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Southern Cornbread is a classic staple of Southern cooking, known for its golden crust, tender crumb, and rich corn flavor. Unlike sweeter Northern-style cornbread, traditional Southern cornbread is savory and often baked in a hot cast-iron skillet to create its signature crispy edges.
This simple yet delicious bread pairs perfectly with soups, chili, barbecue, beans, and hearty stews. Made with basic pantry ingredients like cornmeal, buttermilk, and eggs, Southern cornbread is quick to prepare and full of comforting homemade flavor.
Prep Time, Cook Time & Servings
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
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Total Time: 30–35 minutes
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Servings: 8 slices
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Calories: ~190 calories per slice
Equipment Needed
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Cast-iron skillet (recommended) or baking pan
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Mixing bowl
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Whisk or spoon
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Measuring cups and spoons
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Oven mitts
Ingredients
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1 cup yellow cornmeal
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1 cup all-purpose flour
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1 tablespoon baking powder
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1/2 teaspoon baking soda
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1 teaspoon salt
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1 cup buttermilk
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2 large eggs
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1/4 cup melted butter or vegetable oil
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1 tablespoon sugar (optional)
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1 tablespoon bacon grease or butter (for the skillet)
Ingredient Notes
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Cornmeal: Yellow cornmeal gives the cornbread its classic color and texture.
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Buttermilk: Adds tangy flavor and helps create a tender crumb.
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Bacon Grease: Traditionally used in Southern cooking to add flavor and create a crispy crust.
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Sugar: Authentic Southern cornbread is usually not sweet, but a small amount can be added if desired.
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place a cast-iron skillet in the oven with bacon grease or butter to heat while you prepare the batter.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, eggs, melted butter, and sugar (if using).
4. Make the Batter
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. Pour into the Hot Skillet
Carefully remove the hot skillet from the oven. Pour the batter into the skillet—it should sizzle slightly.
6. Bake
Bake for 20–25 minutes or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Serve
Let the cornbread cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm with butter or honey.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
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Calories: 190
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Protein: 4g
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Carbohydrates: 24g
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Fat: 8g
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Fiber: 2g
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Sodium: 360mg
Nutrition values are approximate.
Tips for the Best Southern Cornbread
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Use a hot skillet: This creates the signature crispy crust.
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Don’t overmix the batter: Overmixing can make the cornbread dense.
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Use buttermilk: It adds flavor and improves texture.
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Serve warm: Cornbread tastes best fresh out of the oven.
Variations
Jalapeño Cheddar Cornbread
Add 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese and diced jalapeños to the batter.
Skillet Cornbread with Corn Kernels
Mix in 1/2 cup fresh or canned corn for extra sweetness and texture.
Honey Butter Cornbread
Serve with whipped honey butter for a sweet contrast.
Bacon Cornbread
Add crumbled cooked bacon for a smoky flavor.