Description
This crispy honey butter cornbread uses just 4 ingredients for a golden, crunchy crust and moist center. Perfect for Labor Day or weeknight dinners on a budget.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup yellow cornmeal
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup melted butter (for batter)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (for greasing pan)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (for topping)
- 2–3 tablespoons honey (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Place an empty 10-inch cast-iron skillet in the oven to heat for 15-20 minutes.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, and 1/4 cup melted butter.
- Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir gently with a fork until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Carefully remove the hot skillet from the oven. Add 1/4 cup butter to the hot pan and swirl to coat. Immediately pour in the batter; it should sizzle.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until the top is deep golden brown and edges pull away from the pan. Do not open the oven for the first 15 minutes.
- While baking, melt 1/4 cup butter and honey together for the topping.
- As soon as the cornbread is done, brush or pour the honey butter mixture over the hot bread. Let sit for 5 minutes before slicing.
Notes
The secret to crispiness is a screaming hot cast-iron skillet. If you don’t have cast iron, use a heavy-bottomed oven-safe skillet. Avoid non-stick or glass pans. For a tangier flavor, substitute milk with buttermilk or add vinegar/lemon juice to milk. This recipe can be made gluten-free by using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Cuisine: American/Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 12
- Sodium: 350
- Fat: 14
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 5
Keywords: crispy honey butter cornbread, cast iron cornbread, easy cornbread recipe, side dish, southern cornbread, gluten-free option