Classic Southern Cornbread Muffins

Name: Classic Southern Cornbread Muffins
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 12 muffins
Ingredients: 1 cup cornmeal; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup sugar; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup buttermilk; 1/4 cup vegetable oil; 2 large eggs

Highlighted under: Easy Baking Recipes

Growing up in the South, cornbread muffins were a staple at almost every meal. I love how these Classic Southern Cornbread Muffins bring a touch of sweetness and a wonderful crumbly texture that just melts in your mouth. The aroma that fills the kitchen while they're baking takes me back to family gatherings and holiday celebrations. With just a handful of ingredients, they are simple to whip up, yet make such a delightful addition to any dish, be it savory or sweet. Trust me, they’ll be gone in minutes!

Created by

Anna

Last updated on 2026-02-01T23:58:28.154Z

Making these Classic Southern Cornbread Muffins at home was something I always wanted to perfect. After several tries, I realized that using a hot cast-iron skillet is key to achieving that crispy crust and fluffy interior. The batter is best when it’s just slightly mixed; over-mixing can lead to dense muffins, which we want to avoid. I also love adding a little honey to the batter for a hint of sweetness and moisture. It's simply delicious!

What I cherish most about this recipe is how versatile it is. I can easily transform it by adding jalapeños for a spicy kick or even some cheddar cheese for extra flavor. These muffins are perfect alongside chili, barbecued meats, or just smeared with butter for breakfast. They are the ultimate comfort food that I love to share with friends and family.

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Golden crust with a tender, soft interior
Perfect balance of sweetness and savory flavor
Quick and easy to make with simple ingredients

Mastering Texture and Flavor

The texture of these Classic Southern Cornbread Muffins is what truly sets them apart. The combination of cornmeal and all-purpose flour creates a crumbly, tender muffin. To achieve the perfect balance, I recommend using coarse cornmeal, which adds a delightful crunch, while the all-purpose flour helps bind the ingredients together. Experimenting with the cornmeal’s coarseness can elevate your muffins’ consistency, so feel free to adjust according to your preference.

You’ll notice that the sugar adds just the right amount of sweetness to complement the savory elements in these muffins. If you're looking for a more pronounced sweetness, consider substituting some of the sugar with honey or maple syrup. Just remember to reduce the fluid content slightly to maintain the batter's consistency. This little tweak can create a more nuanced flavor profile that adds depth to your cornbread experience.

Baking Tips for Perfect Muffins

A critical step in baking these muffins is ensuring your ingredients are at room temperature, especially the eggs and buttermilk. Room temperature ingredients create a smoother batter that results in fluffier muffins. If you're short on time, I suggest placing the eggs in warm water for about 10 minutes to quickly bring them to temperature before mixing.

Another key technique is not to over-mix the batter after combining wet and dry ingredients. Over-mixing can lead to dense muffins, which is not what we want. Stir until the ingredients are just combined, and you spot a few flour streaks. The resulting muffins should be fluffy with a lovely golden crust, so keep an eye on the baking process after about 20 minutes to prevent over-baking.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients before you start baking:

Ingredients

1 cup cornmeal
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup buttermilk
1/4 cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs

Make sure to measure your ingredients accurately for best results!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create the perfect cornbread muffins:

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place a 12-cup muffin tin in the oven while it heats up to ensure it's hot.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.

Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, vegetable oil, and eggs until smooth.

Combine Mixtures

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not over-mix!

Fill Muffin Tin

Carefully remove the hot muffin tin from the oven and lightly grease it. Pour the batter into each cup, filling them about 2/3 full.

Bake

Bake the muffins in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool and Serve

Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Serve warm with butter!

Enjoy these muffins fresh for breakfast or as a side to your favorite dishes!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, consider adding cooked bacon bits or some fresh herbs to the batter before baking.

Make-Ahead and Storage

These cornbread muffins are an excellent option for make-ahead meals. You can prepare the muffin batter a day in advance, covering it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerating it. When you're ready to bake, simply preheat your oven and pour the cold batter into the heated muffin tin. Just note that you might need to increase the baking time by a couple of minutes since the batter will be cold.

If you have leftover muffins, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, you can freeze them. To freeze, wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature or heat in the microwave for a few seconds to restore warmth.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

These muffins pair beautifully with a variety of dishes and can be served at any meal of the day. For breakfast, try serving them with a drizzle of honey or a smear of butter for a wonderful start. They also make a delightful side dish to spicy dishes like chili or barbecued meats, complementing the heat with their subtle sweetness.

For variations, consider adding in ingredients like jalapeños for some heat or cheese for a savory twist. You could also experiment with adding fresh herbs like chives or rosemary to enhance the flavor profile further. Each variation offers a unique take on classic cornbread, ensuring that every batch is a new experience!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

Yes, you can use regular milk, but for a more authentic taste, adding a tablespoon of vinegar to regular milk will give you a similar result to buttermilk.

→ How should I store leftover muffins?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze them for longer storage.

→ Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

→ What can I serve with these cornbread muffins?

These muffins pair wonderfully with chili, soups, or barbecued dishes, but they are delightful on their own, too!