What makes an old fashioned southern cornbread different from other cornbread recipes?

Old fashioned southern cornbread uses simple southern cornbread ingredients like cornmeal, flour, eggs, and buttermilk or a buttermilk substitute, with little to no sugar. Unlike sweet southern cornbread recipes, this black southern cornbread recipe has a savory, crumbly texture perfect for pairing with chili, soups, or cornbread dressing.

Can I make this southern cornbread recipe without buttermilk?

Yes, you can use a buttermilk substitute by combining milk with lemon juice or vinegar. This keeps the cornbread moist and flavorful, maintaining the classic taste of a southern cornbread recipe with buttermilk or the best southern cornbread recipe from scratch.

How do I make a sweet southern cornbread recipe?

To make sweet southern cornbread, simply add 1–2 tablespoons of sugar to your cornbread mix or scratch southern cornbread recipe. You can also incorporate honey or maple syrup for natural sweetness while still using the same southern cornbread ingredients.

What can I do with leftover southern cornbread?

Leftover cornbread is perfect for southern cornbread recipe variations like cornbread dressing, croutons, or even cornbread pudding. Using leftover cornbread keeps the flavors of your southern cornbread recipe with corn delicious and versatile for multiple meals.

Southern Cornbread Recipe: Classic, Moist, and Easy 2026

Name: Southern Cornbread
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 6-8 servings
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 1 cup yellow cornmeal; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon salt; 1-2 tablespoons sugar (optional for sweet southern cornbread recipe); 1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup milk + 1 tablespoon lemon juice/vinegar as a buttermilk substitute); 2 large eggs; ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted (plus extra for skillet); Optional add-ins: ½ cup corn kernels, ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese, 1 small diced jalapeño

Description

A classic Southern cornbread with a golden crust and tender, slightly crumbly interior. Perfect as a side for chili, soups, or traditional Southern meals, this cornbread can be made sweet or savory and baked in a skillet for authentic flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

🛒 Ingredients (for one 9-inch skillet or 8×8-inch pan):

For the Cornbread:

1 cup yellow cornmeal
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1–2 tablespoons sugar (optional for sweet cornbread)
1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup milk + 1 tablespoon lemon juice/vinegar)
2 large eggs
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted (plus extra for skillet)

Optional Add-ins:

½ cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 small diced jalapeño for a spicy kick

Instructions

📝 Instructions:

Step 1: Prep Oven & Skillet
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease a 9-inch cast-iron skillet or 8×8-inch baking pan with butter.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar (if using).

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk buttermilk and eggs until smooth. Stir in melted butter.

Step 4: Combine
Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined. If using add-ins like corn or cheese, fold in carefully. Do not overmix.

Step 5: Bake
Pour batter into the prepared skillet or pan. Bake 20–25 minutes (skillet) or 25–30 minutes (pan), until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 6: Serve
Let cool slightly, then slice and serve warm. Perfect with butter, honey, or alongside your favorite Southern dishes.

Notes

Crispier Crust: Preheat the skillet in the oven before adding the batter.
Make Ahead: Cornbread can be baked a day in advance and reheated in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes.
Variations: Swap half the cornmeal for white cornmeal for a lighter texture or add sugar for a sweet Southern cornbread.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
Category: Side / Bread
Method: Baked
Cuisine: Southern / American