Honey Butter Skillet Cornbread

Introduction

Honey Butter Skillet Cornbread is a golden, tender, slightly sweet cornbread baked to perfection in a cast-iron skillet. The edges are crispy, the center is soft and fluffy, and it’s finished with a generous brush of honey butter that melts into the warm bread. Perfect for pairing with soups, chili, barbecue, or even enjoying on its own, this cornbread is a comfort food classic that’s both simple and irresistible.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it delivers cornbread that’s crisp on the outside, soft on the inside, and perfectly sweetened with honey. The butter and honey glaze elevates the flavor and gives it a moist, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Cooking it in a cast-iron skillet adds a rustic charm and ensures even baking with beautifully browned edges. It’s easy, satisfying, and evokes the cozy warmth of Southern cooking.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This dish is a must-try because it combines the perfect balance of sweetness and buttery richness with a soft, tender crumb and a lightly crisp exterior. Unlike boxed mixes, this cornbread has a homemade, rustic flavor that pairs perfectly with soups, stews, chili, or roasted meats. The honey butter glaze is the finishing touch that makes each bite indulgent and memorable. It’s a crowd-pleaser, simple to make, and perfect for both everyday meals and special occasions.

Preparation Time & Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20–25 minutes
• Total Time: 30–35 minutes
• Servings: 6–8
• Calories: Approximately 220 per serving

Cuisine & Course

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

Ingredients

For the Cornbread:

• 1 cup yellow cornmeal
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup milk
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tbsp honey

For the Honey Butter:

• 3 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
• 1–2 tbsp honey

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place a 9-inch cast-iron skillet in the oven to warm.
2. In a bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In another bowl, whisk milk, eggs, melted butter, and honey. Combine wet and dry ingredients.
4. Carefully remove hot skillet from oven, grease with butter, and pour batter into skillet.
5. Bake 20–25 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
6. Mix honey butter and spread over hot cornbread. Serve warm.

Step-by-Step Recipe Preparation Method

1. Preheat Oven & Skillet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place a 9-inch cast-iron skillet inside to warm while preparing the batter.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together 1 cup cornmeal, 3/4 cup flour, 1/4 cup sugar, 1 tbsp baking powder, and 1/2 tsp salt.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together 1 cup milk, 2 eggs, 1/4 cup melted butter, and 2 tbsp honey until smooth.
4. Combine Ingredients: Pour wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. Prepare Skillet: Carefully remove hot skillet from oven using oven mitts. Add a small amount of butter to coat the skillet.
6. Pour & Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared skillet. Bake in preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Make Honey Butter: While cornbread bakes, mix 3 tbsp softened butter with 1–2 tbsp honey in a small bowl until smooth.
8. Serve: Spread honey butter over hot cornbread and serve immediately.

How to Serve

Serve warm as a side dish with chili, soups, roasted meats, or barbecues. It can also be sliced and enjoyed as a breakfast treat with additional honey or jam.

Additional Recipe Tips

• Do not overmix batter; overmixing can make cornbread dense.
• Use a hot skillet to ensure crispy edges and even baking.
• Cornbread is best served fresh, but it can be reheated in the oven.
• Adjust honey in honey butter to taste for extra sweetness.

Variations

• Cheesy Cornbread: Add 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese to the batter.
• Spicy Cornbread: Add 1 diced jalapeño or 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper for a kick.
• Herb Variation: Mix in 1 tsp dried thyme or rosemary for savory flavor.
• Maple Butter: Replace honey with maple syrup for a different flavor profile.

Freezing & Storage

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in oven or microwave.
• Freezing: Cool completely, wrap in foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in oven at 350°F (175°C) until warm.

Special Equipment Needed

• 9-inch cast-iron skillet (preferred for best crust)
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk or spatula
• Oven

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I use a different pan instead of a cast-iron skillet?
A: Yes, a metal or oven-safe baking dish works, but cast-iron gives the best crispy edges.

Q2: Can I make this cornbread ahead of time?
A: Yes, prepare batter ahead and bake just before serving.

Q3: Can I make it gluten-free?
A: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

Q4: Can I use light or skim milk?
A: Yes, but the cornbread may be slightly less rich and tender.

Conclusion

Honey Butter Skillet Cornbread is a golden, tender, and slightly sweet bread with a crisp edge and rich, buttery flavor. Perfect as a side for chili, soups, roasted meats, or enjoyed on its own, it’s simple to make yet impressive in taste. The honey butter glaze adds a luscious finish that elevates the dish, making it a must-try for any occasion. Warm, comforting, and utterly irresistible, this cornbread is sure to become a favorite in any household.