Skillet Cornbread Honey Butter

Skillet cornbread with honey butter swirl brings together all the best things about Southern baking. The cast-iron skillet gives a perfectly crisp golden crust while the inside stays moist and tender There is no denying the swirl of honey butter across the top makes every bite melt-in-your-mouth good This is my go-to when I want something cozy for a weeknight chili supper or a weekend cookout with friends

I first made this cornbread for a family barbecue Our friends kept going back for seconds and now it is a must whenever we fire up the grill

Ingredients

• All-purpose flour: Ensures the perfect tender crumb look for unbleached flour if you can
• Yellow cornmeal: Gives that classic Southern flavor go for medium-grind for best texture
• Granulated sugar: Balances the corn's earthiness avoid substituting with brown sugar for this one
• Baking powder: Creates lift and fluffiness check the expiration for best rise
• Baking soda: Helps with browning and tender texture ensure it is fresh for effectiveness
• Fine sea salt: Rounds out sweetness and sharpens flavors
• Buttermilk: Keeps the crumb light and tangy use whole buttermilk for full richness
• Large eggs: Add moisture and structure always use at room temperature for best blending
• Unsalted butter: Offers depth and makes those crisp edges melt go with European-style for extra flavor
• Neutral oil: Like canola or vegetable stretches moistness if possible choose expeller-pressed for cleaner taste
• Softened butter: For the swirl must be at room temperature for easy mixing
• Honey: Sweetens and finishes the topping look for raw local honey for the best flavor

Instructions

Preheat the Skillet:

Set your oven to four hundred twenty five degrees Fahrenheit and place your ten-inch cast-iron skillet inside while it heats Letting the skillet heat up first guarantees a crisp golden crust

Mix Dry Ingredients:

In a medium bowl whisk the flour cornmeal sugar baking powder baking soda and salt together This ensures everything gets evenly distributed so you get the same perfect bite throughout

Blend Wet Ingredients:

In another bowl whisk together your buttermilk eggs melted butter and oil until silky and uniform Getting this smooth means your finished batter will be lump free

Combine Batter:

Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients Stir gently just until you do not see dry flour anymore Stop right away overmixing makes tough cornbread

Prepare the Skillet:

Using oven mitts carefully pull your hot skillet from the oven Quickly grease the bottom and sides with a little extra butter or oil for even more crust and nonstick insurance

Add Batter to the Skillet:

Pour the cornbread batter into the hot skillet Spread the top level with a spatula so the honey swirl will look even

Swirl in the Honey Butter:

Mix softened butter and honey together in a small bowl until totally smooth Drop little spoonfuls of the honey butter across the batter Use a knife or skewer to swirl it gently in zigzags for pretty golden ribbons

Bake and Test:

Return the skillet to the oven and bake for twenty two to twenty five minutes The top should look golden and spring back Lightly insert a toothpick in the center it should come out clean with no wet batter clinging

Cool and Serve:

Let the cornbread cool for five minutes in the skillet before cutting This lets it set up and makes slicing clean Serve the pieces warm to enjoy the swirl at its gooey best

Save

I always use my grandmother's old skillet for this recipe The way the honey butter bubbles and browns has become the official start to summer in our house When my kids see that swirl they know something delicious is about to come out of the oven

Storage Tips

Allow leftovers to cool completely before wrapping tightly in foil or storing in an airtight container Room temperature storage works for one to two days For longer freshness refrigerate up to five days Slice and reheat gently in the oven or toaster for best texture You can also freeze slices double wrapped for up to two months and then refresh in a hot oven

Ingredient Substitutions

If buttermilk is not available mix regular milk with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar and let it stand for five minutes For a dairy free version use almond milk and swap in a vegan butter substitute The honey swirl can be switched out for maple syrup for a more robust sweetness Gluten free all-purpose flour blends will work but double check your cornmeal for possible wheat traces

Serving Suggestions

This skillet cornbread pairs beautifully with spicy chili barbecued meats creamy soups or even as the base for a savory breakfast topped with fried eggs I love serving extra honey butter on the side for drizzling Warm slices also make a wonderful snack with hot tea or coffee

Cultural and Historical Context

Cornbread is a Southern staple with Native American roots Traditional recipes used stone-ground cornmeal and buttermilk baking in a cast-iron skillet for the ultimate golden crust The honey butter swirl is a newer touch but it amplifies what cornbread is truly about comfort a rich caramelized flavor and a taste of home

Save

At my last potluck everyone asked for this recipe even folks who said they did not love cornbread My neighbor now makes a double batch every holiday so she has some for breakfast too

Kitchen Q&A

→ How do I make the honey butter swirl?

Mix softened butter and honey, then drop spoonfuls over the batter and swirl gently before baking.

→ Can I substitute regular milk for buttermilk?

Use regular milk if needed, but buttermilk adds extra tenderness and flavor to the cornbread.

→ How do I achieve crisp edges?

Preheat the cast-iron skillet in the oven before adding the batter for a golden, crisp crust.

→ What mix-ins can I add for variation?

Try stirring in corn kernels or shredded cheddar cheese for extra flavor and texture.

→ Is this dish gluten-free?

Contains wheat flour; use gluten-free flour and check cornmeal for cross-contamination if needed.

→ What dishes pair well with cornbread?

Serve alongside chili, grilled meats, or hearty salads for a classic Southern meal.