Golden and crispy cornbread in a cast iron skillet on a wooden chopping board

Cornbread

A classic, moist cornbread with rich buttery flavour, paired with a lighter version that maintains the authentic texture while reducing calories through smart ingredient swaps.
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Kcal:
255
Protein:
5g
Fat:
12g
Carbohydrates:
32g
Serving size:
100g
Prep:
15 Mins
Cook:
25 Mins
Total:
40 Mins

Ingredients

1 cup (120 g) all-purpose flour


1 cup (150 g) yellow cornmeal


1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar


1 tablespoon (15 g) baking powder


1/2 teaspoon (3 g) salt


1 cup (240 ml) whole milk


1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, melted


2 large eggs (100 g)


1/4 cup (80 g) honey


1 tablespoon (15 ml) vegetable oil for greasing

Cooking Instructions

Step 1:
Preheat your grill or smoker to 375°F (190°C) with indirect heat setup. Place a 10-inch (25 cm) cast iron skillet inside to preheat.

Step 2:
In a large bowl, whisk together 1 cup (120 g) all-purpose flour, 1 cup (150 g) yellow cornmeal, 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon (15 g) baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon (3 g) salt.

Step 3:
In a separate bowl, mix 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk, 1/2 cup (115 g) melted butter, 2 large eggs (100 g), and 1/4 cup (80 g) honey until well combined.

Step 4:
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.

Step 5:
Carefully remove the hot skillet from the grill and brush with 1 tablespoon (15 ml) vegetable oil to coat the bottom and sides.

Step 6:
Pour the batter into the hot skillet and spread evenly.

Step 7:
Return the skillet to the grill and close the lid. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 8:
Remove from heat and let cool in the skillet for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Kcal:
175
Protein:
6g
Fat:
5g
Carbohydrates:
32g
Serving size:
100g
Prep:
15 Mins
Cook:
25 Mins
Total:
40 Mins

Ingredients

1/2 cup (60 g) all-purpose flour


1/2 cup (60 g) whole wheat flour


1 cup (150 g) yellow cornmeal


2 tablespoons (30 g) honey


1 tablespoon (15 g) baking powder


1/2 teaspoon (3 g) salt


1 cup (240 ml) low-fat buttermilk


2 tablespoons (30 g) unsalted butter, melted


2 large egg whites (60 g)


1 teaspoon (5 ml) olive oil for greasing

Cooking Instructions

Step 1:
Preheat your grill or smoker to 375°F (190°C) with indirect heat setup. Place a 10-inch (25 cm) cast iron skillet inside to preheat.

Step 2:
In a large bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup (60 g) all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup (60 g) whole wheat flour, 1 cup (150 g) yellow cornmeal, 1 tablespoon (15 g) baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon (3 g) salt.

Step 3:
In a separate bowl, mix 1 cup (240 ml) low-fat buttermilk, 2 tablespoons (30 g) melted butter, 2 large egg whites (60 g), and 2 tablespoons (30 g) honey until well combined.

Step 4:
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.

Step 5:
Carefully remove the hot skillet from the grill and brush with 1 teaspoon (5 ml) olive oil to coat the bottom and sides.

Step 6:
Pour the batter into the hot skillet and spread evenly.

Step 7:
Return the skillet to the grill and close the lid. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 8:
Remove from heat and let cool in the skillet for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Grillwisehub FAQ for:

Cornbread

What ingredients can I add to enhance my cornbread while maintaining nutritional balance?

For a savory twist, fold in 3/4 cup (85g) of shredded sharp cheddar and 2-3 finely diced jalapeños (seeds removed for less heat) to the batter just before pouring it into the skillet. To boost protein content, incorporate 1/4 cup (40g) of corn kernels and 2 tablespoons (20g) of hemp seeds, adding approximately 8g of complete protein per batch. For a higher-fiber option that supports digestive health, mix in 1/3 cup (30g) of finely chopped bell peppers and 2 tablespoons (14g) of ground flaxseed—the latter providing heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids while helping to maintain moisture in the low-calorie version.

What can I substitute for buttermilk in the low-calorie version if I don't have any on hand?

For the low-calorie version, mix 1 cup (240ml) of unsweetened almond milk with 1 tablespoon (15ml) of lemon juice or white vinegar, let stand for 5 minutes until slightly thickened. This provides the acidity needed while maintaining the lower calorie count at approximately 30 calories versus 120 calories for regular buttermilk. For protein content comparable to the original recipe, add 1 tablespoon (15g) of unflavoured protein powder to the dry ingredients to compensate for the protein difference.

Why does my cornbread sometimes turn out dry or crumbly?

The most common mistake is overmixing the batter, which develops gluten and results in tough, dry cornbread—stir just until ingredients are combined, leaving some small lumps in the batter. Another crucial factor is preheating your cast iron skillet properly to 375°F (190°C) before adding the batter; this creates the initial steam and heat distribution that contributes to proper moisture retention. For the traditional version, never reduce the butter amount as it's essential for both flavour and the soft, moist texture that defines quality cornbread.

How does the nutritional profile of the low-calorie version benefit my fitness goals?

The low-calorie cornbread provides 31% fewer calories (175 versus 255 calories per 100g) while maintaining 6g of protein, making it more macro-friendly for cutting phases or calorie-restricted diets. The whole wheat flour adds approximately 2g more fiber per serving than the traditional version, promoting better satiety and digestion—particularly beneficial for maintaining fullness during calorie restriction. Research shows that the higher fiber content also helps stabilize blood sugar levels, potentially reducing cravings and supporting consistent energy levels during training sessio

What's the best way to store and reheat cornbread without it drying out?

Store your cornbread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. When reheating, place slices on a grill over indirect heat at 300°F (150°C) with a small cast iron dish of water nearby to create steam, helping maintain moisture for 5-7 minutes. If using an oven, place cornbread in an oven-safe dish covered with foil alongside a small oven-safe container of water at 325°F (165°C) for 10 minutes, removing the foil for the final 2 minutes to restore the slightly crisp exterior.