Southern Cornbread Recipe by Paula Deen for Comforting Cravings

Cornbread by Paula Deen whispers tales of Southern culinary magic from the first golden-crusted bite.

Rustic ovens across the South have perfected this soulful recipe through decades of passionate cooking.

Generations of home chefs have lovingly transformed simple ingredients into a masterpiece of comfort food.

Crumbly, buttery, and kissed with subtle sweetness, this cornbread transcends ordinary side dishes.

Each morsel carries the warmth of family traditions and down-home hospitality.

Crisp edges and tender centers create a symphony of textures that dance on your palate.

This isn’t just bread, it’s an edible celebration of Southern heritage waiting to elevate your next meal.

Equipment Required for Cornbread Recipe (Paula Deen)

• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Essential for precise ingredient quantities.
• Mixing Bowls: Two separate bowls for dry and wet ingredients.
• Whisk: Perfect for blending eggs, buttermilk, and melted butter smoothly.
• 8-Inch Baking Dish: Buttered and ready to hold your cornbread batter.
• Oven: Preheated to create that perfect golden-brown crust.
• Toothpick: Handy for checking if the cornbread is fully baked.
• Spatula or Wooden Spoon: Great for gently folding ingredients together.

How to Make Paula Deen’s Homemade Cornbread

• Fire Up The Oven

Blast your oven to 220°C. Grab an 8-inch baking dish and coat it with butter to prevent any sticky situations.

• Blend Dry Ingredients

Toss cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt into a large mixing bowl. Swirl these ingredients together until they’re perfectly combined.

• Mix Wet Components

In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, buttermilk, and melted butter until they create a smooth, silky mixture.

• Create Batter Magic

Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients. Gently fold everything together with a light touch. Don’t overmix – some lumps are your friend! The batter should look slightly uneven and rustic.

• Bake And Transform

Pour the batter into the prepared dish. Slide into the hot oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye out for a golden-brown top and check doneness with a toothpick – it should come out clean when inserted in the center.

• Serve And Savor

Remove cornbread from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes. This short break helps the bread set and makes slicing a breeze. Slice, serve warm, and enjoy every crumbly, delicious bite.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 210 kcal

Servings: 8

Ingredients Needed for Paula Deen’s Southern Cornbread

• Cornmeal: Choose stone-ground for richer, more authentic flavor and better texture.
• Flour: Opt for unbleached all-purpose flour for a more natural taste and consistent results.
• Sugar: Use granulated white sugar for balanced sweetness without overpowering the cornbread.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Select fresh, unexpired leavening agents to ensure proper rise.
• Salt: Pick kosher or sea salt for a cleaner, more vibrant seasoning.

• Eggs: Select large, room-temperature eggs for smoother mixing and better binding.
• Buttermilk: Look for full-fat buttermilk for richer, tangier flavor and tender crumb.
• Melted Butter: Use unsalted butter to control salt content and achieve a golden, crisp exterior.

• Butter: Choose high-quality, unsalted butter for greasing the baking dish and adding extra richness.

Tips for a Perfect Cornbread – Paula Deen’s Favorite Twists

• Boost Your Cornbread Game: Expert Tips and Twists
• Customize Mix-Ins: Sprinkle in crispy bacon bits, diced jalapeños, or sweet corn kernels for extra flavor explosions. Experiment with different add-ins to make the cornbread uniquely yours.
• Perfect Moisture Hack: Replace half the buttermilk with sour cream for an incredibly tender, rich texture that melts in your mouth. This secret trick guarantees super soft cornbread every single time.
• Cheese Lover's Dream: Fold in shredded cheddar, crumbled feta, or sharp parmesan to transform your basic cornbread into a gourmet side dish. The melted cheese creates irresistible pockets of savory goodness.
• Storage Savvy Solution: Wrap leftover cornbread tightly in foil and store at room temperature for 2-3 days. Reheat in the oven for 5-7 minutes to restore that fresh-baked warmth and crispy edges.

How to Serve Paula Deen’s Southern Cornbread

• Pair with Hearty Soups: Slice up this golden cornbread and serve alongside a steaming bowl of chili, beef stew, or tomato soup for a comforting meal that warms your soul.
• Dress Up as Breakfast Companion: Toast a slice and top with scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, or a dollop of honey butter for a morning treat that kickstarts your day.
• Create a Southern-Style Platter: Complement barbecue ribs, pulled pork, or fried chicken with this homemade cornbread for an authentic Southern dining experience that celebrates comfort food traditions.
• Jazz Up with Mix-Ins: Enhance the cornbread by stirring in chopped jalapeños, shredded cheese, or crispy bacon bits before baking to add extra flavor and texture to your classic recipe.

Make-Ahead Tips & Leftover Cornbread Storage (Paula Deen)

• Meal Planning & Storage Advice
• Refrigerate Wisely: Store leftover cornbread in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
• Freeze for Future Enjoyment: Slice cornbread into individual portions, place parchment paper between layers, and freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm gently in the oven.
• Reheat with Care: Revive cold cornbread by wrapping in foil and warming in a 150°C/300°F oven for 10-15 minutes. Alternatively, use a toaster oven or microwave for quick reheating, adding a pat of butter for extra flavor.
• Serving Suggestions: Pair freshly baked cornbread with chili, soups, or barbecue dishes. Crumble into salads or use as a base for stuffing. Enjoy as a standalone snack with honey or jam for a delightful treat.

Southern Comfort Paula Deen Cornbread Recipe

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4.6 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Cornbread from paula deen’s kitchen brings southern comfort to your table with golden, buttery goodness. Crumbly texture and rich flavor make this classic side dish a delightful complement to hearty meals.

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Ingredients

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• 6 tbsps unsalted butter (melted)
• 1 ½ cups buttermilk
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup cornmeal
• ¾ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 ½ tsps baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt
• Butter (for greasing baking dish)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Grease an 8-inch baking dish with butter and preheat the oven to 220°C / 425°F for optimal baking conditions.
2. Dry Ingredients: Blend cornmeal, all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and kosher salt in a large mixing bowl until thoroughly combined.
3. Wet Ingredients: Whisk eggs, buttermilk, and melted butter in a separate bowl until smoothly integrated, creating a cohesive liquid mixture.
4. Batter Formation: Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients, folding gently with minimal mixing to maintain a slightly lumpy texture, which ensures a tender crumb.
5. Baking Process: Distribute batter evenly in the prepared dish, using a spatula to create a uniform surface, then place in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes.
6. Completion: Monitor cornbread until it develops a golden-brown exterior; test doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center, which should emerge clean and dry.
7. Resting: Remove from oven and let the cornbread settle for 10 minutes, allowing the interior to set and stabilize before cutting and serving.

Notes

• Boost Buttermilk Flavor: Use room temperature buttermilk for smoother mixing and more even baking, enhancing the cornbread’s tenderness and rich taste.
• Prevent Dry Cornbread: Avoid overmixing the batter; stop stirring when ingredients are just combined to maintain a moist, tender crumb.
• Check Baking Precision: Test doneness with a wooden toothpick inserted in the center – it should come out clean with no wet batter clinging to it.
• Serve at Perfect Temperature: Let cornbread rest for 10 minutes after baking to allow internal structure to set, resulting in cleaner slices and optimal texture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg