Crave authentic Southern buttermilk cornbread? This foolproof recipe delivers moist, tender results every time—crispy edges, tangy flavor, and simple ingredients!
Buttermilk Cornbread Recipe: A Southern Classic Made Simple
Buttermilk cornbread is the ultimate comfort food—a golden, slightly tangy staple that pairs perfectly with chili, BBQ, or a drizzle of honey. Unlike dry, crumbly versions, this recipe uses buttermilk’s magic to create a moist, tender crumb with crispy edges. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen newbie, follow our step-by-step guide to bake the best homemade cornbread that’ll steal the spotlight at any meal.
Why This Buttermilk Cornbread Recipe Works
✅ Perfect Texture: Buttermilk reacts with baking soda for a light, airy rise.
✅ Crispy Crust: Baking in a preheated cast-iron skillet ensures golden edges.
✅ Balanced Flavor: Subtle tang meets buttery richness—no overwhelming sweetness.
✅ Quick & Easy: Ready in 30 minutes with pantry staples!
Ingredients for Southern-Style Buttermilk Cornbread
(Serves 8–10)
- 1 ½ cups stone-ground cornmeal (fine or medium grind)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 ¼ cups full-fat buttermilk (room temperature)
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted (plus 1 tbsp for skillet)
- 1–2 tbsp honey (optional for light sweetness)
Optional Add-Ins:
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup diced jalapeños
- 1 cup fresh corn kernels
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat Skillet & Oven
- Place a 10-inch cast-iron skillet in the oven and preheat to 400°F (200°C). This step guarantees a crackling crust.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together:
- Cornmeal
- Flour
- Baking powder + baking soda
- Salt
- Honey (if using).
3. Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk:
- Buttermilk
- Eggs
- Melted butter.
4. Make the Batter
- Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients. Stir until just combined—do NOT overmix. A few lumps are okay!
5. Bake to Golden Perfection
- Carefully remove the hot skillet from the oven. Add 1 tbsp butter and swirl to coat the pan.
- Pour in the batter, spreading evenly. Bake for 20–25 minutes until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Cool & Serve
- Let cool for 5 minutes. Slice into wedges and serve warm with honey butter, chili, or collard greens.
5 Pro Tips for the Best Cornbread
- Use Fresh Cornmeal: Stale cornmeal tastes bitter. Store it in the freezer for longevity.
- Room-Temperature Buttermilk: Cold buttermilk can hinder rising. Let it sit out for 30 minutes.
- Don’t Overbake: Remove the skillet as soon as the edges pull away from the pan.
- Cast-Iron Substitute: No skillet? Use a greased 9×9-inch baking dish—preheat it for 5 minutes.
- Buttermilk Hack: Mix 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice or vinegar. Let sit 5 minutes to curdle.
Serving Suggestions
Buttermilk cornbread is a versatile side dish for:
- Comfort Food Classics: Chili, beef stew, or baked beans.
- BBQ Spreads: Pulled pork, ribs, or smoked brisket.
- Holiday Dinners: Thanksgiving turkey or Christmas ham.
- Breakfast: Toasted with jam or crumbled into scrambled eggs.
FAQs About Buttermilk Cornbread
Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Yes! Swap all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free blend.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Wrap tightly in foil and keep at room temperature for 2 days or freeze for 3 months.
Q: Why is my cornbread dry?
A: Overbaking or overmixing the batter are common culprits. Follow the 20-minute bake time and mix gently.
Q: Can I use yogurt instead of buttermilk?
A: Yes—substitute with 1 cup plain yogurt + ¼ cup milk.
The Secret to Authentic Southern Flavor
True Southern cornbread skips excess sugar, letting the cornmeal’s natural nuttiness and buttermilk’s tang shine. For an extra savory twist, replace melted butter with bacon drippings or add a pinch of smoked paprika to the batter.
Final Thoughts
This easy buttermilk cornbread recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, striking the ideal balance between crispy and tender. With its simple ingredients and quick prep time, it’s a timeless dish that’ll become your go-to for potlucks, weeknight dinners, or holiday feasts.
Hungry for more? Try stirring in roasted garlic or crispy bacon bits for a flavor upgrade!
Share your cornbread creations with us below—and don’t forget to save this recipe for later! 🌽✨