Cornbread recipe - the classic southern version (2024)

All southern kitchens need a great cornbread recipe. You can’t have a Sunday dinner, potluck or even make chicken & dressing without a big pone of cornbread. No matter if you’re having a bowl of chili, or maybe white beans and turnip greens or just want it in a big glass of milk – this recipe is perfect for any way you eat it. This was the very first thing I ever learned to cook, as it was the “starter” recipe my mama let me do in the kitchen to help her when I was a little girl. It’s an easy quick bread recipe that works for any great meal.

Cornbread recipe - the classic southern version (1)

Classic Southern Cornbread Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups of self-rising corn meal mix (I grew up on Martha White)
  • 1/2 cup of self-rising flour (again, Martha White)
  • 1/4 cup melted vegetable shortening (Crisco)
  • 2 large whole eggs
  • 1 1/2 cups buttermilk

Directions:

Heat up oven to 400 degrees with a cast iron skillet inside. Put the shortening into the skillet and let it melt.

In a large mixing bowl,add in the corn meal mix, flour, eggs & buttermilk. Whisk together until combined well.

Take the pan of shortening out of the oven, and carefully pour the melted liquid into the cornbread mix. Stir to blend together. Pour the mixture into the cast iron skillet, then bake at 400 degrees for 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it browns well on top and starts to pull away a bit from the sides of the pan.

Cornbread recipe - the classic southern version (2)

Besides the normal way to eat cornbread with savory meals, I also love to have it slathered in butter with a light drizzle of honey on top. It may be not truly southern, but I’m ok with that! It’s gastronomical heaven, no matter how you slice it.

Cornbread recipe - the classic southern version (3)

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Classic southern cornbread recipe

Servings 12

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2cupsof self-rising corn meal mixI grew up on Martha White
  • 1/2cupof self-rising flouragain, Martha White
  • 1/4cupmelted vegetable shorteningCrisco
  • 2large whole eggs
  • 1 1/2cupsbuttermilk

Instructions

  1. Heat up oven to 400 degrees with a cast iron skillet inside. Put the shortening into the skillet and let it melt.

  2. In a large mixing bowl, add in the corn meal mix, flour, eggs & buttermilk. Whisk together until combined well.

  3. Take the pan of shortening out of the oven, and carefully pour the melted liquid into the cornbread mix. Stir to blend together.

  4. Pour the mixture into the cast iron skillet, then bake at 400 degrees for 30 minutes.

  5. You’ll know it’s ready when it browns well on top and starts to pull away a bit from the sides of the pan.

Cornbread recipe - the classic southern version (4)

Cornbread recipe - the classic southern version (5)

About Gina Luker

Gina Luker is a writer, photographer and lover of all things quirky. She's usually found with a drill in one hand and a co*cktail in the other while blogging along the way. She's addicted to coffee, polka dots, rock stars, Instagram, and everything aqua.

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Comments

  1. Cornbread recipe - the classic southern version (7)Melissa says

    Thanks for the memories on the cornbread. I have a square skillet that my Granny gave me when I first got married. She had it when she got married. I am now 67 so that skillet is still a workin. I make my cornbread gluten free and no one can tell the difference. Always a good standby.

    Reply

    • Cornbread recipe - the classic southern version (8)Gina Luker says

      Wow, Melissa, that is so awesome, I bet it is well seasoned 🙂

      Reply

  2. Cornbread recipe - the classic southern version (9)Paula Holbrook says

    I appreciate your great recipes; but would like to be able to print them.
    Thanks

    Reply

    • Cornbread recipe - the classic southern version (10)Gina Luker says

      Thanks Paula, you would need to copy and paste it to someplace that will let you print it 🙂

      Reply

  3. Cornbread recipe - the classic southern version (11)Norma Rolader says

    Sounds yummy and like my mothers but she has never put flour in …. but I think I will have to try

    Reply

  4. Cornbread recipe - the classic southern version (12)D says

    Hallelujah! NO sugar added! Being from the South, I have such a hard time with those who add sweetener to a corn bread recipe. Can never order corn bread at an eating establishment because I get “corn cake” instead! I always ask “Do you have corn bread or corn cake?” I usually get a blank stare because these poor souls don’t know any better!

    Reply

    • Cornbread recipe - the classic southern version (13)Gina Luker says

      I am with you D 🙂

      Reply

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Cornbread recipe - the classic southern version (2024)

FAQs

What is the difference between cornbread and southern cornbread? ›

She notes that Northern cornbread is sweeter, lighter, and more cake-like than Southern cornbread. Not surprisingly, it includes sugar (or molasses, in the earlier centuries), unlike traditional Southern cornbread.

Why do southerners not put sugar in cornbread? ›

The most common theory is a change in cornmeal itself. Until early in the 20th century, Southern cornmeal was made with sweeter white corn and it was water-ground. When industrial milling came along, that changed. The steel-roller mills used yellow corn that was harvested before it was ripe, so it had less sugar.

Which makes better cornbread, white or yellow cornmeal? ›

THE BOTTOM LINE: Feel free to use white and yellow cornmeal interchangeably in recipes since flavor differences are minor. Just be sure to pay attention to the grind.

What ingredient keeps cornbread from crumbling? ›

Adding about 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of extra butter or vegetable oil can increase the moistness of your cornbread. You can do this even if your recipe doesn't call for butter or oil. Replace milk or water with creamed corn. If your recipe calls for milk or water, try replacing it with creamed corn.

What is the difference between yankee cornbread and southern cornbread? ›

There are some basic differences between Southern corn-bread and what many people call "Yankee" cornbread. Southern cornbread, besides being made from white corn meal, has very little sugar in it - between a teaspoon and a tablespoon. And it is made with buttermilk.

Should you add sugar to cornbread? ›

So I'm just going to say it: sugar has no business in cornbread. Neither, for that matter, does wheat flour. One might make something quite tasty with well-sweetened wheat flour mixed with cornmeal, but be honest with yourself and call it a dessert. Cornbread is something else.

Why is cornbread not healthy? ›

The exact nutritional profile of cornbread can vary depending on the specific recipe and ingredients used. However, cornbread generally contains high amounts of carbs, phosphorus, and sodium in each serving. One piece of cornbread prepared from a commercially prepared mix contains ( 2 ): Calories: 198.

Is cornbread good or bad for diabetics? ›

Cornbread is delicious and a great accompaniment to any meal. However, it is not a good idea if you are a diabetic. The high starch and cornmeal contents are carbohydrates which are broken down into sugar in the body. Sugar is extremely dangerous for people with diabetes, so it is best to avoid it.

What is southern cornbread called? ›

This corn pone recipe is a bona fide Southern tradition. It is unsweetened, baked in a cast iron skillet, and tastes just like what Grandma used to make! Submitted by Aggie. Updated on November 15, 2022.

What grind of cornmeal is best for cornbread? ›

As for the best cornmeal for cornbread, either fine- or medium-grind cornmeal is a great choice. Medium-grind cornmeal will bring slightly more texture and grittiness to the batter, which you may or may not want (it's up to you!). You can use fine or medium cornmeal in these extra corny muffins.

What kind of corn is best for cornbread? ›

But one of the easiest ways to jazz up a basic cornbread is by adding sweet corn, which creates more layers of that sweet and sunny flavor. Fresh corn is always best if it's in season, cut straight off the cob, but frozen is nearly as good. Just let the corn thaw and then drain it completely, patting dry if needed.

Is stone ground cornmeal the same as regular cornmeal? ›

Stone-ground cornmeal tends to have a more coarse texture and have a “cornier” flavor. When shopping for cornmeal at the grocery store look for phrasing like “stone-ground whole corn” on the label to verify that you're purchasing truly stone ground cornmeal.

Will an extra egg make cornbread less crumbly? ›

Eggs, or egg substitutes help add structure to the cornbread. Without an egg or substitute, the cornbread may crumble and fall apart easily.

Should you let cornbread batter rest? ›

1Heat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Note: We recommend allowing cornbread batter to sit for 10 to 15 minutes before baking, so if you prefer, you can delay heating the oven until you make the batter. 2Melt the butter, and then set aside to cool slightly.

How to stop jiffy cornbread from crumbling? ›

  1. 1Put in an extra egg yolk. ...
  2. 2Cut back on fat or grease by one third. ...
  3. 3Replace white sugar with a moist sweetener. ...
  4. 4Add 1 tablespoon (15 ml) more butter or oil. ...
  5. 5Replace milk or water with creamed corn. ...
  6. 6Add 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of sour cream.
Sep 26, 2016

What is different about southern cornbread? ›

Northern cornbreads tend to be more cake-like, on the sweet side, with a finer crumb due to more flour in the mixture. Southern cornbread is flavored with bacon grease, and cooked in a cast iron skillet, a perfect side for barbecues, or chili. It also tends to be rather crumbly.

What is Southern cornbread made of? ›

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, throw in the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Give it a good stir to make sure everything's combined. Whisk the Buttermilk and Eggs: In a separate medium-sized bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and those golden egg yolks.

What's another name for Southern cornbread? ›

What is another word for cornbread?
cornponehoecake
hushpuppyjohnnycake
spoonbreadcorn bread
cornmeal breadSouthern cornbread
corn muffincorn pone
2 more rows

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