Classic American Cornbread (Printable)

Golden-crusted American quick bread with tender, moist interior and balanced sweet-savory flavor.

# What You'll Need:

→ 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 sea salt

→ Wet Ingredients

07 - 1 cup whole milk or buttermilk
08 - 2 large eggs
09 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
10 - 1/4 cup vegetable oil
11 - 2 tablespoons honey (optional)

# How To Make It:

01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Grease an 8-inch square pan or 9-inch cast-iron skillet with butter or nonstick spray.
02 - Whisk together cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl until thoroughly blended.
03 - In a separate medium bowl, whisk milk, eggs, melted butter, oil, and honey until fully combined and smooth.
04 - Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients. Fold gently with a spatula until just combined; do not overmix as this will affect texture.
05 - Transfer batter to the prepared pan or skillet. Smooth the top evenly with a spatula.
06 - Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
07 - Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes before slicing into squares and serving warm.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • The combination of butter and oil creates that irresistible crispy bottom while keeping the crumb tender
  • This recipe walks the perfect line between sweet and savory, making it versatile enough for any meal
  • Ready in under 40 minutes from start to finish, which feels like magic on busy weeknights
02 -
  • Overmixing develops gluten and makes cornbread tough, so stop stirring as soon as the flour disappears
  • Letting the batter rest for 5 minutes before baking helps the cornmeal hydrate for a more tender result
  • That 10 minute cooling period is crucial for the bread to set without falling apart when you slice it
03 -
  • Put your pan in the oven while it preheats, then carefully pour in the batter for an extra crispy crust
  • Room temperature ingredients blend more easily and create a more uniform texture
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