SHARE

Hot Honey Southern Cornbread 

November 15, 2023
Shanika | Orchids + Sweet Tea

DISCLAIMER: This post may contain affiliate links, which means that I make a small commission off items you purchase at no additional cost to you. Please read my policy page!

Elevate your meal with the perfect side—Hot Honey Southern Cornbread. This delightful twist on a classic offers a sweet + spicy heat. It will vanish from the table in no time!

Hot Honey Southern Cornbread 

Ignite your taste buds with my Hot Honey Southern Cornbread recipe, where the classic comfort of Southern cornbread meets the irresistible allure of hot honey, delivering the perfect balance of sweetness + spice in every delightful bite. This cornbread recipe is a delicious side dish that elevates any meal, but be warned—it tends to disappear from the table fast! Gluten-free + Dairy-free Option.

Two mini skillets with cornbread and a spoon.

Why Hot Honey Southern Cornbread  Is The PERFECT Side Dish

With the holiday season on the horizon, I'm buzzing with Thanksgiving menu ideas, and a must-have staple is the irresistible Hot Honey Southern Cornbread—sweet, savory, and spicy all in one. A beloved favorite in my family, especially during the cozy season, its divine texture strikes the perfect balance of moistness and fluffiness, crowned with a delightful crisp golden crust.

This cornbread recipe is the perfect balance of moistness and tenderness, blurring the line between bread and cake. If you love cornbread, you definitely need to try my Brown Butter Pumpkin Cornbread, Honey Butter Cornbread Drop Biscuits and this Southern-Style Cornbread Stuffing next! There's nothing quite like baking it right in your trusty skillet-- a classic dish that begs to be shared right at the table. This Sautéed Lemon Garlic Herb Green Beans recipe is a simple, staple side dish that compliments any Thanksgiving table!

The best part? It's easily adaptable to gluten-free, making it a welcomed addition to your table as a tempting appetizer, complementary side dish, or a satisfying snack. Plus, the Hot Honey gives it the perfect blend of spicy + sweet.

Jump to:

What Is Cornbread?

Alright, let's talk cornbread – the ultimate Southern bread sensation! Picture this: it's made from cornmeal, and it's got this charming, slightly sweet, and nutty flavor. Down South, it's like an essential part of the culinary DNA. But here's the cool part – it's incredibly versatile. You can bake it up in all sorts of flavor, shapes and sizes. Whether it's cozying up to other dishes or going solo, cornbread is basically the Southern must-have you'll want on your plate.

Ingredients on a black wood table.

How To Make Hot Honey Southern Cornbread 

To make this cornbread, you'll start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and generously grease your favorite oven-safe cast iron skillet.

Simply mix your dry ingredients, combine with the wet ingredients, and bake until golden. This is a super tried + tested recipe and you probably already have most of the ingredients at home!

Ingredients

Here's what you need to make this Thanksgiving side dish:

  • Cornmeal. Use yellow cornmeal from Bob's Red Mill if you can. Most cornmeal is already gluten-free, but if necessary, double check that yours is certified.
  • All-purpose flour. I like organic flour from Bob's Red Mill.
  • Baking powder. Helps to make it fluffy and rise!
  • Organic cane sugar. Adds sweetness.
  • Butter. Use unsalted butter to control the flavor of your bread. Choose vegan butter to keep things dairy-free if you like!
  • Eggs. Acts as the binder.
  • Hot Honey. See below on how to make your own or use Mike's Hot Honey!
  • Almond milk. Any milk plant-based or not will work!
  • Sea salt. Ties all the flavors together.

SHOP MY FAVORITE TOOLS FOR COOKING, ESPECIALLY FOR THIS CORNBREAD!

Here, I’ve curated a list of cooking + baking essentials that I use to achieve my favorite baked goods or cooked meals, especially with this Hot Honey Southern Cornbread Everything from my fave baking sheet, skillet, mixing bowls, high-powered blender, cooking utensils, and more. SEE THEM HERE!

Bag of cornmeal being held on a black wood table.

Why You Will LOVE This Hot Honey Southern Cornbread 

  • Moist + tender crumb, combined with a crispy golden crust!
  • Super easy to make + quick
  • Loaded with savory + sweet + spicy flavor
  • Comes with a gluten-free option!
  • PERFECT for Thanksgiving OR any time of the year!
  • A total crowd-pleaser for all eaters!
Dry ingredients mixed together in a white bowl.

Tips For The BEST Hot Honey Southern Cornbread 

Follow these tips to make your Hot Honey Southern Cornbread  recipe absolutely perfect:

GENTLE MIXING FOR FLUFFINESS:

  • To ensure a light and fluffy texture, take care not to overmix the dough. Overmixing can lead to gluten development, resulting in a denser cornbread. Aim to mix until just combined, with no visible streaks of flour.

GOLDEN BROWN INDICATOR:

  • Keep an eye on the cornbread as it bakes. It's ready when the center is set and a toothpick or knife inserted into the middle comes out clean. Additionally, the top should sport a beautiful golden-brown hue, indicating it's perfectly baked.

EVEN DISTRIBUTION

  • Since the cornbread batter is relatively thick, it may need some assistance to spread evenly in the pan. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to gently spread the batter from the center towards the edges, ensuring an even thickness throughout

GREASE FOR EASY RELEASE:

  • A well-greased pan is your ally when it comes to removing the cornbread effortlessly after baking. Use butter, oil, or a cooking spray to coat the pan's interior thoroughly. This not only prevents sticking but also imparts a delightful crispy crust to the edges!
All ingredients in a white bowl with a spoon.

How to Make Your Own Hot Honey

If you don't have any hot honey on hand or you simply just want to make your own hot honey, no worries! It's really simple and only requires a few ingredients.

MAKING HOT HONEY IS SUPER SIMPLE: YOU JUST NEED A FEW KEY INGREDIENTS:

You'll need: 1 cup raw organic honey (or regular honey)1 teaspoon red pepper flakes, and 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar.

To create your own hot honey, just bring to a simmer all ingredients in a saucepan and then remove it from heat and let it cool before adding in with the remaining sauce ingredients. Feel free to store any remaining hot honey in an airtight glass jar (straining red pepper flakes) if desired and keep stored for up to 6 months at room temp.

What to Serve with Hot Honey Southern Cornbread 

This Hot Honey Southern Cornbread recipe is a definite must-have on my Thanksgiving menu, and it's a versatile choice that I'll enjoy throughout the fall season and beyond. Here are some tasty options to serve with your cornbread:

Hot honey cornbread batter in two black mini skillets on a black wood table.

Non-Thanksgiving Pumpkin Cornbread Serving Ideas

Now that you have a glimpse of how this cornbread complements your Thanksgiving table, here are some additional ideas for enjoying it throughout the fall season and beyond:

Southern Fried Chicken: For a southern-inspired meal, serve cornbread alongside crispy fried chicken. The combination of savory and sweet is simply irresistible.

Soups: Serve cornbread with a comforting soup, such as Creamy Roasted Garlic Tomato Soup or Apple Cheddar Sweet Potato Soup it adds substance and a pleasant sweetness to the meal. And if you need more fall soup inspiration simply type in 'soup' into Orchid + Sweet Tea's search bar.

Cheese + charcuterie: Create a delightful cheese and charcuterie board with slices of cornbread. The sweet + savory + spicy notes of the cornbread complement various cheeses and cured meats. Be sure to check out my tips on How To Make the Best Charcuterie Board

Brunch: Incorporate cornbread into your brunch menu by serving it alongside scrambled eggs, bacon (or candied bacon), and fresh fruit for a sweet and savory brunch experience.

Two hot honey cornbreads in skillets with a slice of butter and hot honey drizzle.

How Else Do You Use Hot Honey?

Literally, one of my favorite hot honey brands is Mike's! I love using it on everything from chicken to sandwiches, you name it. It's so versatile and can be easily used in:

  • Mocktails
  • Pizza sauce
  • Glazed on chicken
  • Stirred in tea or a hot toddy
  • Substituted for honey
  • Added sandwiches
  • Added in homemade sauces or dressings
  • Drizzle on roasted veggies
  • Added to baked goods, etc.

My fave hot honey recipes on the site are:

Hot Honey Southern Cornbread Q + A's

How to store southern cornbread?

You can store your leftover cornbread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days for optimal freshness. Simply reheat cornbread in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit when ready to serve again. In addition, you can freeze leftovers for up to 3 months. Just thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven when ready to serve.

Can i make this cornbread recipe gluten-free?

Yes! To make this cornbread entirely gluten-free, simply ensure that the cornmeal is GF-friendly as well as the flour. I like to use Bob's Red Mill GF 1-to-1 baking flour. 

Can i make this southern cornbread dairy-free?

Yes-- Simply opt for a dairy-free butter like Miyoko's!

Can I make the cornbread recipe less spicy?

Certainly! Adjust the amount of Hot Honey to suit your spice preference, creating a milder or spicier version.

Up close shot of hot honey cornbread in a mini skillet with butter.

More Delicious Southern Recipes to Try Next!

Now that you've fallen in love with this Hot Honey Southern Cornbread  in this recipe, you'll want to check out these other Southern staples for the entire family:

MADE OUR RECIPE(S)?

If you tried this Hot Honey Southern Cornbread recipe or any other recipe on my website, please please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how you go in the 📝 comments below. And don't forget to tag @orchidsnsweettea_ on Instagram  and hashtag it #orchidsandsweettea! I love hearing from you!

Two mini skillets with cornbread and a spoon.

Hot Honey Southern Cornbread 

November 15, 2023
5 from 2 votes
Ignite your taste buds with my Hot Honey Southern Cornbread recipe, where the classic comfort of Southern cornbread meets the irresistible allure of hot honey, delivering the perfect balance of sweetness + spice in every delightful bite. This cornbread recipe is a delicious side dish that elevates any meal, but be warned—it tends to disappear from the table fast! Gluten-free + Dairy-free Option.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Serves: 8 servings

Ingredients

CORNBREAD:

  • 1 cup Yellow cornmeal
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ cup organic cane sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon sea salt
  • 2 large eggs
  • 6 Tbsps unsalted butter, melted
  • ½ cup hot honey
  • 1 cup Almond milk + ¼ cup (if needed)

Instructions

TO MAKE THE CORNBREAD:

  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and generously grease your favorite oven-safe cast iron skillet (or two 6'' mini skillets) and set aside.
  • In a mixing bowl, add the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt, whisking them together until combined.
  • Add the milk, hot honey, eggs, and melted butter, stirring everything together using a rubber spatula (or wooden spoon) until combined and the batter becomes thick, smooth, yet easy to stir.
  • Scoop batter into prepared skillet(s) and evenly spread around.

BAKE THE CORNBREAD:

  • Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the center is fully cooked through. NOTE: I usually check the middle after 25 minutes with a sharp knife to test how clean it comes out. Once fully done, the center will come out entirely clean.
  • Remove cornbread from oven and let it cool for 10-15 minutes before adding a slice of butter and slicing and serving.
  • Bon Appetit!

Tips & Tricks

  • STORAGE: You can store your leftover cornbread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days for optimal freshness. Simply reheat cornbread in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit when ready to serve again. In addition, you can freeze leftovers for up to 3 months. Just thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven when ready to serve.
  • GLUTEN-FREE OPTION: To make this cornbread entirely gluten-free, simply ensure that the cornmeal is GF-friendly as well as the flour. I like to use Bob's Red Mill GF 1-to-1 baking flour. 

Nutrition

Calories: 326kcal | Carbohydrates: 56g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 69mg | Sodium: 146mg | Potassium: 99mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 31g | Vitamin A: 330IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 51mg | Iron: 2mg

DID YOU MAKE THIS recipe?

Tag @orchidsnsweettea_ on Instagram and hashtag it #orchidsandsweettea

Xx, Shanika in script writing

Love this Post? SHARE!

LOVE THIS RECIPE?
LET US KNOW!

5 from 2 votes (2 ratings without comment)

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Love this Recipe?