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The Best Moist & Fluffy Southern Buttermilk Cornbread

Close-up of a square slice of fluffy, golden buttermilk cornbread with a slightly crisp top, sitting on a white plate.

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Make this classic Southern buttermilk cornbread for a moist, tender side dish with crispy edges. This easy recipe uses simple ingredients and is perfect for serving with chili or barbecue.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/2 cups yellow cornmeal
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar (adjust for sweetness preference)
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted (plus extra for greasing the skillet)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place a 10-inch cast iron skillet in the oven while it preheats.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
  3. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, milk, and eggs until combined.
  4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix gently until just combined; do not overmix.
  5. Carefully remove the hot skillet from the oven. Add about 2 tablespoons of butter to the hot skillet and swirl it around until the butter melts and coats the bottom and sides.
  6. Pour the melted butter from the skillet into the batter and stir quickly to incorporate.
  7. Immediately pour the batter into the hot, buttered skillet.
  8. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  9. Let the cornbread cool in the skillet for 5 minutes before slicing and serving warm.

Notes

  • For a crispier crust, use only butter to grease the skillet and ensure the skillet is very hot before adding the batter.
  • If you prefer a less sweet cornbread, reduce the sugar to 1 tablespoon or omit it entirely for a savory version.
  • This recipe works well in a 9×9 inch baking pan if you do not have a cast iron skillet.

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