Self Rising Cornbread Recipe

This is the cornbread recipe I always come back to because it’s easy, reliable, and turns out great every single time. Using self-rising flour keeps things simple, and baking it in a hot cast iron skillet gives you that crispy, golden edge with a soft, fluffy center, no guesswork required. It’s perfect alongside chili, soups, or just with a swipe of butter, and once you make it this way, you won’t feel the need to try another recipe.

I love making recipes with self rising flour! It might be one of my favorite ingredients in the kitchen. Whenever I can find a recipe to use it in, I'll do it! When I made this cornbread, I realized I'd never go back to using all purpose flour in cornbread!

You might be asking, what is self rising flour? It's a combination of all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This pre-mixed flour blend is a fantastic time-saving option, eliminating the need to measure and mix these ingredients separately. The baking powder in self-rising flour is what gives our cornbread that perfect rise.

You can make pancakes with self rising flour, waffles with self rising flour, oatmeal cookies with self rising flour, banana muffins with self rising flour, and also banana bread with self rising flour!

Why You'll Love This Cornbread Recipe with Cornmeal

• You only need a few simple ingredients! I always have self rising flour and cornmeal in my house, why not make cornbread with it! You can make so many recipes with self rising flour including cinnamon rolls with self rising flour!
• It's easy to make! Mix all the ingredients in a bowl, bake, and enjoy! Doesn't get any easier than that!
• It's a classic recipe! There's a big debate as to whether or not you should put sugar in your cornbread. In southern recipes, they tend to shy away from sugar, but sugar makes this cornbread so delicious. Do whatever your family likes!

Self Rising Cornbread Recipe Ingredients

• Self Rising Flour. This recipe NEEDS self rising flour. It will not work with all purpose flour. You can easily find self rising flour in the grocery store in the baking aisle, but you can also make your own homemade self rising flour with just a few simple ingredients.
• Cornmeal. A fine cornmeal is good for a less textured cornbread. You can use a medium cornmeal if you prefer a cornbread that has some texture and chew to it. You don't have to use self rising cornmeal because it can be hard to find. Regular cornmeal is great. If you've got some extra cornmeal, make cornmeal pancakes!
• Buttermilk. Homemade buttermilk can be made by using 1 cup of milk to 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice. It's so easy to make!
• Sugar. If you prefer a sweeter cornbread, add a little more sugar or honey to the cornbread batter.

See printable recipe card for full recipe information on ingredients and quantities.

Cornbread Recipe Easy Variations

• Make it vegan! This is an easy recipe to make vegan if you prefer. Use a vegan egg substitute, your favorite nondairy milk, and a nondairy sour cream. It will be just as delicious as your favorite classic cornbread recipe.
• Make them muffins! Scoop the batter into a muffin tin lined with muffin liners and bake them at 400 degrees for 18-20 minutes.
• Mix add ins into the cornbread batter! Add a cup of your favorite shredded cheese to the batter. I love cheddar cheese, Colby jack cheese, or Monterrey jack cheese.
• Add corn kernels! For some more texture and flavor, add 1 cup of frozen corn kernels or a can of drained corn to the cornbread batter.
• Use a 9x13 inch baking dish if you do not have a cast iron skillet.

How to Make Cornbread with Self Rising Flour

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Add 2 tablespoons of butter to the cast iron skillet and place the skillet in the oven. In a large mixing bowl, add the eggs, melted butter, and buttermilk. Mix well.

Step 2: Add the self rising flour and cornmeal to the mixing bowl. With a wooden spoon, mix until just combined. Do not overmix the batter.

Step 3: Take the cast iron skillet out of the oven and pour the batter into the preheated skillet.

Step 4: Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick is inserted and comes out clean. Allow the cornbread to cool before cutting into the cornbread.

Storing This Easy Homemade Cornbread

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Enjoy it room temperature or heat it up in the toaster oven or air fryer.

Make this cornbread up to 48 hours before you are ready to serve it. Cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep it on the counter. Cut and serve when you are ready to enjoy it.

Freezing this cornbread is a breeze! Bake the cornbread completely and then let it cool to room temperature.

When it is cooled, cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. To defrost the cornbread place it on the counter a few hours before you are ready to serve it.

Frequently Asked Questions

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