Cornbread with Honey Butter

Cornbread with Honey Butter is the ultimate comfort side dish—warm, golden, and tender with just the right balance of savory corn flavor and gentle sweetness. Fresh from the oven, cornbread has a lightly crisp crust and a soft, moist crumb that melts in your mouth. When paired with creamy honey butter, it becomes irresistible: the butter melts into the bread, while the honey adds a rich, floral sweetness that elevates every bite.

Rooted in classic American and Southern cooking, cornbread has long been a staple at family tables, barbecues, and holiday feasts. This version is easy enough for weeknight dinners yet special enough for celebrations. Whether served alongside chili, soup, or enjoyed on its own, cornbread with honey butter is pure comfort food.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it is:

• Simple, nostalgic, and deeply comforting
• Made with pantry staples
• Perfectly moist—not dry or crumbly
• Delicious as both a side dish and a snack
• Even better with homemade honey butter

It’s one of those recipes that fills the kitchen with warmth and happy memories.

Why This Is a Must-Try Dish

• A timeless American classic
• Pairs beautifully with soups, stews, and BBQ
• Easy to make, even for beginners
• Loved by kids and adults alike
• The honey butter takes it to the next level

Preparation Time, Cooking Time & Servings

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20–25 minutes
• Total Time: ~30–35 minutes
• Servings: 9 squares

Calories: ~280–320 calories per serving (including honey butter)

Course & Cuisine

• Course: Side Dish / Bread
• Cuisine: American / Southern

Ingredients

For the Cornbread

• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup milk (or buttermilk)
• 2 large eggs
• ⅓ cup vegetable oil or melted butter

For the Honey Butter

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3 tablespoons honey
• Pinch of salt

Cooking Directions

• Mix dry and wet ingredients separately
• Combine to form batter
• Bake until golden
• Whip honey butter and serve warm

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat oven to 200°C / 400°F. Grease or line an 8×8-inch baking dish.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk milk, eggs, and oil (or melted butter) until smooth.

Step 4: Combine the Batter

Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Do not overmix.

Step 5: Bake

Pour batter into prepared baking dish. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Step 6: Make Honey Butter

In a small bowl, mix softened butter, honey, and salt until smooth and creamy.

Step 7: Serve

Let cornbread cool slightly. Serve warm with generous honey butter.

How to Serve

• Serve warm with honey butter melting on top
• Pair with chili, soups, or stews
• Serve alongside BBQ meats
• Enjoy as a snack with tea or coffee

Recipe Tips

• Don’t overmix batter—this keeps cornbread tender
• Use buttermilk for extra moisture and flavor
• Bake in a cast-iron skillet for crispy edges
• Adjust sugar to taste if you prefer less sweetness
• Serve warm for best texture

Variations

1. Southern-Style Cornbread: Reduce sugar for a savory version
2. Cheddar Cornbread: Add 1 cup shredded cheddar
3. Jalapeño Cornbread: Add diced jalapeños for heat
4. Cornbread Muffins: Bake in muffin tin for 15–18 minutes
5. Maple Butter: Swap honey for maple syrup

Freezing and Storage

Storage

• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days
• Refrigerate for up to 5 days

Freezing

• Freeze cornbread (without honey butter) for up to 3 months
• Thaw and warm before serving
• Honey butter can be frozen separately for 2 months

Special Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Baking dish or cast-iron skillet
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula

Conclusion

Cornbread with Honey Butter is a timeless, comforting recipe that brings warmth and flavor to any meal. Moist, golden cornbread paired with rich, sweet honey butter is simple yet unforgettable. Whether served as a side dish or enjoyed on its own, this recipe is a must-have for every home cook.