Cornbread Recipe

This Cornbread recipe delivers everything you want from a classic Southern favorite—a beautifully golden crust, a tender and fluffy interior, and just the right touch of sweetness. Made with simple pantry staples like cornmeal, flour, milk, and eggs, this easy homemade cornbread comes together quickly and bakes to perfection in under 30 minutes.

The Inspiration

Cornbread has long been one of North America’s most beloved comfort foods, with deep roots in Indigenous cooking traditions and Southern American cuisine. Made from cornmeal—a staple ingredient for centuries—it evolved into countless regional variations, ranging from savory skillet cornbread to sweeter versions enjoyed throughout the South and beyond.

Its appeal lies in its simplicity. A handful of pantry ingredients combine to create a bread that’s wonderfully versatile, pairing equally well with smoky barbecue, rich stews, spicy Cajun dishes, and hearty chili. Baking cornbread in a cast-iron skillet produces its signature golden crust while helping the inside remain soft, tender, and moist.

On Feed My Soul… V!, Vanessa Gianfrancesco celebrates recipes that are approachable, comforting, and perfect for sharing around the table. This classic cornbread embodies that philosophy, delivering homemade flavor with minimal preparation while serving as the ideal companion to countless meals.

Ingredients

1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour
1 cup (125 g) yellow cornmeal
⅔ cup (85 g) granulated sugar
1 teaspoon (5 ml) salt
1 tablespoon (15 ml) baking powder
⅓ cup (80 ml) neutral oil, such as vegetable or avocado
1 large egg
1 cup (240 ml) milk

Method

Grease a medium cast-iron skillet well and set aside. Preheat the oven to 400F (205 C).
In a medium mixing bowl, add the flour, cornmeal, sugar, salt, and baking powder. Whisk to combine well.
Make a well in the centre of your dry ingredients and add your oil, milk, and egg. Stir just until the mixture comes together and there are only a few lumps.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake until the top is a deep golden brown, about 20-25 minutes, and a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out clean.
Serve hot.

Serving Suggestions

This Cornbread recipe is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with a wide variety of savory dishes. Serve it warm alongside hearty chili, Cajun shrimp, gumbo, jambalaya, smoked barbecue, pulled pork, fried chicken, or slow-cooked beef brisket to create a satisfying comfort food meal. The slightly sweet flavor complements spicy dishes particularly well, balancing bold seasonings with its tender crumb.

Freshly baked cornbread is equally delicious spread with butter while still warm or drizzled with honey for a simple snack or breakfast. It also makes an excellent accompaniment to soups such as tomato soup, chicken noodle soup, creamy potato soup, or vegetable chowder, helping soak up every flavorful spoonful.

For holiday dinners, cornbread fits naturally alongside roasted turkey, glazed ham, stuffing, collard greens, and roasted vegetables. Leftover slices can be toasted the next morning, used to make cornbread stuffing, or transformed into homemade croutons for salads and soups. Whether served at a casual family dinner or a festive gathering, this classic cornbread is always a welcome addition to the table.

Final Thoughts

This Cornbread recipe proves that simple ingredients can produce extraordinary results. With its crisp golden crust, moist and fluffy center, and perfectly balanced sweetness, it’s a timeless side dish that complements countless meals throughout the year.

Whether you’re serving it alongside spicy Cajun favorites, a hearty bowl of chili, or simply enjoying a warm slice with butter and honey, this homemade cornbread delivers comforting flavor and satisfying texture in every bite. Once you’ve baked it fresh from the oven, it’s easy to see why this classic recipe has remained a favorite for generations.

Find more recipes from Feed my Soul, V! here!