Easy Classic Cornbread Recipe

There’s something steadying about a pan of cornbread, the way it comes out golden around the edges and tender through the middle, still humming with warmth as you set it on the table. This is that simple, classic kind—the kind you can slice into thick squares and eat with a pat of butter that melts slowly, or drizzle with honey when the afternoon light starts to soften. It’s humble and generous at the same time, and it has a way of making even a regular Tuesday feel a little more like home.
On Sundays, when the house is quieter and the dog finally curls up under the kitchen chair, I make this and call everyone to the table. My husband always reaches for the corner piece, the one with the extra-crispy edge, and the kids argue sweetly over whether we’re having it with jam or chili. Somehow we end up doing both—first a warm square with honey and butter, then another with a bowl of something cozy. It’s the kind of simple tradition that sneaks up on you and sticks, like the warm scent that lingers even after the plates are cleared.
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Why You’ll Love This Easy Classic Cornbread Recipe
– Golden, gently crisp edges with a soft, comforting crumb inside—just right for breaking apart with your fingers.
– Not too sweet, so it’s just as happy next to a bowl of chili as it is with a drizzle of honey.
– One-bowl simplicity that feels unfussy and inviting, even on busy weeknights.
– Bakes up beautifully in a skillet or a simple baking pan—use what you have and it still feels special.
– Tastes like home on day one, and somehow even cozier on day two.
Slow Moments
I love the hush of the kitchen once the oven warms the room, that gentle hum in the background as I set a little dish of salted butter to soften. The counter clears, the world slows down a notch, and I find myself pausing to listen to the birds tapping at the window feeder. When I open the oven, a little cloud of sweetness spills out, and the whole house seems to exhale. We slice at the counter, too impatient to wait, and I hand out the first pieces on small plates still warm to the touch. It’s the kind of quiet that doesn’t ask for anything back—just a moment to taste and be grateful.
Time-Saving Hacks
– Keep your favorite skillet or baking pan already tucked on the middle rack so it warms with the oven—those edges get extra lovely.
– Melt the butter in the same small saucepan you’ll use to warm syrup or honey later; fewer dishes and everything stays cozy.
– If you know a busy evening is coming, whisk the dry mix in the morning and set it in a covered bowl on the counter; it makes dinnertime feel like a deep breath instead of a dash.
– And honestly, when you have the space, don’t rush it—letting it rest a few minutes after baking makes the texture even more tender.
Serving Ideas
– Weeknight cozy: a warm square next to a bowl of chili, like this simple pot of comfort: Cozy Weeknight Chili.
– Slow Saturday brunch: top with a fried egg, a few sliced tomatoes, and a sprinkle of black pepper. Coffee on the side, always.
– Small sweetness: a swipe of salted butter and a spoon of jam or a drizzle of maple syrup.
– Soup night: serve with a big ladle of something brothy like Roasted Tomato Soup so you can dunk those golden edges.
– For a crowd: cut into bite-size squares and set out with honey, hot sauce, and soft butter so everyone can build their own favorite bite.
Tips & Mistakes
– Pull it when the top is just set and the edges are deeply golden—overbaking chases away the tenderness.
– Let it rest in the pan a few minutes before slicing; it stays moist and cuts more cleanly.
– If using a skillet, make sure it’s good and warm first for those extra-crispy edges everyone asks for.
– Taste the first bite before you add more sweetness—you might find it’s perfectly balanced as is.
Storage Tips
– Once cool, wrap snugly or tuck into an airtight container and keep at room temperature for a day or two; it holds onto its softness beautifully.
– For longer keeping, refrigerate and warm slices in a low oven or skillet with a little pat of butter to bring back the cozy.
– Morning magic: cold cornbread with coffee is a quiet delight—especially with a thin layer of jam.
– Freeze extra squares, well-wrapped; reheat straight from the freezer in a warm oven until the edges wake up again.
Variations and Substitutions
– A touch of honey or maple gives a gentler sweetness that feels natural and warm.
– Stirring in a handful of corn kernels adds little bursts of juiciness—I love this in late summer.
– A pinch of cayenne or cracked black pepper brings a whisper of warmth without stealing the show.
– I’ve tried swapping in part yogurt for a tangier note, and it keeps things tender while adding a little depth.
– Cheese on top is cozy, but go light—too much can weigh it down and hide that golden crust we love.
Frequently Asked Questions

Easy Classic Cornbread Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup yellow cornmeal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 0.33 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 0.5 teaspoon baking soda
- 0.75 teaspoon fine salt
- 1.25 cup buttermilk room temperature for best results
- 2 large eggs room temperature
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter, melted slightly cooled
- 1 tablespoon neutral oil or butter for greasing pan
- 0.5 cup corn kernels optional
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Grease an 8-inch square pan or a 10-inch cast-iron skillet with the oil or butter; if using a skillet, place it in the oven to preheat.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the buttermilk and eggs until smooth. Slowly whisk in the melted butter until combined.
- Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir just until combined; do not overmix. Fold in corn kernels if using.
- Scrape the batter into the prepared pan or hot skillet and smooth the top.
- Bake 18 to 22 minutes, until golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Slice into 9 pieces and serve warm. Great with butter and a drizzle of honey.