Cornbread has long been a beloved staple in American cuisine, and with 2024 around the corner, there’s no better time to dive into the best cornbread recipes to try this year. Whether you prefer your cornbread sweet or savory, light and fluffy, or dense and hearty, there is something on this list for everyone. Cornbread is wonderfully versatile—delicious as a side dish, snack, or even a dessert. With new twists on traditional recipes, you’ll want to bake these up all year long.
Traditional Southern Cornbread
Nothing beats a good old-fashioned Southern cornbread. This recipe uses a cast-iron skillet to achieve a perfectly crispy crust with a soft, crumbly center.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sugar (optional for a sweet touch)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place your cast-iron skillet in the oven while it heats up.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, melted butter, and eggs until well-combined.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just mixed.
- Carefully remove the skillet from the oven, grease it with a bit of butter, and pour the batter into the hot skillet.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing.
Tip: For an even richer flavor, replace half of the buttermilk with sour cream. It adds a creamy texture and tangy kick that elevates the classic recipe.
Sweet Honey Cornbread
For those who prefer a sweeter cornbread, this recipe incorporates honey for a delightful touch of natural sweetness. The honey not only adds flavor but also keeps the cornbread moist and tender.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 2 large eggs
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease an 8-inch baking pan.
- In a bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, combine the milk, honey, melted butter, and eggs.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture and stir until smooth.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let the cornbread cool slightly before serving.
Pro Tip: Drizzle extra honey on top while it’s still warm for a glossy finish and enhanced sweetness.
Jalapeño Cheddar Cornbread
If you’re a fan of savory dishes with a spicy kick, this jalapeño cheddar cornbread will soon become your favorite. It pairs perfectly with chili, soups, or even on its own with a smear of butter.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2-3 jalapeños, seeded and diced
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9-inch cast-iron skillet or baking dish.
- In a large bowl, mix the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Whisk together the buttermilk, melted butter, and eggs in another bowl.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until combined.
- Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and diced jalapeños.
- Pour the batter into the greased skillet and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow the cornbread to cool before slicing.
Variation: For an extra cheesy experience, sprinkle additional cheddar on top before baking. You can also leave the seeds in the jalapeños for a spicier version.
Maple Bacon Cornbread
Take your cornbread to the next level with this savory-sweet combination of maple syrup and crispy bacon. The salty, smoky bacon contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of maple syrup, making it a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup cooked, crumbled bacon
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9-inch round baking dish.
- Combine the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, maple syrup, melted butter, and eggs.
- Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients and stir until combined.
- Fold in the crumbled bacon.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
- Serve warm with a drizzle of maple syrup for added sweetness.
Cornbread Muffins for On-The-Go
Cornbread muffins are perfect for quick breakfasts, snacks, or packing into lunchboxes. This recipe gives you the same delicious cornbread flavor in a convenient muffin form.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 2 large eggs
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a muffin tin or line with paper liners.
- In a large bowl, mix the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Whisk together the buttermilk, melted butter, and eggs in another bowl.
- Combine the wet and dry ingredients, stirring until just mixed.
- Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling them about 2/3 full.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.