Cheesy Cornbread Recipe

There's nothing quite like pulling a skillet of golden, bubbling cheesy cornbread recipe from the oven. The cheese stretches as you cut into it, the edges are perfectly crispy, and that first warm bite? Pure comfort. I've been making this cheesy cornbread recipe for years, tweaking it until it became the star of every family dinner and potluck. Whether you're serving it alongside chili, BBQ ribs, or just slathering it with butter, this cheesy cornbread recipe delivers every single time.

What makes this cheesy cornbread recipe stand out is the perfect balance of sweet corn flavor, sharp cheddar cheese, and that signature tender crumb. No dry, crumbly disasters here. This is the moist, fluffy cornbread you've been searching for, and it comes together in one bowl with ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. Whether you enjoy it as a side with dinner or warm it up for a comforting breakfast, this cheesy cornbread always delivers.

The Secret Behind This Southern Favorite

Cornbread has deep roots in Southern cooking, where it's been a staple for generations. But adding cheese? That's when magic happens. This homemade cheesy cornbread takes the classic and turns it into something unforgettable. The cheddar melts into golden pockets throughout, creating little bursts of savory goodness in every bite.

This easy cheesy cornbread pairs beautifully with hearty soups, smoky BBQ, spicy chili, or even a simple bowl of beans. I love serving it at family gatherings because it disappears fast. The combination of cornmeal's slight crunch and the gooey cheese creates a texture that keeps people coming back for seconds. Plus, it's versatile enough to customize with jalapeños, different cheese varieties, or even a touch of honey for extra sweetness.

Jump to:

• Ingredients
• Instructions
• Recipe Variations & Substitutions
• Equipment Recommendations
• Storage & Meal Prep Tips
• The Buttermilk Secret That Changes Everything
• FAQ
• Bring It All Together with Comfort Food Magic
• Related
• Pairing
• Cheesy Cornbread Recipe

Ingredients

• Yellow cornmeal
• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Buttermilk
• Eggs
• Melted butter (or vegetable oil)
• Shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• Shredded Monterey Jack cheese (optional)
• Jalapeños, diced (optional)

See recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

Prep Your Kitchen

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F.
2. Grease a 9-inch cast-iron skillet or 9x9-inch baking pan with butter or cooking spray.
3. If using a cast-iron skillet, place it in the oven while preheating to get it nice and hot; this creates those crispy edges everyone loves.
4. Gather all your ingredients and measuring tools to make the process smooth.

Mix the Dry Ingredients

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
2. Make sure there are no lumps; everything should be evenly combined.
3. This step takes just 2 minutes but ensures even distribution of leavening agents.
4. Set this bowl aside while you prepare the wet ingredients.

Combine Wet Ingredients and Cheese

1. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together buttermilk, eggs, and melted butter until smooth.
2. Reserve ½ cup of the shredded cheddar for topping.
3. Add the remaining cheese (and jalapeños if using) to the wet mixture.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and fold gently with a spatula.
5. Mix until just combined; small lumps are perfectly fine and keep your skillet cheesy cornbread tender.
6. Overmixing creates tough, dense cornbread, so stop when you no longer see dry flour.

Bake to Golden Perfection

1. Let it cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing; this helps it set properly.
2. Carefully remove your hot skillet from the oven (if using).
3. Pour the batter into your prepared pan or skillet.
4. Sprinkle the reserved cheese on top for that irresistible golden crust.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. The edges should be slightly crispy while the center stays moist.

Expert Cooking Tips

• Temperature Matters Keep your ingredients at room temperature for better mixing. Cold eggs and buttermilk don't incorporate as smoothly, which can affect texture. Take them out of the fridge 30 minutes before baking.
• The Cast-Iron Advantage Using a preheated cast-iron skillet isn't just traditional; it creates those coveted crispy edges. The hot skillet sears the bottom and sides immediately, giving you texture contrast that's absolutely delicious.
• Don't Overmix This is the number one mistake people make. When you see flour streaks in your batter, resist the urge to keep stirring. Those lumps will disappear during baking, and you'll have tender, fluffy results instead of a hockey puck.
• Cheese Selection Strategy Sharp cheddar brings bold flavor, but mixing cheeses creates complexity. Try combining cheddar with pepper jack for heat, or add some cream cheese cubes for pockets of tanginess. Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-shredded because it doesn't contain anti-caking agents.
• Honey Butter Finishing Touch Mix softened butter with honey and spread it on warm slices. This simple addition turns good cornbread into something memorable.
• Test for Doneness The toothpick test is reliable, but also look for golden edges pulling away from the pan slightly. The top should spring back when lightly pressed.

Recipe Variations & Substitutions

Dietary Modifications

• Gluten-Free Version Replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Bob's Red Mill and King Arthur both make excellent options. Your cornbread will be just as delicious.
• Dairy-Free Alternative Swap buttermilk for almond milk mixed with lemon juice, use dairy-free butter alternatives, and choose dairy-free cheese shreds. Violife and Daiya work surprisingly well.
• Lower Sugar Option Cut the sugar down to 2 tablespoons if you prefer savory cornbread. You can also use honey or maple syrup instead for natural sweetness.

Flavor Variations

• Jalapeño Cheddar Heat Add 2-3 diced jalapeños and a pinch of cayenne pepper for spicy jalapeño cheesy cornbread. Remove seeds if you want less heat.
• Mexican-Style Twist Mix in ½ cup corn kernels, diced green chiles, cumin, and cotija cheese for Mexican cheesy cornbread. Top with cilantro after baking.
• BBQ-Ready Version Add crumbled cooked bacon, chopped scallions, and smoked paprika. This pairs perfectly with ribs and pulled pork.
• Sweet Corn Addition Fold in 1 cup of fresh or frozen corn kernels for extra texture and corn flavor. This makes it even more moist.
• Herb-Infused Style Mix in fresh chopped rosemary, thyme, or chives for an elevated flavor profile that pairs beautifully with roasted chicken.

Equipment Recommendations

• 9-inch cast-iron skillet ; creates the best crust and heat distribution; Lodge is affordable and lasts forever
• Large mixing bowls ; at least two for keeping wet and dry ingredients separate
• Whisk and rubber spatula ; for mixing without overworking the batter
• Measuring cups and spoons ; accuracy matters in baking
• 9x9-inch baking pan ; alternative if you don't have cast-iron
• Box grater ; for shredding cheese fresh; pre-shredded works but fresh melts better
• Oven mitts ; essential when handling hot cast-iron

Storage & Meal Prep Tips

Short-Term Storage

Store leftover cornbread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Cover the pan with plastic wrap or transfer slices to a sealed container. Reheat individual pieces in the microwave for 15-20 seconds.

Refrigerator Storage

• Keep cornbread fresh for up to 5 days in the fridge. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. The texture stays better when you let it come to room temperature before serving, or warm it gently.

Freezing Instructions

• This comfort food bread recipe freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge or reheat from frozen in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes.

Make-Ahead Strategy

• Mix dry ingredients up to 3 days ahead and store in an airtight container. Prepare the wet ingredients the morning of baking and combine just before putting it in the oven. You can also bake it completely, freeze, and reheat when needed.

FAQ

Bring It All Together with Comfort Food Magic

This cheesy cornbread recipe is the ultimate comfort food you’ll want on your table tonight. Whether you serve this cheesy cornbread recipe for a cozy weeknight dinner or bring it to a special gathering, the golden crust, tender crumb, and gooey melted cheese make it irresistible. It’s the kind of cheesy cornbread recipe that becomes a family favorite from the very first bite. The best part? This cheesy cornbread recipe is foolproof and forgiving, making it perfect for both beginners and experienced bakers alike.

Once you’ve mastered this cheesy cornbread recipe, you can branch out to other comfort favorites. Pair this cheesy cornbread recipe with our Lemon Poppy Seed Overnight Oats Recipe for an easy breakfast that balances out all that cheesy goodness, or refresh yourself with our Cucumber Mint Juice Recipe after a hearty meal. This cheesy cornbread recipe works beautifully alongside other dishes to create balanced, satisfying meals your whole family will love. So grab that skillet and get baking—your perfect cheesy cornbread recipe is just 30 minutes away!

💛 Happy Cooking!-By Lisa Johnson

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