5 Delicious Cornbread Recipes You Need to Try

When you think of comfort food, cornbread might not be the first thing that comes to mind, yet it's a staple in Southern cuisine, known for its warm, sweet-savory flavor that can complement almost any meal. Whether you're hosting a backyard barbecue, looking for the perfect side dish for your chili, or simply craving something that brings a sense of home, cornbread fits the bill. Here, we've compiled 5 Delicious Cornbread Recipes that you absolutely need to try, showcasing variations from sweet to savory, and everything in between.

Sweet & Moist Honey Cornbread

If you've got a sweet tooth and crave that melt-in-your-mouth texture, this Sweet & Moist Honey Cornbread recipe is perfect for you. Honey, unlike sugar, adds a unique flavor profile and moisture to the cornbread, making it not just sweet but also incredibly tender.

• Ingredients:
• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease an 8-inch square baking pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In another bowl, mix the buttermilk, honey, and eggs. Add the melted butter to the wet ingredients, whisking thoroughly.
4. Pour the wet mixture into the dry, and stir until just combined. Avoid over-mixing to keep the texture tender.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading evenly.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
7. Allow to cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm with a dollop of butter.

🔎 Note: For a richer flavor, consider drizzling more honey over the top before serving.

Cheddar Jalapeño Cornbread

Looking for a kick to your cornbread? This Cheddar Jalapeño Cornbread brings just the right amount of heat and a savory, cheesy twist. It's the perfect companion to any spicy or smoky dish, enhancing the meal with its robust flavors.

• Ingredients:
• 1 cup yellow cornmeal
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2-3 jalapeños, seeded and finely diced

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a 9-inch cast iron skillet.
2. Combine dry ingredients (cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt) in a mixing bowl.
3. In another bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, eggs, and oil. Fold in the cheese and jalapeños.
4. Mix the wet into the dry until just blended, then pour into the skillet.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the cornbread is golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
6. Allow to cool slightly, slice, and enjoy the spicy kick.

🔔 Note: Adjust the jalapeños to your taste - less for mild or more for a fiery experience.

Skillet Cornbread with Caramelized Onions

Caramelized onions add a depth of flavor to cornbread that's hard to beat. This Skillet Cornbread with Caramelized Onions recipe requires a bit more patience, but the result is a cornbread with sweet, savory layers that are truly remarkable.

• Ingredients:
• 1/2 cup finely chopped yellow onions
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 2 eggs
• 1/4 cup melted butter

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-low heat, add onions, and caramelize slowly for about 30 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and prepare the batter.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine cornmeal, flour, baking powder, salt, and brown sugar.
4. In another bowl, whisk buttermilk, eggs, and melted butter. Mix with the dry ingredients, then fold in the caramelized onions.
5. Transfer the batter to a greased 9-inch cast iron skillet.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the top is nicely browned.
7. Serve warm to enjoy the gooey texture of melted onions.

Pumpkin Spice Cornbread

Fall in love with the autumn flavors in this Pumpkin Spice Cornbread. Pumpkin puree and an array of warm spices combine to create a seasonal twist on the traditional cornbread, making it an ideal treat for Thanksgiving or any autumn gathering.

• Ingredients:
• 1 cup yellow cornmeal
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
• 1/4 cup milk
• 2 eggs
• 1/4 cup melted butter

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a greased 8x8 inch baking dish.
2. Mix cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices in a bowl.
3. In another bowl, blend pumpkin puree, milk, eggs, and melted butter.
4. Combine wet and dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
5. Pour into the baking dish and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
6. Cool slightly before serving to let the flavors meld together.

These cornbread recipes showcase the versatility and comfort of this beloved side dish. From the honey sweetness to the spicy cheese, from savory caramelized onions to the warmth of fall spices, there's a cornbread for every palate and occasion. The key to perfect cornbread is not just in the ingredients but in the care taken while preparing and baking. Each recipe adds its unique twist to the classic, making it an irreplaceable part of any meal or gathering. Whether you're an experienced baker or a novice in the kitchen, these recipes are straightforward enough to try, yet diverse enough to explore different flavors. So, grab your skillet or baking dish, and let the aroma of freshly baked cornbread fill your home, bringing comfort and joy to your table.