This Creamed Corn Cornbread is a savory Southern staple elevated with the natural sweetness and creamy texture of canned creamed corn. Each bite delivers a satisfying blend of crispy crust and tender crumb, making it a perfect side dish or stand-alone comfort treat.
Ideal for holiday spreads, casual gatherings, or weekday meals, this cornbread combines pantry staples and simple steps with bold, homey flavor. It pairs beautifully with chili, BBQ, or a dollop of honey butter. The golden skillet finish adds rustic charm and unbeatable taste.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 tablespoon unsalted butter (for greasing the pan)
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1 cup stone-ground cornmeal
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1/2 cup all-purpose flour
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1 tablespoon sugar
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1 tablespoon baking powder
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1 teaspoon kosher salt
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1/2 teaspoon baking soda
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1 cup buttermilk
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2 large eggs
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1 can (15-ounce) creamed corn
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2 tablespoons canola oil
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2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Directions:
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Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Place a 10-inch cast iron skillet in the oven to heat.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and baking soda.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and eggs. Add the creamed corn, canola oil, and melted butter.
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Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir just until combined—do not overmix.
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Carefully remove the hot skillet from the oven and add the tablespoon of butter, swirling it around to coat the pan.
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Pour the batter into the hot skillet and return it to the oven.
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Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
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Let the cornbread rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 290 kcal | Servings: 8 slices
The Heart and History of Cornbread
To appreciate cornbread’s place in American culinary history, you need to understand its deeply rooted connection to Native American foodways. Indigenous people were grinding corn and making various forms of bread long before European settlers arrived. The settlers adopted these practices and eventually transformed them using ingredients like buttermilk, baking powder, and eggs, shaping the Southern-style cornbread we know today.
Over the generations, regional preferences shaped different styles of cornbread. In the Deep South, cornbread is often made with little or no sugar and cooked in a cast iron skillet for that unmistakable golden crust. In the North, cornbread tends to be sweeter and more cake-like. What unites all versions is cornmeal—ground dried corn—which gives the bread its unique texture and earthy flavor.
Creamed corn became a popular addition in the 20th century, offering an easy way to make the bread moister and a bit sweeter without additional sugar. It became especially popular in households looking for a one-bowl, simple bake that still felt rich and indulgent.
Why Add Creamed Corn?
One of the main advantages of adding creamed corn to cornbread is the immediate improvement in moisture and texture. Traditional cornbread, especially those made with a higher cornmeal-to-flour ratio, can be dry if overbaked or not balanced with fats. Creamed corn solves that problem by adding both liquid and soft corn kernels to the mix. The result is a tender crumb that holds together well while still having that signature coarse cornmeal texture.
Flavor-wise, creamed corn introduces a subtle sweetness and creaminess that balances perfectly with the savory components of the dish. It also disperses whole corn kernels throughout the bread, offering a delightful burst of texture in every bite. This is especially useful when serving with spicy or rich mains, as it mellows the heat and rounds out the meal.
The Role of Cast Iron in Cornbread
Ask any Southern cook, and they’ll tell you: the skillet matters. Cornbread reaches its full potential when baked in a well-seasoned cast iron skillet. Preheating the skillet in the oven before adding the batter creates a sizzling effect, immediately forming a crispy, golden-brown crust that contrasts beautifully with the soft interior.
Cast iron retains heat exceptionally well, which promotes even baking and browning. The result is a cornbread that is evenly cooked through, with perfectly crisp edges that provide texture and flavor in every slice. It’s rustic, flavorful, and downright comforting.
If you don’t have a cast iron skillet, a heavy oven-safe pan can substitute, but for the authentic touch, cast iron remains the gold standard.
Buttermilk: The Secret Moisturizer
Another key to this recipe’s success is buttermilk. Its slightly tangy flavor cuts through the richness of the corn and balances the overall sweetness. Buttermilk also acts as a natural tenderizer due to its acidity, reacting with the baking soda to give the cornbread lift and lightness.
For those who don’t have buttermilk on hand, a common substitute is milk mixed with a bit of lemon juice or vinegar. However, true buttermilk delivers a nuanced flavor and texture that can be hard to replicate, making it worth the trip to the store if you’re aiming for authenticity.
Versatility and Pairings
One of the best things about this Creamed Corn Cornbread is its versatility. While it shines as a side dish, it can also be the star of a meal. Serve it with a pat of butter or a drizzle of honey for a simple snack. Pair it with spicy chili, smoky barbecue, or tangy collard greens for a deeply satisfying Southern spread.
Want to take it up a notch? Try folding in extras like:
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Shredded cheddar cheese for a sharp, gooey element
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Diced jalapeños for a spicy kick
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Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for a fragrant twist
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Cooked bacon or scallions for savory complexity
This recipe also holds up well when made a day in advance. The moisture from the creamed corn keeps it from drying out, making it an excellent choice for holiday meals or potlucks.
How to Store and Reheat
Leftover cornbread can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or in the refrigerator for up to five. To reheat, simply wrap slices in foil and warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 10 minutes. You can also pop a slice in the microwave for 20-30 seconds, though the crust won’t retain its crispiness this way.
For longer storage, cornbread freezes beautifully. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It’ll keep for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature and reheat in the oven for best results.
Cultural Significance and Comfort
Cornbread is more than food—it’s memory. For many families, especially across the Southern United States, cornbread was what Grandma served with every meal. It was inexpensive, filling, and made from pantry staples. Adding creamed corn is a reflection of that same spirit—stretching a dish while enriching its flavor.
This dish, in particular, embodies the spirit of Southern hospitality: comforting, simple, and always generous. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just yourself, it evokes a sense of home that few other foods can replicate.
Why This Recipe Works for Everyone
Even though it hails from a specific region and culture, Creamed Corn Cornbread is universally loved. It’s approachable for beginners and nostalgic for seasoned home cooks. With minimal prep time, it fits easily into busy weeknights, and it’s reliable enough for festive occasions.
The ingredient list is simple, affordable, and widely available. It doesn’t rely on niche techniques or equipment, yet delivers on texture and flavor like a dish that took hours. This balance of ease and excellence is what makes the recipe truly exceptional.
Conclusion: A Slice of Southern Comfort
Cornbread with Creamed Corn Bliss is a recipe that honors tradition while delivering updated flavor and texture that meets modern expectations. It’s hearty yet soft, rustic yet refined. Whether you serve it alongside your favorite Southern mains or enjoy it as a standalone snack, this dish brings warmth, texture, and heritage to the table.
It reminds us that the best recipes are often the simplest—made with ingredients that carry history, cooked in pans passed down through generations, and shared around tables filled with laughter. From the crispy, buttery crust to the creamy, sweet interior, every bite is a tribute to comfort food at its finest.
So the next time you want to bake something with soul and simplicity, let this Creamed Corn Cornbread bring a little golden goodness into your kitchen.