
  • 6 large eggs room temperature and beaten
  • 8 oz sour cream room temperature
  • 1/2 cup salted butter melted
  • 1/3 cup vegetable oil

US CustomaryMetric

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

  • To a large mixing bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour and sugar.

  • Add milk to beaten eggs then add egg mixture to dry ingredients.

  • Next add sour cream and whisk together and finally add melted butter and whisk until well combined. Consistency will be slightly runny.

  • Heat very large 17 inch cast iron skillet over high heat on the stove. Tip: Add a few droplets of water and once the water dances in skillet, it is ready!

  • Once ready, add vegetable oil to skillet then remove pan from heat.

  • Pour cornbread mixture into skillet (oil will bubble) and bake for 35-45 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out slightly clean (make sure not to overbake and dry out the cornbread too much) and is golden brown.

  • Remove skillet from oven and let cool for 20 minutes before releasing from pan.

  • Allow cornbread to cool to room temperature.

Notes

While a cast iron skillet will yield the best results, make sure you use a very large baking dish or oven proof skillet.

Nutrition

Calories: 421kcal | Carbohydrates: 48g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 22g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Cholesterol: 100mg | Sodium: 119mg | Potassium: 292mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 476IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 83mg | Iron: 2mg

Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @GrandbabyCakes or tag #grandbabycakes!

pinterest facebook twitter email

Southern Cornbread Recipe (2024)

FAQs

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 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 ingredient keeps cornbread from crumbling? ›

I want to keep the cornbread taste, just less crumbly! I recommend extra egg yolk, adding corn, and using cast iron to bake. Also, try a little lower temperature.

Should I use milk or water for cornbread? ›

Can I substitute water for milk in cornbread mix? Yes, you can, but it may result in a less rich flavor. If you're out of milk, try using cream or half-and-half, evaporated or powdered milk, or even plain yogurt. If you have dietary restrictions, try soy milk or oat milk.

What is the difference between Yankee cornbread and Southern cornbread? ›

There are some basic differences between Southern corn-bread and what many people call "Yankee" cornbread. Southern cornbread, besides being made from white corn meal, has very little sugar in it - between a teaspoon and a tablespoon. And it is made with buttermilk.

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.

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.

Is cornbread good or bad for diabetics? ›

Cornbread can help you control your blood sugar levels.

Cornbread is made with whole grain cornmeal, making it an excellent choice for people trying to control their blood sugar levels as eating whole grains has been linked to better blood sugar control.

Is cornbread better for diabetics? ›

Cornbread is delicious and a great accompaniment to any meal. However, it is not a good idea if you are a diabetic. The high starch and cornmeal contents are carbohydrates which are broken down into sugar in the body. Sugar is extremely dangerous for people with diabetes, so it is best to avoid it.

What does adding an extra egg to cornbread do? ›

The extra egg which is increased protein and binder makes the cornbread denser and heavier in texture.

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.

Should you soak cornmeal before making cornbread? ›

Soaking the cornmeal in buttermilk for a few hours, or even overnight, tenderizes the large grains of cornmeal, making the bread more moist and tender. This step is optional, however, and the bread is still delicious without the soaking step.

Can I use sour cream instead of milk in cornbread? ›

Sour Cream can be substituted for milk in cornbread but will need to be thinned. I recommend using 75% sour cream and 25% water. Sour Cream will also change the taste of the cornbread and will add a slight tangy flavor which can be counteracted by using a small amount of vanilla extract.

Does Jiffy mix need milk? ›

“JIFFY” mixes can also be prepared with water or plant-based milk alternatives like soy, almond or coconut milk. Pineapple or orange juice may be substituted for flavor variation in the corn and fruit muffins. Feel free to experiment with other options and let us know if you find something else that works well.

Can I use heavy whipping cream instead of milk for cornbread? ›

You can substitute heavy cream for 1/2 cup milk plus 1/2 cup sour cream, combined. You can also substitute the cream for milk. Use 3/4 cup plus 2 Tablespoons of milk plus 2 Tablespoons melted butter to the batter. The cornbread will have a close texture.

What is different about Southern cornbread? ›

Northern cornbreads tend to be more cake-like, on the sweet side, with a finer crumb due to more flour in the mixture. Southern cornbread is flavored with bacon grease, and cooked in a cast iron skillet, a perfect side for barbecues, or chili. It also tends to be rather crumbly.

What is Southern cornbread made of? ›

In a large mixing bowl, mix dry ingredients: cornmeal, flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt; Set aside. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and buttermilk. Pour the mixture into the dry ingredients and mix well. Take the cast iron skillet out of the oven and pour the batter into it.

What does Southern cornbread taste like? ›

The texture was coarse and crumbly, while the taste was plain and bland. Up until that point in my life, I had only consumed sweetened Yankee cornbread and was completely unaware of the savory Southern variety.

What's another name for Southern cornbread? ›

What is another word for cornbread?
cornponehoecake
hushpuppyjohnnycake
spoonbreadcorn bread
cornmeal breadSouthern cornbread
corn muffincorn pone
2 more rows

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Rev. Porsche Oberbrunner

Last Updated:

Views: 5819

Rating: 4.2 / 5 (73 voted)

Reviews: 88% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Rev. Porsche Oberbrunner

Birthday: 1994-06-25

Address: Suite 153 582 Lubowitz Walks, Port Alfredoborough, IN 72879-2838

Phone: +128413562823324

Job: IT Strategist

Hobby: Video gaming, Basketball, Web surfing, Book restoration, Jogging, Shooting, Fishing

Introduction: My name is Rev. Porsche Oberbrunner, I am a zany, graceful, talented, witty, determined, shiny, enchanting person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.