How to Make Fluffy, Golden Cornbread from Scratch
Cornbread is a beloved staple in many households, especially in the Southern United States, where it’s often served alongside comforting meals like chili, barbecue, and fried chicken. Whether you’re new to making cornbread or looking for a reliable go-to recipe, this one has everything you need for fluffy, sweet, and tender cornbread that’s perfect for any occasion.
In this post, we’ll walk you through the steps to make a simple yet delicious sweet cornbread, share some tips for getting it just right, and offer up some tasty variations and pairing suggestions to suit your tastes.
Why You’ll Love This Cornbread Recipe
This cornbread recipe is quick, easy, and requires just a handful of ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. It’s perfect for both beginner and experienced home cooks who want a crowd-pleasing side dish that’s as good with savory mains as it is with a drizzle of honey. Here’s why it stands out:
- Fluffy and Tender Texture: The combination of flour and cornmeal creates a balanced texture—light and fluffy on the inside with just the right amount of crumb.
- Perfect Sweetness: This recipe has a touch of sweetness that makes it great for pairing with spicy or savory dishes.
- Quick and Easy: From start to finish, you’ll have fresh cornbread on the table in under 30 minutes.
- Customizable: We’ll also share a few simple ways to tweak this recipe to make it your own!
Sweet and Fluffy Cornbread Recipe
Let’s dive into the recipe that will soon become your go-to for any meal. You can serve this cornbread as a side for dinner or enjoy it as a snack with a little butter and honey.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cornmeal
- ⅔ cup sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- 1 egg
- ⅓ cup melted butter
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease an 8-inch square or round baking pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Preheating the oven ensures that your cornbread bakes evenly and gets that perfect golden brown top.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, and salt. This step is important because it evenly distributes the leavening agents (baking powder) and prevents any lumps of sugar or flour in the batter.
Step 3: Prepare the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, beat the egg, then add the milk and melted butter. Whisk these wet ingredients together until they are well combined.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. The key here is not to overmix—it’s okay if there are a few lumps in the batter. Overmixing can lead to a denser, less fluffy cornbread.
Step 5: Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for about 20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Depending on your oven, you may want to check the cornbread at the 18-minute mark to avoid overbaking.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Once your cornbread is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve it warm with butter, honey, or your favorite topping.
Tips for Perfect Cornbread
To make sure your cornbread turns out light, fluffy, and perfectly sweet every time, keep these tips in mind:
- Don’t Overmix: One of the most common mistakes when making cornbread is overmixing the batter. Stir the wet and dry ingredients together just until combined. Overmixing can result in dense, tough cornbread.
- Preheat Your Pan: For an extra crispy crust, you can preheat the greased baking pan in the oven for a few minutes before adding the batter. This step is optional but will give your cornbread a delightful texture on the outside.
- Watch the Baking Time: Cornbread can dry out quickly if overbaked. Start checking for doneness at the 18-minute mark to ensure it doesn’t get too dry. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with just a few crumbs attached.
Pairing Suggestions
Cornbread is a versatile side dish that complements a wide variety of meals. Here are some of our favorite dishes to serve with this sweet and fluffy cornbread:
- Chili: The sweetness of the cornbread pairs beautifully with the rich, spicy flavors of a hearty bowl of chili. It’s the perfect balance of heat and sweetness.
- Barbecue: Cornbread is a classic side for barbecue, whether you’re serving pulled pork, ribs, or brisket. Its sweetness cuts through the smoky, tangy flavors of the barbecue sauce.
- Fried Chicken: There’s nothing more Southern than pairing crispy fried chicken with a slice of warm cornbread.
- Collard Greens: For a true Southern meal, serve your cornbread alongside a helping of savory collard greens.
- Honey or Butter: Cornbread also makes a great snack on its own. Spread a little honey or butter on top for an extra treat.
Recipe Variations
Want to switch things up? Here are a few variations to make this recipe your own:
- Savory Cornbread: If you prefer a more savory version, you can reduce the sugar to 2 tablespoons and add in savory ingredients like shredded cheddar cheese, chopped jalapeños, or green onions.
- Honey Cornbread: For a richer, more complex flavor, substitute ½ cup of honey for the sugar. The honey adds a natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with buttery cornbread.
- Buttermilk Cornbread: Swap out the milk for buttermilk to give your cornbread a tangy flavor. The acidity in buttermilk also helps make the cornbread extra tender and moist.
- Corn Kernel Cornbread: Add 1 cup of sweet corn kernels to the batter for added texture and a pop of sweetness. This variation is especially great if you’re serving the cornbread with spicy dishes.
- Bacon Cornbread: Crumbled bacon adds a smoky, salty flavor that contrasts beautifully with the sweet cornbread base. Add ½ cup of cooked, crumbled bacon to the batter before baking for a delicious twist.
FAQ
1. Can I Make Cornbread Without Sugar?
Yes! If you prefer a more traditional savory cornbread, you can reduce or completely omit the sugar. The cornbread will still be delicious, just less sweet. This variation pairs well with stews or soups.
2. How Do I Store Leftover Cornbread?
Leftover cornbread can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate it for up to 5 days, or freeze individual slices for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm slices in the oven or microwave.
3. Can I Make Cornbread Muffins with This Recipe?
Absolutely! To make muffins, divide the batter into a greased muffin tin. Bake at 400°F for 15–18 minutes, or until the tops are golden and a toothpick comes out clean. Cornbread muffins are great for portion control and easy to grab on the go.
4. Why Is My Cornbread Dry?
If your cornbread is dry, it could be due to overbaking or overmixing the batter. Make sure to bake it just until a toothpick comes out clean, and avoid over-stirring the batter. You can also try adding a bit more milk or butter to the batter for extra moisture.
5. Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The texture may be slightly different, but it should still result in a delicious cornbread.
Final Thoughts
This sweet and fluffy cornbread recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves a simple, comforting side dish. Whether you’re serving it with chili, barbecue, or just enjoying it on its own with a little butter, it’s sure to be a hit at your table. With easy customization options and quick prep, this cornbread recipe is one you’ll come back to again and again.
Sweet and Fluffy Cornbread
Ingredients
- 1 cup flour
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 2/3 cup sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1/3 cup butter melted
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease an 8-inch square or round baking pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, beat the egg, then mix in the milk and melted butter.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix — a few lumps are okay!
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.