Ooey Gooey Bars

Grandmother's Buttermilk Cornbread Recipe

Few things bring back memories of warm Southern kitchens quite like a slice of buttery, golden cornbread. This recipe for Grandmother's Buttermilk Cornbread is a time-tested classic that delivers the perfect balance of sweetness and texture. Whether you serve it with chili, soup, fried chicken, or just a pat of butter and a drizzle of honey, it will never disappoint.

 

Quick Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 9 generous squares

Ingredients

• ½ cup butter (1 stick)
• ⅔ cup white sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup buttermilk
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease an 8-inch square baking dish.
2. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Remove from heat and stir in the sugar until well combined.
3. Quickly beat in the eggs, one at a time, mixing vigorously so the eggs don’t cook in the warm butter.
4. Stir in the buttermilk and baking soda until fully incorporated.
5. Add the cornmeal, flour, and salt. Stir just until the mixture comes together and no dry spots remain—don’t overmix.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth out the top.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 28–32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown.
8. Let cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Why You'll Love This Cornbread

• Rich Flavor: The butter and buttermilk provide deep, comforting flavor.
• Moist Texture: No dry, crumbly bites—just soft, cake-like goodness.
• Easy to Make: One bowl, simple ingredients, foolproof method.
• Versatile: Pairs with savory meals, breakfast spreads, or desserts.

Serving Suggestions

This buttermilk cornbread shines on its own, but here are a few ways to serve it:

• With Chili: Scoop up spicy chili with thick wedges of cornbread.
• Drizzled with Honey: Perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack.
• Beside BBQ: Serve warm with smoked meats and tangy slaw.
• Crumbled in Milk: A nostalgic Southern tradition for a simple supper.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 1 week or freeze slices for up to 2 months. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving for best taste and texture.

Flavor Variations

• Cheesy Jalapeño: Add ½ cup shredded cheddar and 1 chopped jalapeño.
• Sweet Corn: Fold in ¾ cup corn kernels for a fresh pop.
• Maple Touch: Replace sugar with maple syrup for earthy sweetness.
• Herb-Infused: Add chopped rosemary or thyme for a savory profile.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

Yes, but the tangy flavor of buttermilk adds depth. If you don’t have it, add 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup of milk and let sit for 5 minutes.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.

Can I bake this in a cast-iron skillet?

Yes! Heat the skillet in the oven first and grease it well. Pour in the batter and bake as directed for crispy edges and rustic texture.

Nutrition (Per Serving)

• Calories: 215
• Fat: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Sugar: 12g
• Protein: 4g

Final Thoughts

Grandmother’s Buttermilk Cornbread is more than just a recipe—it’s a taste of home, a slice of nostalgia, and a reliable favorite that brings everyone to the table. Whether you’re baking for Sunday supper, a holiday feast, or simply to satisfy a craving, this cornbread never fails to deliver comfort and joy.

Making It Your Own

Every home cook brings their own touch to a beloved recipe. Maybe you like it a little sweeter. Maybe you prefer a crumbly texture. This recipe is just the foundation — your kitchen is the canvas. Add chopped herbs, blend in roasted garlic, or serve it with spiced honey butter. With each new variation, you add your signature to the legacy of this timeless dish.

Cornbread Memories

Ask anyone from the South, and they’ll have a story about cornbread. Maybe it’s a memory of eating it straight from a cast iron skillet in their grandmother’s kitchen. Maybe it was the way it soaked up stew during cold winter nights. These moments are what make food magical — it connects us to people, places, and the comfort of home. Let this recipe be your new tradition, or a way to remember an old one.

Did You Try It?

We’d love to hear how your cornbread turned out! Did you stick to the classic? Try a twist? Leave a comment on our blog or tag us on social media with a photo of your masterpiece. Sharing food is how traditions live on, and your version just might inspire someone else to get baking.

Cornbread in American Cuisine

Cornbread is more than just a Southern staple — it's a part of American food history. Native Americans used cornmeal long before settlers arrived, and over generations, the humble ingredient evolved into countless forms: hushpuppies, hoe cakes, spoonbread, and skillet cornbread. Each region, each family, each cook, adds their own touch, turning cornmeal into comfort food rooted in tradition and simplicity.

In the Midwest, it’s often enjoyed with beans or baked into stuffing for holidays. In the South, it's revered with a crisp crust and soft interior. Even in modern kitchens, chefs are elevating cornbread with smoked salts, artisanal cheeses, or farm-fresh herbs. But no matter how gourmet or rustic it gets, the heart of cornbread remains the same — it's food meant to be shared.

Cornbread as a Gift

Yes, you read that right — cornbread makes a fantastic homemade gift. Whether you're thanking a neighbor, welcoming someone to a new home, or contributing to a bake sale, wrapping up warm slices of buttermilk cornbread in parchment paper and twine offers a personal, heartfelt gesture. Pair it with a jar of homemade jam or honey butter for a full Southern-inspired gift basket.

Cornbread for All Seasons

This cornbread isn’t just for chilly nights or holiday dinners. It fits into every season with a little imagination:

• Spring: Add fresh chives and serve with asparagus soup.
• Summer: Grill slices and serve with peach salsa or BBQ.
• Fall: Bake it with sage and serve beside roasted root vegetables.
• Winter: Mix in cranberries or orange zest and serve with hot cider.

Hosting Tip: Cornbread Bar

Hosting a brunch or holiday breakfast? Set up a DIY Cornbread Bar! Offer mini cornbread muffins and bowls of toppings like flavored butters, jams, honey, shredded cheese, and chili. Guests can mix and match flavors to their heart’s content. It’s an interactive, affordable, and cozy addition to your gathering that everyone will remember.

A Toast to Grandmother's Kitchen

There’s something sacred about recipes passed down from our elders. They carry more than taste — they carry history, love, wisdom, and patience. Every time you bake this buttermilk cornbread, you’re recreating a piece of someone’s legacy. It might be your grandmother’s recipe, or it might become the one you’re known for. Either way, it has roots — and now it has wings to spread into new homes and hearts.

Final Serving Tip

Serve your warm cornbread with a generous pat of butter and a drizzle of honey, and eat it slowly. Savor every bite. This is not fast food — it’s food that reminds us to slow down, gather around the table, and enjoy the little things.

Edit This Article