How to Make Cast Iron Cornbread

A Southern inspired classic that’s made to perfection!

Golden, buttery, and slightly sweet, this Cast Iron Cornbread is the perfect side dish to complement any meal. Baked to perfection in a sizzling hot cast iron skillet, this Southern-inspired cornbread delivers crispy edges and a soft, tender center that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re serving it with chili, fried chicken, or simply enjoying it with a pat of butter and a drizzle of honey, this recipe brings a rustic charm and irresistible flavor to the table.

What sets this cornbread apart is the rich blend of ingredients, including whole milk, honey, and a touch of granulated sugar work together to create just the right amount of sweetness without overwhelming the classic corn flavor. The addition of unsalted butter adds a smooth, creamy finish, while a tablespoon of melted butter in the preheated cast iron skillet creates that crave-worthy crust. Cornmeal provides the hearty texture you expect, while cornstarch and baking powder help give the bread a light, cake-like crumb that balances beautifully with the crispy edges.

This easy, one-bowl recipe is a go-to for weeknight dinners, holiday gatherings, and everything in between. It comes together in just a few simple steps and requires pantry staples you likely already have on hand. Plus, baking it in a cast iron skillet not only improves the flavor and texture but also gives it that beautiful rustic presentation.

Whether you’re an expert on cornbread (baking it or eating it) or trying it for the first time, this Cast Iron Skillet Cornbread will become a staple in your kitchen. Serve it warm, straight from the skillet, and get ready for the compliments to pour in!

Grocery List for the Cast Iron Cornbread Recipe

• 2 large eggs
• ¾ cup whole milk
• ¼ cup vegetable oil
• ¼ cup honey
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup yellow cornmeal
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 2 tsp cornstarch
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1 tbsp butter (for heating in the skillet)

Print Recipe

How to Make Cast Iron Cornbread

Author: Patrick Lee

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 25 mins Rest Time 10 mins Total Time 50 mins

Cooking Temp: 400  F Servings: 8

Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Description

This Cast Iron Cornbread is soft in the center, crisp on the edges, and infused with rich honey-butter flavor, perfect for any meal!

Ingredients

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Servings

• 2 large eggs
• ³⁄₄ cup whole milk
• ¹⁄₄ cup vegetable oil
• ¹⁄₄ cup cup honey
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup yellow cornmeal
• ¹⁄₂ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 2 tsp cornstarch
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1 tbsp butter (for heating the skillet)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C). Place in a cast iron skillet inside while the oven preheats.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, vegetable oil, honey, and melted butter until fully combined.
3. In a separate bowl, mix the cornmeal, granulated sugar, baking powder, cornstarch, and kosher salt.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Do not overmix.
5. Carefully remove the hot skillet from the oven and add 1 tablespoon of butter, swirling it around to coat the bottom and sides of the pan.
6. Pour the batter into the hot skillet and smooth the top with a spatula.
7. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Let cool for 5–10 minutes before slicing and serving warm with extra honey or butter if desired.

Keywords: homemade, cornbread, honey, honey butter, cast iron, cast iron recipes, cast iron cornbread

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