Buttermilk Cornbread
Golden cornbread with crisp edges and tender crumb.
Buttermilk Cornbread is a classic protein-forward American recipe built around a handful of pantry staples. It serves 6 and comes together in roughly 35 minutes from prep to plate. It is an approachable, beginner-friendly dish — the kind of recipe you can put on the table in about 35 minutes without much fuss. The method leans on oven-baking, which is what gives the finished dish its signature texture and depth.
The headline ingredients here are cornmeal, flour and baking powder. Spend a little time choosing well: fresher, more carefully-sourced versions of these will lift the whole plate, while every other element is mostly there to support them.
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280
kcal
7g
Protein
38g
Carbs
11g
Fat
Ingredients
- cornmeal1 cup
- flour1 cup
- baking powder1 tbsp
- sugar3 tbsp
- buttermilk1.25 cups
- egg2
- butter80 g melted
Method
- 1Step 1 ~9 min
Whisk dry ingredients.
- 2Step 2 ~9 min
Beat wet ingredients; combine.
- 3Step 3 ~9 min
Pour into a hot buttered cast-iron pan.
- 4Step 4 ~9 min
Bake 200°C 22 min until golden.
Per-step times are approximate and based on the total cook time of 35 minutes.
Pro tips & common mistakes
- Preheat the oven fully, and use the middle rack unless the recipe says otherwise — that is where the heat is most even.
- Do not rush the rise. Yeast doughs taste better and stretch more easily after a long, slow proof.
- Taste a small spoonful just before serving and adjust salt, acid (lemon or vinegar) and heat — that final balance check is what separates a good home cook from a great one.
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Frequently asked questions
- How long does Buttermilk Cornbread take to cook?
- From prep to plate, Buttermilk Cornbread takes about 35 minutes and yields 6 servings. About a third of that is hands-on; the rest is the cooking itself.
- Is Buttermilk Cornbread vegetarian?
- No — this version contains non-vegetarian ingredients (cornmeal, flour, baking powder). For a vegetarian take, replace the main protein with paneer, halloumi, mushrooms or extra-firm tofu and keep the same spices.
- What are the key ingredients in Buttermilk Cornbread?
- The headline ingredients are cornmeal, flour, baking powder. The rest of the list is supporting cast — spices, aromatics and pantry staples — that round out the flavour rather than carry it.
- Can I scale this recipe up or down?
- Yes. The ingredient quantities scale linearly: halve for 3 servings or double for 12. Cooking times stay roughly the same, except for anything that depends on pan surface area — if you double a stir-fry, cook it in two batches rather than crowding the pan.
- How should I store the leftovers?
- Let leftovers cool to room temperature, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently — low heat on the stove with a splash of water, or short bursts in the microwave covered with a damp paper towel so it does not dry out.
- Can I freeze Buttermilk Cornbread?
- Yes. Cool fully, portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 1 month. Defrost overnight in the fridge and reheat gently; you may need a splash of water or stock to bring the sauce back to its original consistency.
- What should I serve with Buttermilk Cornbread?
- Buttermilk Cornbread pairs naturally with classic american sides — a simple grain, a fresh salad, or a light pickle to cut through richness. Aim for something that contrasts the main dish in texture or temperature rather than echoing it.
- What if I do not have one of the main ingredients?
- Most ingredients in this recipe have sensible swaps. Match like-for-like by texture and cooking time and you will land somewhere close to the original.