Honey Butter Cornbread Casserole

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This Honey Butter Cornbread Casserole brings warm Southern charm to your table with its golden crust, tender crumb, and rich buttery sweetness. Each bite blends smooth honey, soft cornbread, and subtle heat from jalapeño for a dish that’s comforting, flavorful, and impossible to resist. Whether served for weeknight dinners or festive gatherings, this casserole delivers the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and satisfying.

Ingredients

Cornbread Base

• 1 cup yellow cornmeal
• ¾ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

Honey Butter Glaze

• ¼ cup honey
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Seasonings & Add-Ins

• 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely diced
• ¼ cup sliced green onions
• ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the Cornbread Base

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Grease a 9-inch square baking dish.
3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, and salt.
4. In a separate bowl, mix the buttermilk, eggs, and melted butter.
5. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture, stirring gently until just combined.

2. Add the Flavor Boosters

6. Fold in the jalapeño, green onions, cheddar cheese, and black pepper.
7. Transfer the batter to the baking dish and spread evenly.

3. Bake the Cornbread

8. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the edges turn golden and a toothpick comes out clean.

4. Make the Honey Butter Glaze

9. Whisk the honey, softened butter, and vanilla until smooth and creamy.

5. Glaze & Finish

10. Brush the hot cornbread generously with the glaze.
11. Return to the oven for an additional 5–7 minutes until the topping bubbles and caramelizes.
12. Let the casserole rest for 5–7 minutes before slicing and serving.

Pro Tips

• Use room-temperature dairy to ensure a smooth, tender crumb.
• Avoid over-mixing the batter to keep the texture fluffy.
• Add a pinch of sea salt to the glaze for balanced sweetness.
• For perfectly baked cornbread, aim for an internal temperature of 190°F (88°C).
• If the top browns too fast, tent with foil.

Why This Recipe Works

• Sweet + Savory Perfection: Honey, butter, cheese, and cornmeal create unbeatable harmony.
• Simple One-Pan Bake: Easy prep with minimal cleanup.
• Adaptable: Works for dinner, brunch, holidays, or potlucks.
• Comfort Food Classic: Captures beloved Southern flavors with a modern twist.

Substitutions & Variations

Ingredient Swaps

• Replace jalapeño with mild poblano pepper.
• Use Monterey Jack instead of cheddar.
• Add ¼ cup crushed pineapple for a sweeter spin.
• Stir in dried cranberries for a holiday touch.

Diet-Friendly Adjustments

• Use gluten-free cornmeal + 1:1 gluten-free flour.
• Swap the dairy for plant-based alternatives.
• Replace honey with maple syrup or agave.

Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheating Guide

Make Ahead

Prepare the batter in advance and refrigerate for up to 12 hours. Bake just before serving.

Storage

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freeze tightly wrapped portions for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 12–15 minutes.
• Microwave individual slices for 1–2 minutes, adding a splash of milk for moisture.

Serving Ideas

• Pair with barbecue chicken, pulled pork, or ribs.
• Serve alongside chili, stews, or roasted vegetables.
• Add to brunch spreads with eggs, sausage, and fruit.
• Drizzle with hot honey for extra sweetness + heat.

Nutrition (Per Serving – Approximate)

• Calories: 295
• Fat: 14g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Protein: 7g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 12g

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare and refrigerate the batter, then bake when ready.

Can I skip the jalapeño?

Absolutely—simply omit it for a milder, kid-friendly version.

What sides pair best with this dish?

Anything smoky, savory, or tangy—think BBQ, greens, or grilled meats.

Is this recipe easy to make gluten-free?

Yes. Use certified gluten-free cornmeal and a gluten-free flour blend.

This Honey Butter Cornbread Casserole is a warm, comforting Southern-inspired dish that’s easy to prepare and impossible not to love. Its rich honey glaze, tender crumb, and gentle heat make it a memorable addition to family dinners, potlucks, and holiday tables. Enjoy it warm, share generously, and savor every sweet-savory bite.

Honey Butter Cornbread Casserole

A warm, buttery Honey Cornbread Casserole with a golden glaze, soft crumb, and Southern flavor—perfect for dinners, gatherings, or holidays.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Calories 295 kcal

Ingredients

  

Cornbread Base

• 1 cup yellow cornmeal
• ¾ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

Honey Butter Glaze

• ¼ cup honey
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ tsp vanilla extract

Seasonings & Add-Ins

• 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely diced
• ¼ cup sliced green onions
• ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

 

1. Prepare the Cornbread Base

• Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Grease a 9-inch square baking dish.
• In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, and salt.
• In a separate bowl, mix the buttermilk, eggs, and melted butter.
• Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture, stirring gently until just combined.

2. Add the Flavor Boosters

• Fold in the jalapeño, green onions, cheddar cheese, and black pepper.
• Transfer the batter to the baking dish and spread evenly.

3. Bake the Cornbread

• Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the edges turn golden and a toothpick comes out clean.

4. Make the Honey Butter Glaze

• Whisk the honey, softened butter, and vanilla until smooth and creamy.

5. Glaze & Finish

• Brush the hot cornbread generously with the glaze.
• Return to the oven for an additional 5–7 minutes until the topping bubbles and caramelizes.
• Let the casserole rest for 5–7 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

• Great for doubling if feeding a crowd.
• Freezes beautifully in individual squares.
• Add-ins like bacon or roasted corn elevate the flavor even more.
• Perfect side for cozy fall and winter meals.

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