Classic Soul Food Cornbread

Featured in: Sweet Little Treats

This classic Southern-style cornbread is golden and moist, baked in a cast-iron skillet to develop a hearty crust and tender crumb. The batter combines cornmeal, flour, and a touch of sugar, leavened with baking powder and baking soda for perfect rise. Enriched with milk, eggs, butter, and oil, it yields a rich texture. Once baked, it's served warm with a luscious honey butter made by blending softened butter, honey, and a pinch of salt. Ideal as a comforting side, it pairs wonderfully with barbecue, chili, or fried chicken and offers optional variations like cheddar or jalapeños.

Updated on Fri, 13 Mar 2026 01:53:41 GMT
Classic Soul Food Cornbread Skillet with Honey Butter: golden, buttery cornbread baked in a cast-iron skillet, served warm with a drizzle of honey butter. Save
Classic Soul Food Cornbread Skillet with Honey Butter: golden, buttery cornbread baked in a cast-iron skillet, served warm with a drizzle of honey butter. | blipbite.com

Nothing says comfort like a golden, moist Southern-style cornbread fresh from the oven. Baked in a cast-iron skillet, this classic soul food staple is perfectly tender with a slight crisp on the outside. Served warm and topped with luscious honey butter, it brings a nostalgic touch to any meal, evoking memories of family gatherings and hearty home cooking.

Classic Soul Food Cornbread Skillet with Honey Butter: golden, buttery cornbread baked in a cast-iron skillet, served warm with a drizzle of honey butter. Save
Classic Soul Food Cornbread Skillet with Honey Butter: golden, buttery cornbread baked in a cast-iron skillet, served warm with a drizzle of honey butter. | blipbite.com

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This cornbread skillet is a staple side dish that elevates any meal with its warm, buttery richness. Using a hot cast-iron skillet ensures a crispy edge, while the moist crumb inside melts in your mouth. Whether you're serving it alongside chili, barbecue, or fried chicken, the honey butter spread is the perfect finishing touch to this traditional favorite.

Ingredients

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  • Dry Ingredients
    • 1 cup (125 g) yellow cornmeal
    • 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour
    • 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar
    • 1 tablespoon baking powder
    • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
    • 3/4 teaspoon fine salt
  • Wet Ingredients
    • 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk (or buttermilk for extra tang)
    • 2 large eggs
    • 1/4 cup (60 g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
    • 1/4 cup (60 ml) vegetable oil
  • For Greasing
    • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • Honey Butter
    • 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
    • 2 tablespoons honey
    • Pinch of salt

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place a 10-inch cast-iron skillet in the oven to heat while you prepare the batter.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk the milk, eggs, melted butter, and vegetable oil until well combined.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined; do not overmix.
5. Carefully remove the hot skillet from the oven. Add 2 tablespoons butter and swirl to coat the bottom and sides.
6. Pour the batter into the hot, buttered skillet, smoothing the top.
7. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. While the cornbread bakes, make the honey butter: In a small bowl, beat the softened butter with honey and a pinch of salt until smooth and fluffy.
9. Let the cornbread cool for 5–10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with honey butter.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

To get the perfect crust, make sure the cast-iron skillet is hot before adding the batter. Gently fold the wet and dry ingredients to avoid a tough texture. Letting the cornbread rest briefly after baking helps it set and makes slicing easier.

Varianten und Anpassungen

For extra richness, substitute buttermilk for whole milk. You can also add 1 cup corn kernels, shredded cheddar, or chopped jalapeños for a flavorful twist that suits your taste.

Serviervorschläge

This cornbread pairs beautifully with barbecue, chili, or fried chicken, adding a comforting, buttery complement to any hearty dish. Serve slices warm with a generous spread of honey butter for the ultimate indulgence.

Save
| blipbite.com

This classic soul food cornbread skillet is a timeless recipe that brings warmth and flavor to your table. Whether a family favorite or a new discovery, its moist crumb and honey butter finish make it a memorable side that invites sharing and savoring.

Kitchen Guide

What makes this cornbread moist and tender?

The combination of milk and melted butter along with the right balance of cornmeal and flour ensures a moist, tender crumb while baking in the cast-iron skillet develops a slightly crisp crust.

Can I use buttermilk instead of whole milk?

Yes, substituting buttermilk for whole milk adds a pleasant tanginess and enhances the depth of flavor and tenderness.

How do I prevent the cornbread from sticking to the skillet?

Grease the hot cast-iron skillet thoroughly with butter right before pouring in the batter to create a nonstick surface and encourage a golden crust.

What is the purpose of honey butter here?

Honey butter adds a rich, sweet, and slightly salty flavor that complements the cornbread's texture, enhancing the overall comfort-food experience.

Can I add additional ingredients to this cornbread?

Yes, adding corn kernels, shredded cheddar, or chopped jalapeños can add variety and extra flavor to the base batter.

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Classic Soul Food Cornbread

Golden Southern cornbread baked in cast-iron skillet, paired with luscious honey butter.

Prep duration
15 min
Heat time
25 min
Complete duration
40 min
Created by Megan Lewis


Complexity Easy

Heritage American Southern

Output 8 Portions

Nutrition Guidelines Meat-Free

Components

Dry Ingredients

01 1 cup yellow cornmeal
02 1 cup all-purpose flour
03 1/4 cup granulated sugar
04 1 tablespoon baking powder
05 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
06 3/4 teaspoon fine salt

Wet Ingredients

01 1 cup whole milk
02 2 large eggs
03 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
04 1/4 cup vegetable oil

For Greasing

01 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Honey Butter

01 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
02 2 tablespoons honey
03 Pinch of salt

Method

Phase 01

Preheat and prepare cast-iron skillet: Preheat oven to 425°F. Place a 10-inch cast-iron skillet in the oven to heat while preparing the batter.

Phase 02

Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Phase 03

Mix wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk milk, eggs, melted butter, and vegetable oil until well combined.

Phase 04

Create batter: Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined; do not overmix.

Phase 05

Butter the skillet: Carefully remove hot skillet from oven. Add 2 tablespoons butter and swirl to coat bottom and sides evenly.

Phase 06

Pour batter: Pour batter into hot, buttered skillet and smooth the top surface.

Phase 07

Bake cornbread: Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Phase 08

Prepare honey butter: While cornbread bakes, beat softened butter with honey and a pinch of salt in a small bowl until smooth and fluffy.

Phase 09

Cool and serve: Let cornbread cool for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with honey butter.

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Tools needed

  • 10-inch cast-iron skillet
  • Large mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Rubber spatula
  • Small mixing bowl

Allergy Details

Review ingredients carefully for potential allergens and seek professional medical guidance if uncertain.
  • Contains milk
  • Contains eggs
  • Contains wheat and gluten
  • Check store-bought cornmeal and flour labels for potential cross-contamination warnings.

Nutrient breakdown (per portion)

Values shown are estimates and shouldn't replace professional medical consultation.
  • Energy: 275
  • Fats: 15 g
  • Carbohydrates: 33 g
  • Proteins: 4 g

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