Cornbread with Honey Butter

Cornbread is a timeless comfort food, loved especially in Southern American cuisine for its warm, rustic flavor and tender texture. There’s something incredibly satisfying about a fresh slice—slightly crumbly, golden, and fragrant—right out of the oven. When paired with sweet, creamy honey butter, it becomes a treat that feels both homestyle and indulgent.

Whether you’re serving it alongside chili, barbecue, fried chicken, or enjoying it warm with coffee or tea, cornbread transforms simple ingredients into something wonderful. This recipe strikes the perfect balance: moist yet lightly crumbly, buttery yet not overly rich, and sweet without overpowering the natural corn flavor.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this cornbread recipe because it’s incredibly simple, quick to make, and never fails to impress. The lightly sweetened crumb and the melt-in-your-mouth honey butter make each bite irresistible. It’s versatile enough to serve for breakfast, dinner, or as a holiday table essential.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

You should try this recipe because:

✔ It’s easy and beginner-friendly
✔ Uses basic pantry ingredients
✔ Ready in under 30 minutes
✔ Works for everyday meals or special occasions
✔ Perfect pairing for soups, stews, and grilled dishes

Once you try homemade cornbread with honey butter, the boxed versions won’t compare.

Recipe Details

Category	Information
Preparation Time	10 minutes
Cooking Time	20–25 minutes
Total Time	30–35 minutes
Servings	8–10 slices
Cuisine	Southern / American
Course	Side Dish / Bread
Calories	~290 calories per serving (including honey butter)

Ingredients

For the Cornbread:

• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup granulated sugar (adjust for sweetness)
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup buttermilk (or milk + 1 tbsp vinegar)
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Honey Butter:

• ½ cup softened unsalted butter
• 2–3 tablespoons honey
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
• Pinch of salt (optional, enhances flavor)

Cooking Directions (Summary)

1. Mix dry ingredients.
2. Mix wet ingredients separately.
3. Combine and stir.
4. Bake until golden.
5. Prepare honey butter and serve warm.

Step-by-Step Preparation

Step 1: Preheat Oven

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan or cast-iron skillet.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together:

• Cornmeal
• Flour
• Sugar
• Salt
• Baking powder
• Baking soda

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk:

• Eggs
• Buttermilk
• Melted butter

Step 4: Combine

Pour wet mixture into dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix—some lumps are okay.

Step 5: Bake

Pour batter into prepared pan and bake 20–25 minutes, or until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.

Step 6: Make Honey Butter

Mix softened butter with honey and vanilla until smooth and creamy.

Step 7: Serve

Let cornbread cool slightly, slice, and spread generously with honey butter.

How to Serve

Serve cornbread:

Warm with honey butter (best!)

Alongside soups, stews, or chili

With barbecue or grilled meats

As part of a breakfast plate with eggs

Recipe Tips

• For a golden crust, bake in a cast-iron skillet preheated with butter.
• Use buttermilk for extra tenderness.
• Don’t overmix or bread will be dense.
• Add extra honey butter while cornbread is warm—it melts in beautifully.

Variations

Chunky Sweet Corn

Add ½ cup fresh, canned, or frozen corn kernels.

Spicy Jalapeño Cheddar

Add:

• ½ cup shredded cheddar
• 1–2 chopped jalapeños

Maple Cornbread

Replace sugar with maple syrup and honey with maple butter.

Whole Grain Version

Swap half the flour for whole wheat flour.

Storage & Freezing

Method	Storage Time
Room Temperature (airtight)	2–3 days
Refrigerator	Up to 5 days
Freezer	Up to 3 months

Reheat in the oven or microwave and refresh with a little butter.

Honey butter can be stored in the fridge for 2 weeks or frozen for 3 months.

Special Equipment Needed

• 8×8 baking pan or cast iron skillet
• Mixing bowls and whisk
• Spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons

Conclusion

Cornbread with Honey Butter is a simple yet unforgettable recipe that brings warmth, nostalgia, and delicious flavor to any meal. With its tender crumb and beautifully sweet topping, it’s a side dish that feels special enough for holidays yet easy enough for everyday dinners. Once you make it from scratch, it’ll become a regular part of your kitchen traditions.