Homemade Southern Style Cornbread: A Staple for Your Table

Homemade Cornbread: Elevate Your Flavor Beyond Boxed Mixes

There's nothing wrong with a box of Jiffy, but in my opinion, it just doesn't deliver a strong corn flavor. If you cook cornbread often and like the convenience of not measuring each time, pre-bagging the dry ingredients might be a good option for you. However, it really doesn't take much time to measure out the few ingredients needed. This recipe is perfect for making your own. You can leave out most of the sugar for a less sweet flavor—keep in mind that Jiffy does include sugar. Try this recipe, and you won't be disappointed.

The Versatility and Ease of Homemade Cornbread

I love cornbread, whether it's savory or sweet. It perfectly complements dishes like fried chicken and pinto beans. Often, it becomes a delicious snack all by itself with a bit of butter on top. What I especially love about this recipe is how easy it is to make. Unlike other breads, there's no waiting for it to rise or cutting in fats. Just measure, mix, and pop it in the oven for instant goodness.

This recipe works well with either white or yellow cornmeal, so use whatever you have on hand. To achieve the best flavor and texture, I love using butter for its richness and adding a little oil to keep the cornbread moist. Let's dispel the myth of dry cornbread—you'll get a flavorful and moist result with this recipe. For an extra touch, I like to butter the top right after it comes out of the oven. This step is optional, but it makes the cornbread even more buttery and delicious.

Elevate Your Cornbread: Delicious Add-Ins and Meal Ideas

Let's talk about how we can elevate this recipe. There are a few great add-ins to consider: try adding corn, chili peppers like jalapeños, or diced onions that have been sautéed. This recipe isn't just for a side dish either—it can be turned into a kid-friendly meal by adding cut-up hotdogs or sausages. You can even use it as a base for cornbread stuffing. The possibilities are endless and entirely up to you. If you need a recipe to bring this cornbread to life, pair it with some of my chili. With its balanced flavor, you will absolutely love it.

Recommended Tools for This Recipe

You don’t need anything fancy to make this cornbread, but if you’re looking to stock your kitchen or upgrade a few basics, here are some tools that work great. I’ve included Amazon affiliate links for convenience. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting the blog!

• Cast Iron Skillet – My favorite for getting that golden, crispy crust.

• Hand Mixer – Not required, but handy if you want a smoother batter or just don’t feel like mixing by hand.

• Mixing Bowl – Any large bowl will do, but having one with a sturdy bottom makes mixing easier.

• Measuring Cups and Spoons – A basic set gets a lot of use in my kitchen, and it’s worth having a reliable one.

• 8x8 Baking Pan – A good backup if you’re not using a skillet—makes nice even slices.

Why This Southern Cornbread Belongs in Your Weekly Meal Rotation

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again—I love cornbread. It’s simple, it’s satisfying, and it always feels like home. Whether I’m making this classic Southern version or mixing it up with something like my Sweet Honey Cornbread (which pairs so well with Tangy Carolina Pulled Chicken), or going bold with my Flavorful Mexican Cornbread (perfect next to a bowl of Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup), cornbread always finds a spot on my table.

It’s a great budget-friendly filler for a meal, or just a quick snack on its own. No waiting around for dough to rise—just mix it up and pop it in the oven. And if you’ve got leftovers? They’re perfect for turning into dressing or crumbling into soup the next day.

From my kitchen to yours, I hope this recipe becomes one of your go-to favorites too.