Name: Simple Cornbread Recipe with Honey Butter
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten free flour blend); 1 cup cornmeal; 2/3 cup granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder; 1 large egg (room temperature); 1 cup milk of choice; ⅓ cup vegetable oil; ½ cup salted butter; ¼ cup honey

Is there anything better than golden sweet homemade cornbread on a warm sunny day sitting on a plate next to some amazing barbecue? Maybe if there was also some honey butter to go along with it! We made this recipe so we can always be ready for just such an occasion.

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Simple cornbread recipe in cast iron skillet

Tell me about this perfect golden cornbread

Flavor - Lightly sweetened and lots of that fresh and deliciously sweet corn flavor. Store mixes for cornbread could never compete with this homemade version, trust me.
Texture - Lightly crisp around the edges and a soft fluffy center. It holds up to a slice of generous butter and honey. Not grainy or dry at all like some of those store-bought box mixes.
Difficulty - Very simple! Just mix and bake.
Time - Only about 10 minutes to mix up and warm the oven. Then 20 minutes for a 9" baking dish. It'll be closer to 15 for muffins and closer to 30 for a double batch in a 9"x13" baking dish. Once baked, cool for about 5 minutes, then slice and serve!

What kind of baking dish should I use?

We love to keep recipes simple and rustic in a 9" cast iron skillet. But a 9" round or square baking dish works just as well. Plus, you can double the recipe and bake in a 9"x13" dish too. OR, make 12 muffins. You'll need to adjust the time if you double the recipe or make them into muffins. Just be sure to keep an eye on them and remove once lightly brown around edges and the center springs back.

What should I serve with homemade cornbread?

A favorite classic is chili (stay tuned for our own recipe), but cornbread is also perfect to soak up liquid from Bourbon Baked Beans alongside your favorite BBQ dish.

We've included a recipe for honey butter to serve alongside as well. It really puts this recipe over the top.

Can I make this cornbread gluten free?

Of course! It's a simple swap for the flour to a gluten free flour blend. My favorite go-to blend is King Arthur Flour Measure for Measure. You can read why it's my favorite in my GF flour comparison post.

Cornbread fresh from the oven with honey butter on the side.

How should I store this cornbread?

Place in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. I like to warm it up in the microwave for about 20 seconds and add plenty of honey butter.

What toppings go well on top of cornbread?

Obviously honey butter (recipe below)
Maple butter
Jam or jelly (blackberry is my favorite)
Ham and cheese
Honey

A bite of homemade cornbread drizzled with honey butter.

Cornbread Ingredients

All-Purpose Flour - Feel free to swap for a Gluten Free Flour Blend, such as King Arthur Measure for Measure. Or if using whole wheat flour, increase to 1 ¼ cups.
Cornmeal - Where all that delicious corn-y flavor comes from!
Sugar - granulated sugar works best here.
Milk of choice - I like lactose-free whole milk, but feel free to use whatever you have on hand.
Vegetable Oil - Canola oil also works great. If avoiding seed oils, swap the oil for melted butter or melted coconut oil (same quantity).

How to make simple cornbread

Preheat oven to 400°F. Lightly grease a 9"x9" baking dish (or cast-iron skillet) with non-stick spray and set aside.

In a medium mixing bowl whisk flour, cornmeal, sugar, salt, and baking powder.

Make a well in the middle and add egg, milk, and oil. Whisk until no lumps remain.

Pour into prepared baking dish (or 9" cast iron skillet) and bake on center rack for 20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean and the top is lightly browned.

Slice of cornbread on wooden serving tray with honey butter on the side.

How to make honey butter

In a microwaveable bowl heat butter until it is soft but not melted.

Using a fork stir in honey while smashing up the butter until fully combined.

It should be thick but easily spreadable.

If you melted the butter too much just pop in the refrigerator and allow it to slightly harden.

Simple Cornbread Recipe with Honey Butter

Easy everyday cornbread recipe, perfect side dish for your BBQ.

Total Time: 30

Servings: servings

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Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour or gluten free flour blend
1 cup cornmeal
⅔ cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
1 large egg room temperature
1 cup milk of choice
⅓ cup vegetable oil

Honey Butter

½ cup salted butter
¼ cup honey

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F. Grease a 9"x9"* baking dish (or cast-iron skillet) and set aside.
In a medium mixing bowl combine flour, cornmeal, sugar, salt, and baking powder.
Make a well in the middle and add egg, milk, and oil. Whisk until no lumps remain.
Pour into a greased baking dish (or 9" cast iron skillet) and bake for 20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean and the top is lightly browned.
While cornbread is baking make the honey butter.
In a microwaveable bowl heat butter until it is soft but not melted.
Using a fork stir in honey while smashing up the butter until fully combined.
It should be thick but easily spreadable.
If you melted the butter too much just pop in the refrigerator and allow it to slightly harden.
Slice cornbread and serve warm with a generous helping of honey butter.

Notes

*We love to keep recipes simple and rustic in a 9" cast iron skillet. But a 9" round or square baking dish works just as well. Plus, you can double the recipe and bake in a 9"x13" dish. OR, make 12 muffins. You'll need to adjust the time if you double the recipe or make them into muffins. Just be sure to keep an eye on it and remove once lightly brown around edges and the center springs back.

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