Classic Soul Food Cornbread Skillet

Featured in: Southern Comfort

This Southern-style cornbread offers a perfect balance of moist crumb and golden crust by baking it in a hot cast-iron skillet. The batter blends cornmeal, flour, and a touch of sugar, enhanced by melted butter and milk for richness. Served warm with a smooth honey butter, it embodies comfort and tradition, ideal as a side for barbecue or chili. Variations include adding cheddar, jalapeños, or corn kernels for extra flavor twists.

Updated on Fri, 13 Mar 2026 00:20:23 GMT
Golden, moist Southern-style cornbread baked in a cast-iron skillet, served warm with luscious honey butter for the ultimate comfort food experience. Save
Golden, moist Southern-style cornbread baked in a cast-iron skillet, served warm with luscious honey butter for the ultimate comfort food experience. | dashofstates.com

Experience the warmth of Southern hospitality with this Classic Soul Food Cornbread Skillet, a golden, moist cornbread baked to perfection in a cast-iron skillet. Topped with luscious honey butter that melts into every bite, this humble side dish elevates any meal into the ultimate comfort food experience.

Golden, moist Southern-style cornbread baked in a cast-iron skillet, served warm with luscious honey butter for the ultimate comfort food experience. Save
Golden, moist Southern-style cornbread baked in a cast-iron skillet, served warm with luscious honey butter for the ultimate comfort food experience. | dashofstates.com

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This cornbread brings a soulful touch to your table, whether it’s family dinner or a special gathering. The warm skillet presentation invites everyone to savor the buttery honey spread slowly melting on each slice, making every mouthful a nostalgic delight.

Ingredients

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  • 1 cup (125 g) yellow cornmeal
  • 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 3/4 teaspoon fine salt
  • 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk (or buttermilk for extra tang)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/4 cup (60 g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) vegetable oil
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for greasing)
  • 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened (for honey butter)
  • 2 tablespoons honey (for honey butter)
  • Pinch of salt (for honey butter)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place a 10-inch cast-iron skillet in the oven to heat while you prepare the batter.
In a large bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In a separate bowl, whisk the milk, eggs, melted butter, and vegetable oil until well combined.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined; do not overmix.
Carefully remove the hot skillet from the oven. Add 2 tablespoons butter and swirl to coat the bottom and sides.
Pour the batter into the hot, buttered skillet, smoothing the top.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
While the cornbread bakes, make the honey butter: In a small bowl, beat the softened butter with honey and a pinch of salt until smooth and fluffy.
Let the cornbread cool for 5–10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with honey butter.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

For extra richness, substitute buttermilk for whole milk. This will add a pleasant tang and make the cornbread even more tender and flavorful.

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Varianten und Anpassungen

Add 1 cup corn kernels, shredded cheddar, or chopped jalapeños to the batter for variety and extra flavor to suit your taste preferences.

Serviervorschläge

This cornbread pairs beautifully with barbecue, chili, or classic fried chicken, making it a versatile and beloved side dish for many Southern meals.

Save
| dashofstates.com

This Classic Soul Food Cornbread Skillet with Honey Butter is more than just a side – it’s a cherished taste of Southern tradition and comfort, ready to bring smiles and full stomachs to your family table.

Recipe FAQ

What gives the cornbread its moist texture?

The combination of whole milk, melted butter, and a careful mixing process helps keep the cornbread tender and moist.

Why use a cast-iron skillet for baking?

Preheating the cast-iron skillet creates a crispy, golden crust while evenly baking the cornbread inside.

Can I substitute buttermilk for the milk?

Yes, buttermilk adds a subtle tang and extra richness, enhancing the depth of flavor.

How is the honey butter made?

Honey butter blends softened unsalted butter with honey and a pinch of salt until smooth and fluffy, adding a sweet, creamy finish.

What are optional add-ins for this cornbread?

You can incorporate corn kernels, shredded cheddar, or chopped jalapeños to customize flavor and texture.

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Classic Soul Food Cornbread Skillet

Golden, moist cornbread baked in skillet and served warm with rich honey butter for comfort.

Prep duration
15 min
Cook duration
25 min
Complete duration
40 min
Created by Jordan Miller


Complexity Easy

Heritage American Southern

Output 8 Portions

Nutritional considerations Meat-free

Components

Dry Ingredients

01 1 cup yellow cornmeal
02 1 cup all-purpose flour
03 1/4 cup granulated sugar
04 1 tablespoon baking powder
05 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
06 3/4 teaspoon fine salt

Wet Ingredients

01 1 cup whole milk
02 2 large eggs
03 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
04 1/4 cup vegetable oil

For Greasing

01 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Honey Butter

01 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
02 2 tablespoons honey
03 Pinch of salt

Method

Phase 01

Preheat Oven and Prepare Skillet: Preheat oven to 425°F. Place a 10-inch cast-iron skillet inside to heat for 5 minutes while preparing batter.

Phase 02

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly distributed.

Phase 03

Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, melted butter, and vegetable oil until thoroughly combined.

Phase 04

Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Pour wet ingredient mixture into dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain tender crumb structure.

Phase 05

Prepare Hot Skillet: Carefully remove hot skillet from oven. Add 2 tablespoons butter and swirl to coat bottom and sides evenly.

Phase 06

Pour Batter: Transfer batter into prepared hot skillet and smooth the surface with a spatula for even baking.

Phase 07

Bake Cornbread: Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into center comes out clean.

Phase 08

Prepare Honey Butter: While cornbread bakes, beat softened butter with honey and pinch of salt in small bowl until smooth and fluffy.

Phase 09

Cool and Serve: Remove cornbread from oven and let cool for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with honey butter.

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Necessary tools

  • 10-inch cast-iron skillet
  • Large mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Rubber spatula
  • Small mixing bowl

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and seek professional medical guidance if you're uncertain.
  • Contains milk
  • Contains eggs
  • Contains wheat and gluten
  • Check packaged cornmeal and flour labels for cross-contamination warnings

Nutrient breakdown (each portion)

These figures are approximate and shouldn't replace professional health advice.
  • Energy: 275
  • Fats: 15 g
  • Carbohydrates: 33 g
  • Proteins: 4 g

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